New RTL Netherlands studio is on-air with Orad AR

The new RTL Netherlands News Studio has gone live using a unique integrated solution based on Orad graphics systems. The installation features three large virtual green panels, in which video and graphics are perfectly keyed over thanks to Orad’s ProSet Virtual Studio and Maestro systems.

RTL uses the ProSet system to key the high-resolution content over the three virtual panels, which are strategically located along the back of the real studio. The ProSet system extracts camera and lens parameters from each of the five studio cameras, matching keyed graphics to the panels.

“We were adamant that we wanted all the advantages of a video wall, without an actual video wall,” said Hank van de Loo, CTO at RTL Netherlands. “After an intense evaluation process, we found that only Orad was able to provide us with the required technology to realise the augmented video walls we dreamed of. We are very pleased with the visual results we can now achieve and the efficiency gains thanks to the integration between Maestro and our automation system.”

To ensure graphics and video are always sharp, Orad’s Infuse internal chroma-keyer is used for keying. Augmented reality elements are also generated by ProSet, allowing RTL to create an even more appealing studio look.

The Orad HDVG4 rendering platform integrates with the five studio cameras to display high-resolution graphics and video content. The platform’s engine renders in realtime complex 3D graphics sceneries. Full-screen graphics, lower thirds, tickers and other on-air graphics elements are controlled by the Orad Maestro control application.

The playlist, including the virtual background and the on-air graphics, is generated by the Maestro News Producer plugin, which is embedded into the Avid iNews newsroom computer system. The rundown is controlled by Sony’s ELC studio automation system, which triggers the Maestro created playlist to air.