VOGO, a leader in cutting-edge sports communication solutions, introduces the ELITE SMART GATEWAY (ESG), a wireless audio gateway that ensures the most reliable and secure communication between Video Assistant Referees (VARs) and on-field referees, and enables to deploy public announcement of referees’ decisions. VOGO is the leader of audio communication systems for referees during sports events. Having been pioneering and being innovating for 20 years to provide referees with noise-filtered and encrypted audio comms, VOGO extends its VOKKERO ELITE1 product range with the ESG. The ESG provides seamless monitoring, real-time adjustments and enhanced audio interfacing, offering unmatched control over VOKKERO ELITE comms referee systems.
KEY BENEFITS FOR VAR INTEGRATORS :
The ESG effortlessly eliminates any risk of radio interference by instantly visualizing frequency scans and remotely switching channels without latency. It proactively detects issues, providing real-time notifications for headset disconnections or low battery levels for instance. Audio configurations can be adjusted on the fly, allowing seamless control over gains, volumes, and role settings. Moreover, Multiple configurable audio mixes across different audio protocols are available to interface with broadcasters.
KEY BENEFITS FOR LEAGUES, FEDERATIONS, AND EVENT ORGANIZERS:
The ESG guarantees the League, Federation or Event Organizer against VAR miscommunication that could affect its credibility. In addition, it enhances transparency and enriches fan engagement by enabling real-time public announcements to share referee decisions with in-stadium spectators and/or TV broadcaster.
Additionally, a private “technician” channel enables a dedicated audio conference for technical staff, ensuring flawless coordination from the pitch to the Video Operations Room (VOR).
KEY FEATURES OF ESG:
Advanced Audio Features & Dashboard Controls:
- The ESG offers multiple audio interfaces, supporting both analog (XLR 4-wire) and DANTE digital audio (RJ45, optical fibre), smoothly interfacing with any equipment.
- Several audio outputs are available, giving access to specific audio mixes in parallel: all VOKKERO ELITE terminals, central referee only, pitch-technician, central referee when Public Announcement is activated, …
- In parallel to the audio conference dedicated to VAR comms, a second one is possible through the ESG, enabling VAR technicians to collaborate and exchange between the VOR room and the stadium.
Live monitoring and live reporting
Live monitoring and reporting provide real-time tracking of VOKKERO ELITE terminals: battery life, radio frequency, audio settings (whistle sound level) and performance with instant alerts. Furthermore, it allows the extraction of a full report of the match events.
Public Announcement (AP)
The ESG introduces a versatile Public Announcement feature, allowing referees and operators to trigger audio announcements directly from:
- The Pitch: the Central referee activates PA via a Push-to-talk button on his/her belt.
- The VOR: VAR referee initiates announcements using a dedicated tag button.
- An Operator : a dedicated technician manages PA from the ESG Monitoring Dashboard.
With the ESG, VOGO is setting a new standard in sports officiating technology, ensuring secure, fully optimized and transparent referee communication for sports events.
