Focal Point VR Joins Ateme at MPTS 2026 to Showcase its 2026 End-to-End Immersive Livestream Platform
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Mike Smith
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World’s First Live Ultra-High-Resolution Immersive Horse Racing Experience Debuts at Ascot
Ascot, Racetech, Ateme, Focal Point VR and Bluebell collaborate to deliver a groundbreaking live immersive video stream for horse racing
Ascot, UK – January 20, 2026 – Live sports broadcasting reached a new milestone last Saturday at the prestigious Ascot Racecourse with the debut of the world’s first live ultra-high-resolution immersive broadcast of a horse racing event, delivered in real time with unprecedented depth, clarity, and realism.
The Ascot showcase demonstrates how live sport can be experienced with a heightened sense of presence, bringing audiences closer to the action through workflows designed specifically for next-generation immersive video. It was made possible through a close collaboration between Ascot, Racetech, Ateme, Focal Point VR Ltd, and Bluebell Opticom across capture, encoding, connectivity, and on-site deployment:
- Focal Point VR deployed its multi-8K sensor immersive camera system, delivering stereoscopic depth and clarity with an extraordinary 37 pixels-per-degree fidelity.
- Bluebell Opticom provided its flexible fiber connectivity solution to link Focal Point VR’s camera system and processing engine.
- Ateme’s TITAN encoder processed the ultra-high-resolution content in real time, encoding directly into Apple’s MV-HEVC immersive format for seamless playback on Apple Vision Pro.
- Racetech and Ascot Racecourse supported the live racing environment and operational integration for the demonstration.
This collaboration sets a new reference point for live immersive sports broadcasting, demonstrated through a real-time experience delivered to selected VIP guests at Ascot on race day.
Graham Badger, Head of Media and Broadcast, Ascot Racecourse, said: “This demonstration at Ascot showed the power of collaboration across the industry. Together we have pushed the boundaries of what fans can experience in real time, bringing people closer to the heart of the race and making them feel as though they’re truly there. We see this as a major step forward for the future of sport, and we’re excited by the opportunities it will creates for audiences”
James Gray, Commercial Director, RaceTech, said: “With innovation being so important to RaceTech, the team are delighted to be involved in the delivery of this live immersive experience. Ascot Racecourse is a world-renowned venue of sporting excellence, so is a fitting place to demonstrate this technology. The immersive experience really makes it feel like you have been transported into the parade ring.
I am confident this demonstration will provide innovative opportunities for RaceTech’s existing customer base and a multitude of other applications in live events.”
“This exclusive “Focal Point VR and Ateme” pipeline sets a new standard for live immersive broadcasting” said Mickael Raulet, CTO at Ateme. “It demonstrates how ultra-high- resolution immersive video can be delivered live, bringing audiences closer to the action and enhancing the sense of presence at major sporting events.”
Jonathan Newth, CEO Focal Point VR said: “Live immersive broadcast has long been discussed as the next frontier for sports but delivering it at true broadcast quality and in real time has remained a significant technical challenge.
This demonstration at Ascot shows that ultra-high-fidelity immersive experiences can now be delivered live, reliably, and at scale. Working alongside RaceTech, Ateme, Bluebell and the Ascot team, we’ve proven that immersive video can be integrated into real-world broadcast environments without compromise, opening the door to entirely new ways for audiences to experience live sport.”
For immersive production to operate reliably in real world environments, the transport layer must deliver uncompromising performance,” said Anil Parmar, Sales and Marketing Director at Bluebell Opticom. “This deployment demonstrates that uncompressed 8K video and control signals can be carried over fibre infrastructure with the performance and confidence required for next generation immersive workflows.
About Ascot Racecourse
Ascot Racecourse was founded in 1711 by Queen Anne, who identified the land as being ideal for horseracing when riding out from Windsor Castle. The first four-day meeting at Ascot took place in 1768 and at some point in time, the race programme started being referred to as Royal Ascot.
The two tracks, Flat and Jumps, now provide racing all year round and Ascot hosts 26 days of racing each year, including the five days of Royal Ascot. It is Europe’s premier Flat racing meeting, featuring eight Group 1 races and 19 Group races in total. Around 300,000 racegoers attend across the five days while the event is broadcast in more than 180 territories with a reach of 650 million households.
As well as world-class racing, Ascot Racecourse is also used as a film and TV filming location and as a venue for conferences, banquets, exhibitions, product launches and weddings, with 300 non-racing events annually. The land on which Ascot Racecourse sits is leased from the Crown Estate, adjacent to Windsor Great Park, covering 179 acres.
