24 TECHFEED Virtual Sets
real-time ray tracing version 3.1, InfinitySet takes full advantage of Unreal Engine 4.22 compatibility, HDR I/O, Physically Based Rendering (PBR), new effects and new 360° output. Meanwhile, broadcast graphics mainstay Vizrt has built upon its recent acquisition of Newtek with a new IP-based virtual set and AR graphics system for live production. Viz Arc allows users to drive AR graphics and virtual sets from a single interface and allows AR elements to be set up on a location map or studio floor plan. Communicating with Viz Virtual Studio, Viz Arc can also operate multiple Viz Engines simultaneously and blend between AR and virtual set backgrounds. It includes controls for the new Fusion Keyer, which can be used to ‘immerse the presenter into a virtual environment’ using techniques such as light-wrapping, a de-noiser and
multiple mattes. Customers also have direct access to Viz Artist templates and other third-party integrations, including Unreal Engine 4. VIRTUAL FUTURE “We are currently working on increased interaction options within the SmartStage virtual studio by tracking the people, presenters and objects in the space,” says Andy Hook. “This will allow us to dynamically adjust content as people move around the space, as well as allowing them to see and interact with augmented reality content in a more believable way. Since we don’t need to light a green screen in SmartStage, we can give control of lighting the subjects properly back to the lighting director, and having the lighting automatically track the users opens up some really exciting opportunities for them.”
According to Aximmetry’s Dormon, more studio professionals will need to have IT knowledge in the broadcast industries to operate the systems necessary for quality production. She predicts: “Consequently, professionals familiar with IT technology in general will more likely embrace virtual studio technology as well. “Until now, it has been the privilege of a select group of broadcast organisations to use high-end virtual studio technology. The price of such systems has been prohibitive to many and it has been obstructing small studios, educational institutions, experimental labs and individuals from testing and trying new ways with real-3D graphics and virtual environments. “Aximmetry aims to lift this barrier and democratise virtual studio technology,” she continues. “We have been offering our Aximmetry Community Edition, a fully functional, high-end virtual studio software, for free to anyone who wishes to experience the technology and all Aximmetry licences have been under €5k since 2018. As a result, we are seeing interest from new segments: radio stations who are interested in video podcasts and social media inserts, university labs, YouTube creators and streamers, experimental labs in various industries and corporate in-house studios, among others.“ She concludes: “With growing environmental awareness, broadcasters need to use more environmentally friendly production methods. There is no need to cut down forests to build 3D virtual sets.”
MASTERS OF REALITY
BBC’s Match of the Day uses VR to immerse fans in football’s most exciting moments
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