CBS broadcast tribute to video generation thanks to new replay

NEW YORK (AP) -- This was not your father's Super Bowl telecast.

From the six hours of pregame hoopla, to the MTV influences and references, to the often spectacular debut of rotating replays, CBS Sports' first Super Bowl broadcast in nine years was decidedly a nod to the video generation.

And the network certainly has a winner in "EyeVision," the instant replay system that seems inspired by arcade games.

Announcers Greg Gumbel and Phil Simms were solid when they weren't shilling for the network, and the reporting, graphics and other production elements were also fine.

But "EyeVision" was the true TV star during the Baltimore Ravens' 34-7 victory Sunday over the New York Giants in Tampa, Fla.

The system employed 30 digital cameras that synchronized to focus on a particular player, showing views that spun about 270 degrees. Think of the action scenes in "The Matrix."

CBS used its new toy about twice per quarter, and it was most impressive on two second-half plays.

The TV audience was shown three different points of view during Jermaine Lewis' 84-yard kickoff return for a Baltimore touchdown. Then, on the game's final TD, "EyeVision" was deployed to demonstrate that Ravens running back Jamal Lewis did indeed have the ball across the goal line before fumbling.