Vincent Frank
Technology can be a wonderful thing.
ESPN is apparently using drones to help film the Winter X-Games, which started on Wednesday.
This is just the latest advancement in the use of unmanned “aircraft” for commercial and entertainment purposes.
Once only known as a vessel for armies during a time of international conflict, drones have become widespread in other sectors.
Amazon Prime Air is preparing to run out a system that uses drones to deliver packages to your front doorstep. Google and DHL have also piloted similar programs.
But this is the first time that a sports broadcast in North America will use drones to help cover an event.
ESPN had to work with the FAA in order to make sure that the airspace it was using to film with drones isn’t accessible to the public. The FAA has been a thorn in the side (and for good reason) of those attempting to use drones for commercial services. As it relates using the new technology to broadcast sporting events, there’s no guarantee that the footage will air during during ESPN’s coverage of the X-Games.
It’s still rather awesome.
Photo: ESPN