For more information please visit www.ascot.com
About RaceTech
RaceTech is the dedicated technical facilities provider that has maintained British racing at the forefront of global broadcast technology for 80 years.
Originated as the Race Finish Recording Company in 1946 its portfolio of innovation includes the pioneering development of horseracing’s first photo-finish system and the introduction of full high-definition broadcast and state-of-the-art racecourse AV installations.
About Ateme
Ateme is a global leader of video compression and delivery solutions, helping tier-one content providers, service providers and streaming platforms boost their viewership and subscriber numbers.
Leveraging an R&D task force that is unique in the video industry, Ateme’s solutions power sustainable TV services, improve end-users’ quality of experience, optimize the total cost of ownership of TV/VOD services, and generate new revenue streams based on personalization and ad insertion. Beyond offering technological agility, Ateme partners with its customers, offering flexible business models that match their financial priorities.
Find out more: www.ateme.com
About Bluebell Opticom
Bluebell Opticom designs and manufactures fibre optic links for the broadcast, telecommunications and professional AV industries. With more than 30 years of engineering experience and a Technical Emmy Award recognised in 2017, the company has played a key role in advancing fibre based transport of video, audio and data.
Bluebell supports a global customer base, supplying broadcasters, systems integrators and network operators across Europe, North America and Asia. Its solutions are widely used in studios, outside broadcast, live events and other mission critical environments. All products are designed and manufactured in house in the United Kingdom, ensuring quality, consistency and long term support.
About Focal Point VR
Focal Point VR Ltd is a UK-based immersive video technology company specialising in live ultra-high-resolution stereoscopic capture and delivery.
The company designs and deploys end-to-end immersive broadcast systems combining advanced multi-sensor camera hardware, real-time processing, and high-efficiency encoding to deliver exceptional depth, clarity and realism.
Focal Point VR works with broadcasters, technology partners and rights holders to enable live immersive experiences across sport, music and premium events, bringing audiences closer to the action while integrating seamlessly into existing broadcast workflows.
For more information about Focal Point VR’s Live Spatial Computing solutions, contact us at hello@focalpoinvr.com
Focal Point VR return for Season 2 of A2RL – Powering Immersive Racing at Yas Marina Circuit
At the end of 2025 Focal Point VR was proud to support the culmination of AbuDhabi Autonomous Racing League Season 2 at Yas Marina Circuit, delivering immersive virtual reality experiences at every level of the event.
After winning the ‘Best Innovation Project’ Broadcast Tech Innovation Award in 2024 alongside RF partners Vislink, the companies collaborated again to provide the ultra-high resolution VR over RF solution for competing teams and fans alike.
The production team onsite enabled:
• Live VR onboard cameras during the races
• Real-time car-to-garage feeds, giving teams unprecedented visibility
• Multi-car VR viewing across hospitality areas at the circuit
• A fully immersive live experience on the A2RL VR app for Meta Quest 3
From trackside to garage to global audiences, Focal Point VR helped bring fans, teams, and partners closer to the action than ever before.
A huge thank you to ASPIRE, Vislink and all partners involved in pushing the boundaries of motorsport and immersive technology.
Focal Point VR Joins XR Sports Alliance to Drive Innovation in Immersive Sports Experiences
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About the XRSA
The XR Sports Alliance (XRSA) is a non-profit initiative co-founded by Accedo, Qualcomm, and HBS, bringing together leaders in sports, media, and technology to accelerate the adoption of immersive and extended reality (XR) across the global sports ecosystem.
XRSA unites sports organisations, telcos, OEMs, and technology providers to drive experimentation, scalable frameworks, and next-generation fan engagement. Through hands-on deployments and collaborative working groups, the alliance explores new opportunities in XR production, content distribution, AI and data integration, monetization, and 5G-powered fan experiences.
With 22 members and growing, XRSA serves as a cross-industry collaboration platform to test, learn, and scale immersive sports technologies that shape the future of how fans experience live events.
Bluebell Opticom and Focal Point VR Collaborate at IBC 2025 to Showcase Optical Transport for Dual 8K Camera Signals Over a Single Fibre – IBC Stand 10.A 10
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Bluebell Opticom designs and manufactures fibre optic links for the broadcast, telecommunications, and professional AV industries. With over 30 years of engineering expertise and a 2017 Technical Emmy® Award, Bluebell has pioneered the transport of video, audio, and data over fibre for mission-critical applications worldwide.
Focal Point VR is a leader in live virtual reality streaming and immersive video capture. The company develops innovative camera and software solutions that enable true-to-life VR experiences for sports, entertainment, and enterprise applications.
