CBS to unveil new technology for Super Bowl 50 broadcast

PASADENA, Calif. — The Super Bowl is turning 50, although the game played next month on America's informal national holiday will hardly be showing its age because of new gadgetry CBS Sports is debuting.

A replay system will give viewers a 360degree perspective and higher resolution than previously ever seen for the game. Thirty-six cameras strung around the upper deck of Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, can freeze the moment and revolve around the play before continuing to show the scene. Viewers on Feb. 7 will be able to check out the quarterback's view from the pocket to other players' perspectives on the field, and it can be animated, too.

"We tried it on a couple regular-season games and it looks remarkable," CBS Sports Chairman Sean McManus said Tuesday at a gathering of TV critics.

For the first time in a Super Bowl, CBS will use eight custom-molded pylons that house 16 cameras to film the goal lines and sidelines of both teams. The cameras also will have microphones embedded in them to enhance the game's natural sound. They were used in the College Football Playoff championship Monday.

The new technology could even influence the game. The officials are able to use any replays a network shows when they review a play.

During the game, the network will use the NFL's Next Gen stats that track how fast and far players run over the course of the day and matchup-based statistics between players.

CBS Sports is changing its logo for the first time in 35 years and updating its on-air graphics to debut during Super Bowl week.

Gayle King of "CBS This Morning" will conduct a live interview with President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle as part of the coverage.

McManus said planning for the event's landmark anniversary began five days after last year's game ended. CBS will be airing its 19th Super Bowl, the most of any network.

"We're pumped up about it," he said. "We can't wait for Super Bowl Sunday."

During game week at 8 p.m. nightly, CBS will air one-minute updates from either San Francisco or Santa Clara.

On game day, the network will air seven hours of programming using four sets: one on Market Street in downtown San Francisco and three from the stadium in Santa Clara (one outside near the tailgating area, one on the field and the main hosts on a concourse overlooking the field).

"We know the appetite is insatiable when it comes to football," pregame host James Brown said.