As technology continues to evolve, the broadcasting industry is finding innovative ways to utilize its advanced capabilities. One such example is NBC’s recent announcement that they will be using AI software to recreate the voice of renowned sportscaster Al Michaels for daily recaps of the Summer Olympics on its Peacock streaming platform. This move comes as part of the network’s commitment to providing a unique and personalized viewing experience for its users.
The use of AI voice technology, while impressive, has sparked debates within the creative industries. The technology’s advanced capabilities raise questions about the ethical implications of its use, particularly concerning authenticity and originality. However, it’s undeniable that this technology has the potential to significantly change the way content is delivered.
This technology will be used in a tool called “Your Daily Olympic Recap on Peacock”. This feature will provide personalized 10-minute highlights packages, which include event updates and athlete stories. The AI system allows for efficient delivery of these recaps, capable of packaging highlights in an astounding seven million different ways from 5,000 hours of live coverage. This ensures that viewers can receive a recap tailored to their specific interests.
The AI system was trained using NBC broadcast audio from Al Michaels himself. A team of NBC Sports editors meticulously reviewed all content to ensure accuracy and correct pronunciations. This attention to detail will ensure that the AI rendition of Michaels’ voice is as close to the real thing as possible.
Al Michaels’ voice, recreated using AI, won’t only be heard during the Summer Olympics. NBC has also confirmed that they will use this technology for the 2024 Paris Olympics coverage. Initially skeptical, Michaels was eventually impressed by the AI replication of his voice. He described the imitation as “almost 2% off perfect”, a testament to the impressive capabilities of the technology.
The feature will be available to Peacock users from July 27, offering nearly seven million possible personalized variants of the daily recap during the Olympics. This innovative use of AI technology showcases the potential for the future of broadcasting, and the ways in which it can enhance the viewing experience for audiences worldwide.
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