RGLAB 2025
RGLAB 2025 Immersive Livestreaming for the Apple Vision Pro
Paris, June 2nd, 2025 – Focal Point VR are very excited to announce their partnership with the RGLab of France Télévisions. This partnership showcases transformative audience experiences from France Télévisions and its partners in the international tech ecosystem.
The full press release follows:
The RGLab returns to Roland-Garros
Sport, a fertile ground for innovation at France Télévisions
Committed to developing the technologies of tomorrow, France Télévisions collaborates throughout the year with startups to make innovation one of the cornerstones of both content creation and consumption, thereby ensuring a renewed and enhanced experience for all audiences.
Each year at Roland-Garros, France’s leading media group presents the RG Lab — a space dedicated to discovering technological innovations, the result of a long-standing vision and dedicated work led by the Digital Innovation Department.
The RG Lab showcases disruptive technologies that are transforming user practices, audience experience, and content consumption, while also improving the quality of image and sound production and broadcasting during sports events — a true testing ground for these innovations.
This year’s edition of the RG Lab, set up at Roland-Garros for the entire duration of the tournament starting Sunday, May 25, will feature immersive and augmented reality devices for new visual experiences, demonstrations of AI use, and technological advances promoting digital sobriety.
All of these innovations are developed both internally and in collaboration with leading players in the French and international tech ecosystem — partners of France Télévisions.
An ever more realistic immersion…
Among this year’s key innovations, the Digital Innovation Department is introducing a technological breakthrough that allows audiences to experience Roland-Garros in real time with unprecedented image quality and realism — notably through immersive 180° stereoscopic Immersive Video livestreaming at 8K per eye and 50 frames per second (a world’s first) on Vision Pro, in partnership with Focal Point VR* (capture) and Ateme* (encoding).
Spatial videos — filmed from multiple courts — are also available on the Vision Pro headset via an internally developed app. These will be enhanced by additional content captured with mobile and lightweight Dual Fisheye equipped cameras provided by Canon*.
AI coaching and technique analysis
France Télévisions is partnering with SportAI* and its AI-powered technology. This groundbreaking technology delivers instant 3D visualizations and performance insights, designed to enhance coaching and player development while engaging fans around the globe. During the event, SportAI technology is accessible via a tablet app, demonstrated in near real-time on the RGLab terrace and displayed on screens in the lab, providing analysis from French Open matches. Additionally, a mixed reality experience developed by the Innovation Department allows users to train against a virtual player and receive technique feedback from an AI coach.
Augmented reality and glasses-free 3D
The RGLab is also showcasing an innovative, modular, and scalable augmented reality application that sets the augmented experience apart from the traditional “lean back” experience by offering an interactive mode for tennis fans. Live matches are broadcast on a portable virtual screen, featuring replays, multiscreen options, and statistics. An AI agent, developed in partnership with StatsPerform and AWS, enriches the experience by allowing fans to interact with a virtual tennis expert. New monetization opportunities, such as targeted advertisements and sponsorships, redefine how brands engage with sports audiences. This immersive experience has been developed by Accedo* for the XREAL augmented reality glasses.
A glasses-free 3D display provided by Samsung completes the setup. It allows users to access immersive content — including stereoscopic videos and real-time conversion of live 2D matches into 3D — without the need for a headset or any specific equipment.
Optimal video compression: “green” encoding
To combine innovation with digital sustainability, the Digital Innovation Department of France Télévisions is testing an optimized video encoding method in collaboration with Cutz*. The setup allows for a side-by-side comparison of classic and compressed UHD video sequences on two screens. The first screen displays a stream at 100 Mbps, while the second, using Cutz compression, runs at an average bitrate of 3 Mbps. The goal of this test is to demonstrate the ability to deliver UHD-quality video streams with a better quality ratio than standard FHD at 6.6 Mbps, while significantly reducing bandwidth consumption.
All these experiences are available to discover at the RGLab throughout the entire fortnight of the tournament.
France Televisions is France’s leading audiovisual group, offering high quality, diverse and unifying programms for all audiences. The group’s contents can be found on the france.tv and franceinfo digital platforms, on five national channels (France 2, France 3, France 4 (dedicated to Okoo during the day and Culturebox in the evening), France 5 and franceinfo), 24 regional channels and 9 global TV/radio/web media in overseas territories. Okoo, Slash and Lumni complement this diversified offering with programs aimed at young audiences, school children and teachers. 3 out of 4 French people watch the group’s programs every week, making France Télévisions a real link builder.
