RT Software and Mo-Sys in service for BBC Sport AR studio at Wimbledon

Sports graphics company Moov is using RT Software’s AR solution on a three-camera set-up, that also features Mo-Sys’ StarTracker camera tracking technology, to enhance BBC Sport’s coverage of Wimbledon 2019.

Extending the studio with AR graphics is allowing the BBC to improve the viewer experience with high impact graphics that would not be possible in a traditional studio.

AR Graphics being used include virtual life-size cut-outs of players on glass plinths in front of the presenters, and a virtual ‘Magic Window’ looking out over a 3D render of a tennis court with results and match data laid on to the court surface.

The StarTracker optical tracking system gathers highly-precise tracking data, enabling studio cameras to be moved when overlaying augmented graphics.

The three cameras being used are two pedestals and one jib.

For both Mo-Sys and RT Software, this is the first time their AR technology has been in use at Wimbledon.

As well as giving the appearance of perspective and parallax to the ‘Magic Window’, camera moves include a passing shot from the glass plinth to reveal the presenters behind. Each camera feed is passed through RT’s render engine which drives both the player cut-outs and the magic window in real-time.

Mike Fredriksen, commercial director of RT Software said, “RT Software is delighted to be working with Moov at Wimbledon, providing the underlying graphics technology for the BBC’s studio AR graphics.

“RT Software has long since been associated with virtual studio and AR graphics at flagship BBC coverage including elections, Eurovision and key sporting events but this is our first Wimbledon. Working with Moov and Mo-Sys is always a pleasure and we are pleased the partnership yields such great-looking results.”