RT Software works with Ncam to reduce VR prep time

RT Software has announced support of Ncam Technologies (Ncam) camera tracking within its tOG-VR3d solution for virtual studios, augmented reality and sports stadium on-pitch graphics. Ncam real-time camera tracking enables live virtual broadcast graphics in studio or on location, with one of the key benefits being the range of camera mounts supported — supplementing the more established support for ptz heads, jibs & cranes with handheld, Spider Cam and Steadicam options.

This combines with the quality of graphics possible with RT Software’s rendering capabilities, resulting in a compelling real time broadcast experience combining the real with the virtual.

RT Software has gone beyond the support of Ncam’s Free-D protocol and claims to be the first broadcast graphics company to integrate its SDK. This provides a rich real-time data stream including timecode, optical parameters, distortion maps and parametric camera models plus support for future features. The most immediate benefit of this is a fast procedure for working with lenses new to the system.

“We are seeing increasing demand from all tiers of broadcasters for virtual and augmented graphics,” said Mike Fredriksen, Commercial Director, RT Software. “And increasingly our clients are looking for high production values. In the studio that can mean quick rig/derig times, flexibility on the choice of camera mounts and in the stadiums that might involve putting graphics on the pitch in new and exciting ways using spider cams and the like. Ncam is unique in that can deliver in these traditionally difficult to achieve aspects of VR”.

“The success of the RT Software integration is fantastic news,” said Kingsley Cook, Business Development Executive, Ncam Technologies. “The emergence of virtual broadcasting is beginning to rapidly take centre stage across the world, with many networks now seeking out new ways in which to rapidly deploy not only a superior quality of graphics but a more challenging visualisation of VR/AR.”