NBC Sports Taps On-Device AI for Vertical Live Feeds

NBC Sports is deploying viztrick AiDi, an on-device AI from Japan's Nippon TV, to automatically reframe live games into vertical, mobile-first video feeds that can follow a single athlete, as reported by Nikkei Asia and digested by The Verge. The move gives the broadcaster a new tool to create personalized viewing experiences for smartphones.

• No internet required: The on-device AI processes video locally, delivering the low-latency and high-reliability that live sports demand without an internet connection. "We were looking for the right tool for streaming live sports that would automatically crop athletes to a 9:16 aspect ratio with auto tracking," said Tim Canary, SVP of Engineering at NBC Sports. "AiDi uniquely provides real-time processing with minimal delay."

• Human in the loop: The system's design anticipates the chaos of a live broadcast truck, allowing operators to instantly switch from AI tracking to manual control. "If AI can’t grab the right athlete instantly during a camera switch, you can easily re-track them manually," Canary explained. "You never lose the athlete you’re tracking."

• The mobile play: The move gives NBC a new way to engage mobile viewers and open up potential revenue streams by creating content tailored for phones. The technology helps broadcasters capture "additional viewers from unique streaming content that’s not only just as exciting as the broadcast version but also enhances the viewing experiences," said Satoshi Kanemura, President and COO of FOR-A America.

While NBC Sports hasn't confirmed which events will get the AI treatment first, the rollout is slated to begin this year. The 2026 Winter Olympics could be the technology's debut on a world stage.