NFL swaps first-down chains for Sony’s 8K cameras

Starting with this year’s football season, the NFL will use Sony’s Hawk-Eye cameras to measure the line to gain — a process the chain crew has done manually for decades. The 8K cameras will use virtual measurement technology to quickly and accurately determine whether the ball traveled 10 yards for a first down.

The Hawk-Eye system is made up of six 8K cameras that use optical tracking to determine the ball’s position. When officials receive a measurement, the system will create a digital...