Vizrt, SMART and Barco selected by Thai Channel 3 for first fully interactive video backdrop
IBC Amsterdam - Channel 3, one of the top leading commercial channels in Bangkok, will soon deply the first fully interactive video backdrop, equipped with a touchscreen, to be used live in a news studio environment. The channel has selected Vizrt and Barco as technology suppliers for the groundbreaking backdrop.
The system installed at the Channel 3 facilities in Bangkok consists of twelve rear-projected 50” display cubes, in a 6 x 2 line-up, coupled with Vizrt’s Viz Content Pilot template graphics extended with the Viz Video Wall ER control software. The interactive backdrop is used within the news studio and plays a prominent role in both the afternoon and evening newscasts. The video backdrop will be equipped with SMART’s DViT touch screen technology, making it the first fully interactive screen to be used for live news broadcasts.
Steven Luys, Market Director/Broadcast at Barco explains the set up: “The display wall touch system is camera-based. Two infrared cameras are mounted in the corners of the display and recognize the position of a finger or pen with extreme precision. With this system, a weatherman, for example, can interact with pressure or wind charts on screen. Or a financial journalist can highlight stock price changes directly on the screen. This opens up new opportunities for more dynamic live news broadcasts. Channel 3 immediately recognized the potential of this brand new technology and today they are the first channel to have a fully operational video backdrop with touch screen technology.”
François Laborie, Executive Vice President at Vizrt comments: “Channel 3 wanted to offer their audience a first-class viewing experience. So instead of installing just another backdrop, we searched for ways to create more interaction between the presenters and very high-resolution graphics on the screen.” As a result, long-time Barco partner Vizrt recommended Channel 3 install an interactive backdrop. Laborie continues: “The system really marks the next step in the evolution of video walls in news studios. Employing the unlimited resolution of Viz Video Wall ER, Channel 3’s setup is an ideal demonstration of a video wall with the maximum level of definition and detail. Add to that the built-in scripting and interactivity features of Viz Artist, and this is an interactive backdrops other live news productions will soon emulate.”
Pravit Maleenont, Managing Director at Channel 3 concludes: “Barco and Vizrt are leading and trusted brands in broadcasting and so we did not hesitate to go with them for the video backdrop solution. Moreover, Vizrt’s real-time 3D graphics at extremely high resolutions unprecedented in the broadcast market, look amazing when displayed on Barco’s high quality video wall. Both companies’ excellent support structure were the other key differentiators in selecting them for the project.”
About Vizrt
Vizrt creates leading-edge content production tools for the digital media industry - From award-winning 3D graphics & maps to integrated video workflow solutions.
We propose a new vision for content creation and delivery with an end-to-end solution from conception to multi-format distribution. Through constant innovation and a good measure of fun, we create software and services that push creative boundaries and develop new ways of telling stories.
Vizrt’s product suite is used by the world’s leading broadcasters including: CNN, CBS, Fox, BBC, Sky, ITN, ZDF, Star TV, Network 18, TV Today, CCTV and NHK. Also, many world-class production houses and corporate institutions, including both the New York and London Stock Exchanges, utilize Vizrt solutions.
Vizrt is a public company traded on the Frankfurt Prime Standard and on the Oslo Main List: VIZ, ISIN: IL0010838154.
About Barco
Barco, a global technology company, designs and develops visualization products for a variety of selected professional markets. Barco has its own facilities for Sales & Marketing, Customer Support, R&D and Manufacturing in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. Barco (NYSE Euronext Brussels: BAR) is active in more than 90 countries with about 3600 employees worldwide. Barco posted sales of euro 747 million in 2007.
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