IBC 2019: Mobile Viewpoint to launch new features for VPilot suite

Mobile Viewpoint has announced significant new features for its VPilot live production platform, which will be showcased at IBC and at SVG Europe’s Sport Production Summit 2019.

VPilot uses artificial intelligence (AI) to automate live productions and is now available in two specific configurations: a lite version which consists of three cameras, aimed at lone reporters and bloggers, event productions, and ‘visual’ radio shows; and a premium version which consists of up to 10 cameras, supporting studio and live event coverage.

VPilot gives automated productions even greater depth and flexibility. VPilot also now features voice recognition as a means of automating overlays based on who is speaking.

VPilot’s new configurations suit a wide range of use cases and applications. The lite configuration targets journalists, bloggers, radio shows and event organisers, to support live event and interview productions, where three PTZ cameras can sufficiently support production.

The premium configuration effectively operates as a standalone studio that can be set up anywhere, supporting up to as many as 10 PTZ cameras which automatically point to those speaking – for instance news anchor or guests – by using AI algorithms to analyse audio, voice recognition, auto-cue and 3D sensor inputs.

Voice recognition technology on both configurations can be used to automate insertion of name tags and captions, or insert overlays, for example for participants joining a live broadcast by phone.

Both VPilot configurations are complemented by Mobile Viewpoint’s VPanel. VPanel is an automated studio control box that supports the seamless and full automation of studio productions. VPanel allows the user to train the system through manual direction and makes it possible to intervene when a shot is not meeting the desired outcome of the production. It also offers full control of the rundown functionality – which can be changed on the fly by the presenter or editor – and supports switching to external feeds in the field, Skype connections and other video feeds, as well as video and graphics overlay.

“Consumers’ insatiable demand for content is driving new use cases, from ‘visual’ radio programmes that show presenters and guests live on air, to newspapers whose reporters take to the streets to interview experts and video live events as they happen,” said Michel Bais, CEO of Mobile Viewpoint.

“With our latest updates to our VPilot solution, we make it possible for everybody to be their own news, TV or radio channel, giving them the tools they need to create professional productions. VPilot increases the flexibility and reduces the costs associated with content production, and with unique features like AI and automated script rundown, the solution is able to bring a whole new world of live TV to consumers,” concluded Bais.

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Mobile Viewpoint’s vPilot will also be featured at Sport Production Summit 2019 on 12 September.