Wireless Wednesday for 2/5/14: With Mitch Evans - Winter Olympics Technology
Wednesday, February 5, 2014 at 8:14PM The Winter Olympics will start in less than 48 hours, so Rick and Mitch talk technology on display at the Winter Olympics.
Have a listen:
* TOPICS -
The Winter Olympics in Sochi are about to begin and Rick and Mitch take a look at some of the technology behind the games.
1. Lockheed Martin - Under Armour Suits for U.S. Speedskaters
US speed-skating team have had some engineering help from Lockheed Martin, the world's largest defence company.
Working with performance clothing specialist Under Armour, Lockheed Martin, which manufactures fighter jets, have spent more than two years developing this futuristic gear.
Using wind tunnel tests to evaluate how aerodynamic their prototypes were, the companies have developed a suit with minimal drag and supreme air-cutting abilities. Codenamed the Mach 39, the suit is covered with tiny bobbles which are designed to disrupt the air in the same way that a golf ball does.
The suit also features a heat-reducing mesh panel on the back, and friction-reducing patches on the legs.
2. Artificial Snow Guns
Artificial snow guns will ensure the mountains are white no matter what the weather. Artificial snow is often regarded to be of a better quality than that provided by Mother Nature. That’s because the air turbulence in machines causes small spheres rather than six-sided flakes to form, and these are more resistant to melting thanks to a smaller surface area.
3. Isothermal blankets
The highly insulated fabric has been used to preserve 16million cubic feet of snow for an entire year.
Channels have been dug from the highest peaks down to the ski slopes, to persuade snow to accumulate in the competition areas.
Technology etailer Ebuyer’s main features editor, Daniel Young said: “The technology to create snow can be very complex as you need to keep the snow at the perfect temperature throughout the whole process.
“Keeping the snow cold when it’s on the ground will be a tough task as Sochi has a similar climate to the coastal Mediterranean, but with a higher winter humidity.”
4. BMW and the Bobsleds
BMW bobsled, which was constructed in conjunction with the US Bobsled and Skeleton Foundation.
The car manufacturer’s expertise in aerodynamics and engineering resulted in the production of a super-sleek, ultra-speedy, carbon-fibre bobsled – with a BMW badge at the front.
The US Bobsled team also has been helped by NASCAR's Geoff Bodine and NHRA drag racer Jeg Coughlin and their teams.
5. Comcast
A new service of Comcast’s Xfinity service, called “X1″ will allow persons watching on their TV sets at home, on their computers, mobile phones and tablets, the ability to see “Every Minute, Every Medal, Every Screen” of the Winter Olympics, either in real time or on demand. NBC, which is a division on Comcast, is providing broadcast coverage of the Olympics on WTHR/Channel 13 and on the CNBC, MSNBC, USA and NBC Sports Network cable channels. Some 500 hours worth including in prime time on NBC. But there’s over 1,100 additional hours of Olympics coverage available to Comcast customers with the new X1 service.
App of the Week - NBC Live Extra app
The Olympics provide sport's ultimate kaleidescope, and coming this February, NBC will be your exclusive source for LIVE streaming video coverage of the Sochi Winter Olympics online and in our mobile/tablet apps. All 15 sports. All 98 medal events. All live!
WHAT IS NBC OLYMPICS LIVE EXTRA?
NBC OLYMPICS LIVE EXTRA is the sign-in process that will allow you to gain access to select U.S. Olympic Trials and 1,000+ hours of live coverage and full-event replays of the 2014 Olympics. It is available exclusively online at NBCOlympics.com and via the NBC SPORTS LIVE EXTRA APP.
WHAT DO I NEED TO WATCH VIDEO ON NBCOLYMPICS.COM/LIVEEXTRA?
You must be a subscriber to a TV provider video package that includes specific NBCU networks (varies by provider). You will also need to provide your online credentials during the verification process.
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