MR set changes dazzle viewers of gigantic LED TV studio
A 50m x 10m curved LED wall and semicircular LED floor with a diameter of 30m enabled set changes powered by a Pixotope MR solution at CCTV.
A giant LED installation, comprising a 50-metre long by 10-metre high curved LED video wall and semicircular LED floor with a diameter of 30 metres, has dazzled Chinese TV viewers of a Consumer Rights Day gala, thanks to graphics powered by Pixotope, a mixed reality solution for live media production. The live graphics were designed and implemented by production company Great Wheel working within the Chinese state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV).
To power the live broadcast graphics and achieve a large-scale set extension, CCTV used as many as four Pixotope engines at one time. Throughout the broadcast, the presenters were surrounded by the LED screens, which displayed logos, CG graphics, and animation.
In one shot, a continuous stream of data spiralled around the stage, merging with on-screen AR graphics being manipulated by the presenter. In another, the presenter was surrounded by CG shadows of hidden people, before revealing a participant on the stage. This was the first time CCTV had implemented true XR for a live show, but its success is a positive first step towards even bigger projects in the future, making use of the unprecedented flexibility for live programming that XR offers.
CCTV has been rapidly expanding its virtual production capabilities since early 2020, with Pixotope becoming the station’s primary virtual production solution for a range of AR projects. Traditionally, CCTV opted to build real-world sets for its Consumer Day television broadcast, but the studio found it could significantly improve both the quality and flexibility of its productions after choosing to install an LED wall.
David Stroud, chief product officer from Pixotope, commented: “We’re continually developing Pixotope’s features, but seeing the technology used to such great effect on live TV at this stage is incredible. Great Wheel is one of our earliest customers, using Pixotope for a range of high profile TV and live event projects since 2019. Great Wheel’s projects have helped us improve the technology by providing real-world case studies and outstanding feedback – all of which are opportunities for us to analyse and develop – we can’t wait to see what Great Wheel and CCTV produce next with Pixotope.”
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Posted: 30th April 2021