The Steelers during spring practices "experimented with new technology called SchuttVision -- a full contact-capable helmet with an integrated high-definition video system that records never-seen-before angles that can be used as a teaching tool," according to Mark Kaboly of the PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW. The helmet cam -- "even if on a trial basis -- can be considered a leap of faith" for the Steelers, an organization that usually "doesn't advocate change." Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said, "This time of year, I think it's appropriate to be open to the growth of technology in our game. So I'll do things such as that and look at innovative things and see if it can be useful to us." Offensive coordinator Todd Haley: "It's interesting technology. It's a neat concept. We haven't done a whole bunch with it, but the technology is phenomenal. If not for anything else, it forces the player that has it on to be on his P's and Q's." Kaboly noted SchuttVision was unveiled in January and is "being used by 33 NFL and NCAA teams." The company also "has a partnership" with the AFL that uses the video to "enhance game broadcasts." The impact-resistant camera "fits into the helmet's nose bumper, shoots 720 high-definition video and has a 2 1⁄2-hour battery life." It "captures footage on an SD card or transmits a live signal to the sidelines for further processing." ESPN and CBS Sports Network have "used SchuttVision during their telecasts." Sports Video Innovations CEO JR Liverman, who created SchuttVision, said that he has had "preliminary talks with the NFL" on using the helmet during games. Liverman: "This is something that networks want in their broadcasts. I don't have a crystal ball in knowing when that will happen. I absolutely believe that this will be integrated into the broadcasts on all levels of football over the next years." The helmets "retail for $1,200 each" (PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW, 6/22).
