Plazamedia is not an average production house. With a long list of first-class outdoor, studio, and sports productions created for customers around the world, the Munich-based company is also well known for using its Open Houses as sneak previews for the most exciting developments in the industry.
“We knew that Plazamedia planned to demonstrate its new real-time HD virtual studio. So we thought, why not take it one step further and create all the scenes in 3D?,” explained Gerhard Lang, Chief Engineering Officer, Vizrt.
The result of the cooperation allowed Plazamedia to promote not only the company’s new HD virtual studio and HD master control room, but also Germany’s first 3D HD virtual studio, powered by Vizrt technology. The Open House early last month was the public premiere for the new setup.
Instead of seing the usual flat TV picture, Vizrt’s real-time renderers created stereoscopic images that were used to create an illusion of depth. Using special 3D glasses, the guests could see moving 3D content on a typical TV screen. The installation was done without the special stereo cameras normally needed for 3D demonstrations. Vizrt’s stereoscopic rendering ensured that the on-camera talent remained properly situated within the 3D scene.
Plazamedia’s HD virtual studio is based on two Vizrt products: Viz Virtual Studio and the Viz Engine real-time renderering engine. Both system are capable of creating real-time graphics both in SD as well as HD. In addition, Plazamedia worked closely with other leading virtual studio vendors-including Thoma, Technocrane, and Infitec.
“We pride ourselves on having possibly the most innovative virtual studio capability, which is why we added our new HD virtual studio,” said Florian Nowosad, CEO of PLAZAMEDIA GmbH. “But our Open House was an opportunity to show our customers that 3D HD virtual studio capability has arrived, and it’s now the cutting edge of realtime TV graphics effects. We’re the first in Germany with a HD virtual studio, and we’ve set the bar even higher by showing stereo 3D HD virtual studio production-both of which are exciting new ways of keeping TV viewers engaged.”
Vizrt’s Gerhard Lang added, “This is definitely not a one-off. Some of Vizrt’s customers such as ESPN, NFL and BSkyB have already been on air with Stereo 3D content, and we see this as a future growth market for Vizrt. Broadcasters just require proof that this technology is ready for prime time. With Plazamadia’s HD 3D virtual studio, we’ve demonstrated that 3D production is indeed a valid option.”
About PLAZAMEDIA GmbH:
Based in Ismaning, near Munich, Germany, PLAZAMEDIA is one of the leading full-service providers for TV and new media as well as Germany’s largest producer of sports TV. The company produces content for TV broadcasters and rights holders of such sports as football, ice hockey, basketball, boxing, Formula 1, and sailing. PLAZAMEDIA recently produced international matches for the UEFA Champions League, World Cup qualification, and UEFA Europa League in HD, as well as European and World Championships in a variety of sports. PLAZAMEDIA also offers comprehensive services for outside broadcast production, broadcasting, new media, studio prooductions, and post production. The firm’s clients include Sky, DSF, ARD, ZDF, RTL, SAT.1, ProSieben, RTL II, Disney Television International and Eurosport, as well as many other national and international companies. A Constantin Medien AG company, PLAZAMEDIA GmbH is managed by Florian Nowosad (CEO), Zeljko Karajica and Markus Maximilian Sturm.
About Vizrt:
Vizrt creates leading-edge content production tools for the digital media industry – from award-winning 3D graphics & maps through integrated video workflow solutions and online publishing tools.
We propose a new vision for content creation, management and delivery with an end-to-end solution from conception to multi-format distribution. Through constant innovation and a good measure of fun, we create software and services that push creative boundaries and develop new ways of telling stories.
Vizrt’s product suite is used by the world’s leading broadcasters and publishing houses, including: CNN, CBS, Fox, BBC, Sky, ITN, ZDF, Star TV, Network 18, TV Today, CCTV, NHK, The Globe and Mail, The Telegraph, and Welt Online. Furthermore, many world-class production houses and corporate institutions, including both the New York and London Stock Exchanges, utilize Vizrt solutions.