20 TECHFEED Virtual Sets
Words by Michael Burns
There is an explosion of virtual set technologies. Once reserved for top-tier broadcasters, video magic is now becoming available to anyone VIRTUAL SETS GET REAL
irtual sets are now a common sight on our screens, replacing the plywood and fabric of studios past and placing
presenters, pundits and news anchors in real-time rendered, shiny-floored virtual spaces, complete with augmented reality pop-ups and CG characters. “Without doubt we are seeing a substantial increase in virtual set adoption,” says Nic Hatch, CEO of real-time augmented reality technology developer, Ncam. “Predominantly because the technology is now easier than ever to use and delivers on the quality required. We know that viewership engagement has increased significantly for customers embracing our products.” Stuart Russell, senior communications manager for Ross Video, adds that interest in virtual solutions has grown as the technology has improved and the graphics rendering has become more sophisticated. “I think customers see the value in being able to use a green screen studio for a variety of different show formats,” he says. “There is no doubt that it allows for greater flexibility in terms of how studio space is used. That said, I think we’re probably seeing more of an interest in augmented reality at the moment. “I think content creators like the versatility of having a physical set and being able to bring virtual elements into it to add some extra creativity to their programming. It’s definitely becoming more widely used
in traditional programming and the sports and esports industries have been right at the front edge of the technology. Ross recently worked with esports company ESL and Spidercam to help deliver augmented reality content during the ESL One event in Cologne and I think we’re going to see this kind of content becoming more prevalent.” “The market will definitely continue to increase exponentially,” agrees Andy Hook, technical solutions director at broadcast gear provider, White Light. “Right now, we are seeing a shift in a virtual studio being more acceptable for use in corporate, education and live streaming environments. We’re also seeing more hybrid mixed reality studio sets, combining real sets with virtual extensions to make them feel bigger
or create elements that would be physically or financially difficult to construct.” Today, a virtual studio means more than just a stage with a green screen, says Ulaş Kaçmaz, vice-president of sales and marketing for Zero Density, which specialises in real-time graphics and VFX. “Augmented reality elements, hybrid studio operations – part green screen, part physical – portal windows, set extensions and so on also mean virtual studio production. Virtual studio use is surely expanding, although without a hint of physical sets becoming obsolete at any time in the future. There are immense possibilities in other areas for this technology to enhance visual storytelling. Creating a fantasy world from scratch and
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