At NAB2007 (Booth #SL4810), Vizrt will introduce Viz|Video Wall ER (Extreme Resolution), a software solution that automatically distributes scenes from any Vizrt graphic software application to a shared cluster of Viz|Engine renderers. The Viz|Engines output graphics of unlimited resolution to a large-scale video wall for live operation. It can be used interactively in a live broadcast if desired.
“Extremely large video walls used as studio backdrops have become a very fast-growing trend in graphic production,” said Petter Ole Jakobsen, CTO, Vizrt. “A large, high-resolution surface creates the possibility of close-ups and more creative shooting angles. It completely unleashes the creative potential of broadcast designers.”
Vizrt will have a Barco 5.5 meter by 2 meter interactive video wall utilizing Viz|Video Wall ER technology on display within its NAB 2007 booth. The demonstration will highlight a complete production workflow solution, including integration with the full line of Vizrt software, including new offerings -- Viz|Multi-Platform Suite (MPS) for real-time graphics and video content delivery to mobile devices; Viz|Curious Maps mapping software; and Viz|Quattro, a still and clip store workflow solution.
“This demonstration will completely change the look of our NAB booth from previous years,” explained Jakobsen. “We’ll have demo artists working directly on the live video and graphics displayed on the large, high-resolution Barco screen.”
Key benefits of Viz|Video Wall ER include:
- Extreme resolution beyond HD and 4k
- Multiple Viz|Engine renderers can be combined for unlimited resolution
- No low-resolution images when shooting video wall close-ups
- Viz|Engines give uncompressed, real-time graphic and video output
- Viz|Distribution server is used for frame accurate synchronization of all Viz|Engines
- Run graphics from established CG and control tools: Viz|Trio CG and Viz|Content Pilot content management software
Several broadcasters currently use Vizrt technology for large-scale video wall presentations. For its U.S. 2006 election coverage, CNN used an interactive touch screen to display what the “balance of power” would look like should Democrats, Republicans, or Independents win specific Senate and House of Representatives seats. CNN Anchor Jeff Greenfield touched specific states on a touch screen (an NEC 61-inch plasma screen with DVI input from a dedicated Viz|Engine). A CNN producer worked within Viz|Content Pilot content management and control software from a PC to pre-select which states Jeff would highlight.
The newly launched Spanish channel, La Sexta, uses a video wall powered by Vizrt solutions as a backdrop for both news and sports programs. José Sancho, art director at La Sexta, explained that Viz|Video Wall, combined with Vizrt’s “Look Ahead” Transition Logic saves time during production, particularly with sports programming.
“The procedure to change graphics is fast and simple. We just open a template, change the photo or the object, and launch it immediately,” said Sancho.
With Vizrt’s “Look Ahead” transition logic, users can stack arbitrary pages and automatically create seamless transitions, using just one video output channel, removing the need to take graphics off-air before bringing new graphics to air. La Sexta anticipates an equally successful application of the system during Spain’s upcoming elections in May.