Rio 2016: RAI Utilizes Brainstorm Virtual Studio Systems To Boost Olympics Programming

Italian public broadcaster Radiotelevisione Italiana (RAI) will use six of Brainstorm’s eStudio virtual studio applications to enhance its coverage at Rio 2016 with Augmented Reality applications and smart data displayed at different locations. RAI has deployed numerous staff and equipment on-site, including two Brainstorm powered Virtual Reality studios to provide the program output both to RAI 2 and also RAI Sports 1 and 2. 

Both VR studios run on a number of Brainstorm’s eStudio, which are installed on purpose-built FOR-A workstations with internal adjustable delays and with tracking systems customized by Tecnopoint and Cartoni. The workstations receive video feeds from several studio cameras plus external live input from cameras located at the Olympic Stadium and the swimming pool at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium in Barra da Tijuca.

Brainstorm’s eStudio toolset provides solutions for all real-time graphics requirements and, due to its powerful capabilities, open architecture and versatility, enables both design and real-time playout of virtual studios and 3D graphics.

According to Davide Meda, RAI’s Senior Graphics Producer, “Following the resounding success of the ‘The Voice’ program based on the Brainstorm eStudio virtual studio application together with FOR-A and other products, we thought that the Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro would be an excellent opportunity to enhance our sports programing output built on the same Brainstorm virtual studio and augmented reality content to provide our viewers with the best, visually engaging and exciting live content from the Games.”

“We are delighted that eStudio is at the forefront of the impressive coverage RAI has prepared for the Games,” says David Alexander, Brainstorm’s Commercial Director. “The raw power and versatility of eStudio are paramount in ensuring complex sports programs provide amazing results, and we are proud to be involved at this hugely important sports event thanks to RAI’s use of the Brainstorm products.”