By Eric Fisher, Staff Writer, SportsBusiness Journal
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Silver Chalice Ventures, the ancillary business unit formed by the White Sox, has taken an undisclosed equity position in 3D-4U Inc., a Virginia-based virtual reality outfit, and will be representing the technology company as it seeks partnerships with various sports entities. 3D-4U has developed a panoramic system of camera pods enabling the production and distribution of both 2D and 3D live broadcasts with full user control over camera angles and replays. The 3D-4U camera system is compatible for both TV and broadband platforms, and through its 360-degree field of view, provides a high degree of fan immersion. "We see just a ton of potential in this company and think they've got an absolutely cutting edge way of experiencing a live event," said Silver Chalice Ventures COO Jason Coyle. He added he has had extensive discussions with several sports media outlets, with some partnerships to distribute the 3D-4U technology potentially soon forthcoming. The 3D-4U platform for the immediate future is being positioned more as an online companion to traditional live broadcast, but "eventually, we think this becomes more of a primary broadcast tool," Coyle said. "It's a different way of experiencing a live event, but it really unlocks that feeling of actually being there."
