What Is DGT in Chess and What Does this Technology Do?
As tech evolves, so does the gaming industry. Chess is one of the most disrupted gaming sub-niches by tech evolvement. Unlike in the recent past, chess lovers worldwide can now interact seamlessly and play over-the-board chess from anywhere, thanks to DGT technology. This technology has digitized chess significantly, enhancing the chess experience for all and improving interaction between chess enthusiasts.
But what is DGT tech in chess, and what does it do? You'll find out soon!
In this piece, we will discuss DGT technology in detail – what it is, what it does, and how it works.
What is DGT Technology in Chess?
Digital Game Technology (DGT) is a smart tech designed to digitize various gaming devices, enabling them to work effectively with other digital gadgets and the internet. The tech computerizes analog gaming devices like game boards and game timers. This digitalization enables the gaming equipment to connect seamlessly and effectively with various smart devices, including PCs, tablets, TVs, smartphones, and other gaming devices and the internet.
This DGT technology is designed by an innovative modern chess products manufacturing company, DGT-The Chess Innovators. The technology was first developed in 1985 by Ben Bulsink and was established in a chess clock, giving rise to the first DGT chess clock. Over the years, this technology has evolved significantly, finding its way into various gaming products, including game timers and game boards of different sizes, designs, and styles.
In chess, the DGT technology is integrated into various modern chess products, digitalizing them and enabling connectivity between the chess products, various smart devices, and the internet. It merges traditional chess gaming with 21st-century chess computing technology.
In other words, the technology integrates today's chess computing system (engine) with traditional chess products, including chessboards, chess pieces, and chess clocks, enabling real-time corroboration of virtual and on-board chess.
Think of DGT technology as a link between a specific digital chess product and computer(s) that enables seamless communication between the digitalized chess product(s) and the linked devices.
What Does DGT Tech Do in Chess?
The chess DGT tech revolutionizes the entire chess gaming experience, for starters. It enables various chess equipment to record activities (happening on a specific DGT chess product(s)), converts them into digital form, and transmits the info to the connected smart gadgets and other digital chess products in real-time.
It also makes the chess experience even more immersive. This chess technology enhances the functionalities and usability of different chess products, making them more efficient and user-friendly.
More interestingly, the technology enables unlimited customization of gaming environments. It also adds extra functionalities to the DGT-embedded chess products. These additional functionalities include;
1. Live chess game broadcasting
The DGT chess technology enables seamless live broadcasting on large screens. It records and transmits activities such as moves on a specific DGT chessboard or time countdown on a DGT chess clock to the connected display devices, including PCs, TVs, and phones, among others. More interestingly, the integration of USB, Bluetooth, and internet connectivity allows live broadcasting on the local and global levels.
2. Over-the-board and Virtual Gaming Integration
The integration of online and over-the-board chess gaming is the most prominent functionality of DGT technology. The tech enables connectivity between physical chess equipment and a chess engine. This connectivity converts the gaming equipment into an input device for the chess program's host computer. As such, the setup or manipulation made on the physical gaming device is also registered on the connected chess GUI.
With this functionality, you can play against a chess engine or online opponent with little to no use of a computer. DGT chess technology is compatible with nearly all chess GUIs.
3. Chess Training
Typically, DGT technology features numerous functionalities for chess training. It features functionality for recording games in real-time and an inbuilt memory that can store hundreds of moves. These recordings can be retrieved and analyzed later for insights into improving one's gameplay.
In addition, the computers and internet connectivity enable users to practice efficiently and upscale their over-the-board gaming as they play against chess engines and online opponents. Besides, the DGT technology's compatibility with various engines also offers a variety of opponents with varied skill levels suitable for training.
Better yet, some DGT products, Electronic Chess Computers to be more specific, feature AI-powered chess engines that are highly effective and efficient in chess training.
How Does in DGT Technology Work in Chess?
DGT is a combination of multiple innovative technologies, including smart sensors, software, and communication systems. Together, these technologies digitize chess computing into traditional chess equipment. This enables seamless connectivity and real-time communication between DGT-embedded chess products and connected smart devices.
That said, here are some of the highlight techs included in DGT.
Sensor Technology
The patented DGT sensor technology is one of the primary features of game boards. It is among the technology that make DGT boards superior to nearly all other electronic boards in the market. The sensor identifies chess pieces on the board - it registers the types of chessmen and their location on the board. The tech also facilitates chess training and virtual gaming functionalities. Additionally, it enables matches against a chess engine.
Memory
Memory is found in various DGT-enabled chess products, including clocks, game timers, and chessboards. The memory records move and game time for later review and analysis. It also helps keep track of your progress as you upscale your chess gaming skills.
Memory is also vital when playing prolonged chess matches that require pauses.
Applications
Notably, multiple DGT-specific software applications are included with the DGT hardware tech. These applications include DGT LiveChess and AI-powered programs (usually available in DGT computer chess boards such as the DGT Centaur Chess Computer). The software applications work with various DGT hardware to enable different DGT functionalities such as live broadcasting, one-player games, and chess training.
Communication technologies
DGT tech also includes multiple communication technologies, which include wire and wireless connectivity techs. More specifically, the techs include Bluetooth, internet, and USB connectivity. There are also DGT connectivity systems, such as the DGT Caïssa System, that facilitate the connection of multiple tournament boards to a single host computer.
These techs facilitate real-time transmission of activities from the gaming equipment to the connected computer and vice versa. They also enable effective integration of virtual and over-the-board gaming.
DGT Pi
The DGT Pi is both a hardware and software application in one device. This tech is a chess computer by itself. It carries all the necessary features of a smart chess computer. Essentially, the device acts as a host computer for connected pieces of DGT electronic sets, eliminating the need for a PC.
In Summary
Overall, DGT is a smart technology designed specially to enhance the gaming experience for all chess lovers, regardless of their gaming experience, age, or individual preferences.
Additionally, it is easily accessible to all. What's even more interesting is that the products are available in a variety of designs and styles, fitting all chess lovers, including collectors.
If you are up for a new experience, check out our collection at House of Staunton for some amazing offers.