In Broadcast - November 2020 - 40

40

www.inbroadcast.com | Vol: 10 - Issue 11 | November 2020

InStudio

multiCAM Expands Robotics Focus,
Offers Immersive World
SPIRIT robotics range, paired with BACKDROP, AIRBRIDGE and
PILOT, offers all-in-one enveloping alternative...

P

aris-based multiCAM systems
specializes in the design of
simplified multi-camera automated
production systems for "non-technical"
people. Since its launch in 2010, the
company has gradually grown and
expanded its focus.
While in its early days the firm
strived to reach the education, medical
and conference markets, today it has
enlarged its scope to include radio
and TV broadcasters. To this end, a
recent joint project involving France
Télévisions and Radio France has
allowed multiCAM to develop and
adapt its solutions to fit the broadcast
industry's specific requirements.
To add to its well-established allin-one production systems, multiCAM
recently purchased French firm
Polyscope, which manufactures the
now named SPIRIT line of robotic
systems. Specifically designed for
broadcasters, the range comprises
dollies, sliders, lifts and heads, and
allows operators to create smooth
shots for the coverage of sports
reporting, concerts and live events, for
example.
Through the use of tracking
technologies, SPIRIT easily and
smoothly interfaces with virtual
production solutions, such as Unreal
Engine. Thanks to native Free-D
protocol-compatibility and an optional
simplified tracking device for easy
positioning, all SPIRIT robots are
virtual production-ready.
A Broadcast Microcosm
In order to offer a full, immersive
all-in-one universe to its clients,
multiCAM's
products,
including
AIRBRIDGE, BACKDROP and PILOT,
integrate seamlessly to achieve one
main goal: Simplify the broadcasters'
world and ease the task of creating
compelling content - even for nontechnical staff.
BACKDROP is a virtual background
tool for radio, podcast, small Web TV
or automated broadcast productions.
It creates an optical illusion in a studio
by projecting 3D graphics onto LED
or screen walls. "What sparked our
interest in this technology was that it

BACKDROP - virtual
background tool

offers vast possibilities to adapt it to
the needs of television productions or
any other multi-camera sets," explains
Stan Walbert, CEO and marketing
director for multiCAM.
"Faced with an ever-increasing
demand for us to develop solutions
dedicated to automated sets with a
green background, we quickly realized
that LED screen technology combined
with our mastery of the Unreal Engine
could open doors to this market, where
few players are present," he said.
Used in combination with fixed or
moving PTZ cameras, the system
requires tracking data only when
there is movement with a robotic
system. What's more, station staff
can use BACKDROP with LED screen
walls or even thin-board screens
depending on available resources
and space. Powered by DreamCorp,
BACKDROP
synchronizes
with
multiCAM equipment. It is fully
automated and lets operators control
the scene, change the set and make
widgets appear, offering viewers an
unprecedented immersive experience.
BACKDROP is suitable for small
studios. The standard version comes
with a dedicated server that can

connect to three screens or a 4K global
signal to feed the wall processor.
The BACKDROP+ version is designed
for larger studios and features
advanced functionalities and an
adaptable platform. The system
integrates with Panasonic and Sony
PTZ cameras via the FreeD protocol,
so that position and lens information
can be applied to the virtual cameras
in realtime.
For those seeking an even higherend solution, multiCAM employs the
SPIRIT line of robotic heads combined
with Sony P50 cameras and digital
optics.

A Complete Package
To simplify overall operations
and create a seamless workflow - in
short a total broadcast universe
- multiCAM also offers AIRBRIDGE+
a hardware-based video controller,
call-in manager, CG and streaming
engine. This all-in-one solution easily
and cost-effectively provides all the
functionalities a broadcaster needs
to become a dynamic multimedia
station, thanks to AIRBRIDGE+'s direct
communication with BACKDROP+ to
display remote guests in the virtual
set.
In addition, the multiCAM PILOT
provides an intuitive and efficient
way to smoothly control robotics and
cameras.
The system's versatile and dynamic
thumbnail scheme allows operators
to update shots in just one click and
choose between different operating
modes. What's more, multiCAM PILOT's
sequence programming permits users
to seamlessly synchronize the timing
of all the robotics gear.
During the live session it's also
possible to adjust these times to
achieve perfect and seemingly
effortless movements.
"multiCAM continues to develop
solutions
to
streamline
the
broadcaster's task, from start to finish.
Constant interaction with our clients
has been the key for us to ensure we
provide solutions they need and that
respond to today's rapidly changing
media landscape," Walbert concluded.
"We offer an immersive universe with
simplified solutions and an integrated
workflow, giving producers all the
necessary tools to create immersive
programs. With our products, they're
able to leave the technical aspects
up to us so they have the freedom to
concentrate on their creativity."

AIRBRIDGE+ hardware-based video controller, call-in manager, CG and streaming engine
http://www.inbroadcast.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gh9GHGqZTuk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gh9GHGqZTuk https://multicam-systems.com/multicam-airbridge/
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