About France Televisions partners
Focal Point VR is a world leader in high-resolution live immersive video. Specialising in ultra-high fidelity 360 and VR180 video streaming, the company delivers cutting-edge virtual reality experiences for live sports, entertainment, and cultural events. Its proprietary technology and end-to-end platform bring audiences closer than ever, offering unmatched clarity and immersion in real time across the latest XR devices.
Ateme is a global leader of video compression and delivery solutions, helping tier-one content providers, service providers and streaming platforms boost their viewership and subscription numbers.
Canon is the first imagery brand to propose a unic solution to capture content at 180 degrees, 3D photos and immersive 8K videos thanks to the combination of Canon EOS VR SYSTEM, the dual CANON lenses and VR software. Thanks to Canon technical solution, combined with the growing availability of untethered VR headsets, Immersive VR content is easier to shoot, edit and experience than ever before.
SportAI is a B2B sports technology company dedicated to enhancing sports techniques and tactical coaching, commentary, and analysis using AI. With expertise in computer vision and machine learning, SportAI offers instant data-driven insights to racket sports federations and academies, broadcasters, retailers, and equipment brands. By seamlessly integrating with video, apps and streaming systems, SportAI provides coaches and players of all levels with actionable data, making pro-level analysis accessible to everyone.
Accedo is a global provider of award-winning software and services to optimize, grow, and evolve video streaming services. Our expert teams have helped many of the world’s leading video companies become more competitive. Our offerings range from no-code video solutions and immersive applications to complete OTT managed services, always backed by a data-driven approach and with the end-user experience in mind. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Accedo operates 15 global offices, delivering world-class solutions that shape the future of video streaming.
Cutz is the eco-responsible video encoding solution awarded the French Tech and GreenTech Innovation labels. Thanks to smart compression – based on Machine Learning – it guarantees all your videos exceptional visual quality, for higher performance while reducing costs and carbon footprint.
Focal Point VR and Ateme Unveil the World’s First 8K Spatial Computing Workflow for Apple Vision Pro – LIVE!
London and Paris, March 12th, 2025 – Last year, Apple launched the ground-breaking Vision Pro VR headset, setting a new benchmark for immersive storytelling with its unprecedented pixel density and advanced stereoscopic video format — delivering breath-taking, transportive experiences like never before. Until now, achieving this level of quality was only possible through offline post-production. Today, Focal Point VR Ltd and Ateme announce a breakthrough that brings this unparalleled quality to live streaming.
By leveraging cutting-edge encoding and streaming technologies, the workflow delivers an ultra-high-resolution immersive video stream optimized for the Apple Vision Pro. It achieves an unprecedented 37 pixels per degree fidelity, fully matching the capabilities of the headset’s advanced display system. This breakthrough enables live immersive experiences with a level of clarity and realism never before possible in real time.
Together, Focal Point VR and Ateme have developed the world’s first real-time live workflow capable of delivering the same high-fidelity, ultra-immersive experience LIVE.
Breaking New Ground in Live Immersive Video For the first time, broadcasters, content creators, and event producers can deliver true-to-life, high-resolution immersive experiences LIVE—bringing audiences into the action as it happens.
- Focal Point VR has engineered a cutting-edge quad 8k sensor, live immersive camera system, capturing unparalleled stereoscopic depth and clarity.
- Ateme’s TITAN encoder processes this ultra-high-resolution footage in real time, encoding directly into Apple’s MV-HEVC immersive format for seamless Apple Vision Pro playback.
Experience the Future of Live Immersive Video
Focal Point VR and Ateme will be revealing this new solution in a series of live demonstrations to customers on March 17th to 19th in London, England. This breakthrough technology opens new possibilities for live events, allowing audiences to experience every detail, depth, and moment as if they were truly there.
Focal Point VR announce camera system design collaboration with Windracers
The custom camera system designed by Focal Point VR delivers low latency performance, enabling real-time monitoring and remote operation for various applications. Integrated seamlessly with Windracers Mission Control™ software, the camera system provides operators with enhanced situational awareness and expanded operational capabilities, even in challenging environments where ULTRA MK2 operates.
“We are thrilled to have partnered with Windracers on this innovative project,” said Jonathan Newth, CEO of Focal Point VR. “Our expertise in high-fidelity, live-streaming video technology has allowed us to create a solution that complements the advanced capabilities of ULTRA MK2. This collaboration showcases the potential of combining state-of-the-art imaging systems with cutting-edge UAV platforms.”
