http://www.nascar.com/news/110208/wh...w-4/index.html
RaceView 4.0's new features enhance experience
What is TrackPass?
http://www.nascar.com/news/110208/wh...ass/index.html
Why RaceView 4.0?
http://www.nascar.com/news/110208/wh...w-4/index.html
If the current version of RaceView is like watching a race unfold on a wide-screen monitor,
RaceView 4.0's eye-catching graphics and presentation will be like upgrading to high definition.
Joshua Silverboard, product manager at NASCAR.COM, said in addition to amazing clarity and detail of the all-new
virtual video window -- which includes the gradual darkening of the sky during night races -- the newest version of RaceView will give subscribers new data modules, skin choices and a reorganization of the information to make the viewing experience unique.
"With the last version of RaceView, we were looking to capture some low-hanging fruit to improve the most popular features for our subscribers," Silverboard said. "The new version of RaceView for 2011 is a wholesale update designed to make the application better, faster, stronger and to empower subscribers to watch their drivers' and the entire race the way they want.
"We wanted to give subscribers a fresher look, with enhanced virtual video, different layouts, custom skins and new live data features. We also wanted to get on a framework that we could use to grow the product, not just for this release, but going forward for years."
Silverboard said RaceView 4.0 has been designed to support all current editions of Safari, Firefox and Internet Explorer. In addition, the application will now run in Adobe Flash Player.
"It pops up in its own browser window, as it does today," Silverboard said. "The advanced virtual video window is going to be Unity, and we're going to continue to use Octoshape for race replays and DVR stuff."
One of the key changes is a timeline feature, allowing the subscriber to quickly find key moments in the race. In addition, subscribers will be able to customize their viewing experience by picking a skin template based on team color combinations, such as those of Tony Stewart or Jimmie Johnson.
"They're all driver inspired," Silverboard said. "So for instance, Stewart's will probably have a smoky look, while Johnson's will be more of a blue."
And best of all, the application should launch more quickly.
"It should be faster," Silverboard said. "We're looking to minimize the overhead for loading so that it's better. We're also looking, by the end of the year, to make this more compatible with older operating systems. We'll be continuing to work throughout the year to improve its performance for our subscribers."
With the new RaceView 4.0, NASCAR.COM has incorporated the best features into one powerful, state-of-the-art application that's bound to wow even the most discriminating race fan. And its ease of use has never been more simple.
"We're also changing our landing pages," Silverboard said. "Right now, when subscribers go to TrackPass, they get the sales page. When they're logged in, now they'll get a page geared towards helping them use the application.
"So they'll get the current race schedule with the easy links to launch, they'll get some relevant news from around the site related to drivers, fantasy and community. And then they'll have their replay calendar for RaceView subscribers down below."
And what they'll see when they launch RaceView 4.0 is something to behold. An all-new advanced virtual video window that makes you feel like you're sitting inches from the track; easier to read graphics and news and information right at your fingertips; and best of all, it's customizable.
"We'll have different layouts in this version," Silverboard said. "So you'll be able to go into your preferences and select one of three layouts. You'll have the default, a head-to-head feature which is new -- you'll be able to compare telemetry with up to three other drivers -- and we're also bringing back the full-screen view."
In addition, Silverboard said RaceView 4.0 will make it easier to follow the action, with "
at a glance" features like the number of cars on the lead lap, biggest mover of the day, and the top speed of the race.
At the same time, all the features you've come to expect from RaceView will still be easily accessible, like selectable
in-car audio, so you can follow your favorite driver, the entire field, NASCAR's official communications or even the race broadcast while you watch the action unfold.