Vinten Radamec®, a Vitec Group brand and global leader in camera automation, is using IBC2009 to underline its leadership in the virtual reality market with the unveiling of its latest product, the Fusion FP188VR. The new high-performance robotic camera pedestal rounds out the Vinten Radamec VR lineup, complementing the manual encoded VR range including the popular Quattro SE, and the Free-D camera tracking solution, both of which are widely used in major studios around the world.

At IBC, a purpose-built studio will provide a unique setting for practical demonstrations of the Fusion FP188VR. A fully-robotic camera pedestal, it senses its position based on a compact, L-shaped floor target which is unobtrusive and works with any floor surface. The design uses a new differential wheel-truck system to provide unmatched precision and shot stability performance. When combined with the FHR120VR robotic head with state-of-the-art encoders, which count one million positions per full revolution, the full system enables tracking and control of all movements to ensure perfect image synchronization between real and virtual elements.

Recognizing that many studios are multi-purpose, the Fusion FP188VR can be converted at the turn of a switch from a fully robotic to a manual pedestal with uncompromised performance, including the unique Vinten Perfect Balance system. Even in the robotic mode, the pedestal has a payload capacity of 85kg, sufficient for any camera with prompter and confidence monitor.

“To remain competitive, studios today have to be flexible,” said Karen Walker, product manager for robotics at Vinten Radamec. “That is why we are focussing on these products which are specifically designed for multi-purpose applications. The same studio can be used with fully automated or manually operated cameras, on real or virtual sets. By eliminating the need to duplicate camera support equipment, the return on investment case is very strong indeed. And we have formed strong partnerships with the leading VR graphics providers, like Brainstorm, Orad and Vizrt, to ensure we can deliver a complete, interoperable and fully functional system that meets the creative challenges as well as the business ones.”

The IBC demonstration will include other Vinten Radamec studio robotic systems and the HDVRC, a high definition version of the acclaimed Vinten Radamec control system. The HDVRC offers easy set-up of multi-user, multi-facility control of legacy Autocam and Radamec and current Fusion pedestals, heads and elevation units as well as products from the current Vinten Radamec range. The extremely high precision of all shot and pedestal movements is now fully compatible with HD video and graphics. Compatibility with a broad range of new and legacy pedestals and heads ensures an excellent return on investment.

Vinten Radamec can be seen at IBC at stand 9.E20.