A new dimension in broadcasting

A new dimension in broadcasting posted: 23/09/2020

by Maciej Zi tara

Virtual TV studios are becoming the standard. TV stations now compete in the preparation of photorealistic solutions that allow you to present content in the most attractive settings, drawing the attention of viewers. So, how to stand out from the increasingly sophisticated production crowd? This question is answered by experts from Platige Image studio, the company that combined the engine used in the production of video games and the technology of creating visualizations in real time - creating an entirely new quality of virtual TV studios.

A unique combination



Nowadays, TV stations are forced to compete not only with other broadcasters but also with websites, social media, and VOD platforms. All this makes the expectations of the potential viewer regarding television broadcasts very high. To stand out from the competition, broadcasters have to make sure that the visuals are of a sufficiently high quality. To achieve this, an innovative approach is needed such as the one provided by the Platige Broadcast, which combined the Unreal Engine - known from the world of computer games - with the VizRT system, a leader on the media market. This synergistic combination has opened up entirely new possibilities for broadcasters such as the delivery of 3D images generated in real time and in perfect quality.

Both Unreal and VizRT are leading solutions in their individual areas, but it is only their combination that makes them unique and allows for photorealism and real-time rendering of graphics in TV conditions. This is a milestone in TV production - virtual studios have never been as realistic as they are now. Marek Jankowski, Head of Broadcast Platige Image.The combination of Unreal Engine and VizRT was used in the production of the presidential election studio commissioned by Telewizja Polska S.A.

Imagine the possibilities

Regardless of whether a large event is needed or, for example, a weather forecast studio, the process of preparing the visuals is always preceded by conceptual work.

If our goal is to reproduce a real building or a specific room as faithfully as possible, we focus on photo documentation, the analysis of architecture and its details, as well as such down-to-earth matters as the exact dimensions of every element. In the case of scenography, the shape and appearance of which is developed by us, we first activate our creativity, bearing in mind that photorealism is a top priority here. -Anna Pokora, Art Director at Platige Image

Further work usually involves precise 3D modeling, texturing, and applying materials. The stage lighting process also plays an important role. The lighting tools available in the Unreal Engine editor work in real time, perfectly simulating the time of day as well as sunrise and sunset in any location on Earth. The engine also works great as a programming tool - if there is a lack of a certain functionality, it can be created to suit the customers needs - both visual and creative, as well as hardware related, such as the need to cooperate with an unusual camera or any motion sensors.

More than TV

A virtual studio is associated primarily with television programs, but the solutions that Platige Image has at its disposal also allow for the creation of productions for the film and advertising industry.

Virtual scenography also makes it possible to use large-format LED screens that display the visuals in a perspective consistent with the current position of the camera and its viewing angle (the so-called Virtual Window). This solution allows the actors who play in a movie, TV series, or advertisement to actually see the scenery they are in, which makes it much easier for them to appear in front of the camera. It is equally important to accelerate the post-production process - the director sees the effects already on the set, not after many weeks of material preparation - this fact saves a lot of time and money.

The next stage in the use of Unreal Engine solutions will be to apply this technology in cooperation with Platige Image partners, Spidercam and VizRT. This step will allow for production in large shooting halls as well as in sports stadiums and other large-scale arenas. All this means that in the near future, we will witness television programs implemented by Platige Image in an unprecedented form.

Platige Image is a production and post-production studio. It specializes in computer graphics, animation and visual effects for the film, entertainment and advertising industries, production of mass events and broadcast design for TV studios using Vizrt technology. It is especially renowned for cinematics for world-known game developers.

The team comprises over 200 creative professionals: directors, art directors, graphic designers, animators and producers. For over 20 years the studio collected numerous awards and distinctions i.a. BAFTA, EFA, Goya Award, SIGGRAPH Awards as well as nominations to Oscars, Palme dOr at Cannes Film Festival and Leone dOro at The Venice Film Festival. For more information visit www.platige.com.

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