Ncam updates Unreal Engine 5 plug-in for virtual production and broadcast pipelines

Ncam has unveiled new Unreal Engine 5 (UE5) support for its AR Suite plug-in, automating essential processes for teams creating professional virtual graphics and in-camera VFX.

“With AR Suite, artists can start working in UE5 in as little as 30 seconds, providing a fast path to one of the most powerful production tools on the planet,” said Nic Hatch, CEO at Ncam. “By automating time-intensive tasks like setup and compositing, studios can take full advantage of the new features in a way that makes UE5 feel even more accessible to artists working on real-time projects.”

Introduced in 2020, AR Suite provides an automated bridge that connects real-time tracking data to Unreal Engine, so film, TV and broadcast companies can deliver photorealistic virtual productions, AR content and more in the most seamless way possible. Production-proven, AR Suite has already been used on high-profile projects for Amazon, Warner Bros. and more.

With this new update, teams can link UE5’s most prized features to their tracking pipeline right away, without extra coding or system integrations. This includes UE5’s new Nanite geometry system, which enables the creation of massive 3D worlds without any noticeable loss in performance or fidelity. When combined with tools like Ncam Reality, productions can push the scale of live XR, real-time CG environments and more as they engage viewers and bring new efficiencies to the production process.

Currently, Ncam offers two versions of the plug-in: Lite, which is free from the Epic Marketplace, and Standard, which is extended with advanced rendering pipelines and provided as a separate installer to Ncam customers.

The new version also includes improved tracking data and video synchronisation. Timecodes no longer have to be embedded in the camera signal, benefitting customers working in the broadcast space where timecodes are less prevalent.

Ncam’s SDKLite protocol has also been added. Ncam Reality’s markerless setup allows for technician-free operation without the need to set up fiducials or markers. With SDKLite, users can also go wireless with UE5.

Also new is added support for Epic’s built-in lens distortion framework, giving customers more freedom over how they utilise Ncam in their projects.