The Windracers ULTRA self-flying cargo aircraft, originally conceived to bring down the cost of delivering humanitarian aid to remote communities, is the most accomplished low-cost heavy lift, long-distance cargo drone available today. Windracers ULTRA is operational today in Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States, enabling organizations to transport meaningful payloads to hard-to-reach places quickly, safely and cost-effectively.
Dr. Jonathon Waterford, Head of Mission Software at Windracers, commented, “The partnership with Focal Point VR has been instrumental in delivering a best-in-class camera solution for ULTRA MK2. The integration of the Focal Point VR camera system as a standard feature extends the multi-mission capability of Windracers ULTRA MK2 and brings valuable additional capability to ULTRA MK2 customers like NORCE and Aviation Sans Frontières.”
Focal Point VR remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of immersive video technology, empowering organizations worldwide with tools that redefine the possibilities of live streaming, telepresence, and beyond.
About Focal Point VR
Focal Point VR specializes in high-fidelity, immersive live-streaming technology, offering complete solutions for capturing, processing, distributing, and displaying 360° video content. Based in Surrey, UK, the company partners with industry leaders to deliver innovative applications in fields ranging from entertainment to logistics. Learn more at focalpointvr.com.
About Windracers
Windracers is the low-cost logistics champion whose mission is to make self-flying cargo aircraft an everyday reality. Using Windracers ULTRA as a solution for middle-mile logistics, Windracers brings prosperity to those that need it by connecting people to the things they need and want. Windracers ULTRA is the world’s most accomplished long-distance heavy-lift cargo UAV available today. With a useful payload of 150 kg and a range of up to 1,000 km, Windracers ULTRA has flown countless BVLOS missions including reconnaissance and resupply in Ukraine, geological and wildlife surveying in Antarctica, parcel delivery off the Scottish and English coasts, wildfire detection, and dropped medical supplies by parachute. Available as a service or direct purchase, Windracers ULTRA has flown in Antarctica, North America, the United Kingdom, Europe and will soon operate in Africa. Learn more at windracers.com.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Focal Point VR
Jonathnan Newth
jonathan@focalpointvr.com
+44 7771 558545
Windracers
Stephen Krajewski
skrajewski@windracers.com
+44 777 377 4673
Welcome to 2025 with Focal Point VR
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Vislink and Focal Point VR Honored with ‘Best Innovation Project’ for ASPIRE at Broadcast Tech Innovation Awards 2024
Newsletter Repost from Vislink Technologies –
Vislink and Focal Point VR Honored with ‘Best Innovation Project’ for ASPIRE at Broadcast Tech Innovation Awards 2024
Mt. Olive, New Jersey — December 10, 2024 — Vislink Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: VISL), a global technology leader in the capture, delivery, and management of high-quality live video and associated data in the defense, public safety and broadcast sectors is proud to announce that it has been awarded the ‘Best Innovation Project’ at the Broadcast Tech Innovation Awards 2024. This accolade recognizes Vislink’s groundbreaking collaboration with Focal Point VR and ASPIRE in delivering an immersive virtual reality (VR) experience for the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL).
The A2RL series, which debuted in April 2024, at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, showcases AI-driven, Dallara-built Super Formula cars capable of reaching speeds up to 300 km/h. Through the partnership with Focal Point VR, Vislink provided state-of-the-art wireless HD video and data transmission solutions, enabling fans worldwide to experience real-time, 360-degree VR views from the cockpit of autonomous race cars directly to their headsets.
“We are thrilled to have collaborated with Vislink and ASPIRE to create an immersive VR experience that brings fans closer to the excitement of autonomous racing than ever before,” said Jonathan Newth, CEO of Focal Point VR. “This award is a testament to the power of innovation and partnership in transforming how audiences engage with live events.”
Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, said: “In an AI racing sport like A2RL, offering a real-time cockpit perspective is not only exciting but vital – it allows fans to connect with the intelligence and precision behind autonomous systems, turning the complexity of AI into an engaging and relatable experience. This award is a testament to the incredible innovation and collaboration that went into this project, and we’re proud to work alongside such visionary partners to set new standards for the future of motorsport entertainment.”
This innovative approach has redefined the fan experience in motorsport entertainment, merging the immersive world of virtual reality with unparalleled wireless video and data transmission. The success of this project highlights Vislink’s dedication to advancing the future of autonomous car racing and delivering unparalleled entertainment experiences.
Mickey Miller, CEO of Vislink, added: “We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which underscores our commitment to pushing the boundaries of live broadcast technology. Our collaboration with Focal Point VR and ASPIRE has set a new standard for fan engagement in motorsport, and we look forward to continuing to innovate and deliver unparalleled experiences to audiences worldwide.”
