ENCO is unveiling an integration of virtual production and PTZ technology from its Qimera and RUSHWORKS product lines at IBC 2023, demonstrating the company’s powerful new live production momentum born through recent partnerships and acquisitions. Visitors to the ENCO stand can see the two technologies working with a 3D camera tracking system to enable augmented reality (AR) environments for live studio-based TV and visual radio productions.
ENCO acquired RUSHWORKS in January and was named the exclusive North American distributor for Qimera in June, adding two respected product brands that bring exciting new production capabilities to ENCO customers. The RUSHWORKS acquisition added a proven range of professional production, playback, streaming and robotics systems to ENCO’s range of live production and automation solutions, while the Qimera partnership added a suite of real-time compositing tools for virtual production sets and augmented reality graphics.
At IBC, ENCO is demonstrating how broadcasters can create appealing AR experiences for live broadcasts by blending Qimera’s compositing systems with the award-winning RUSHWORKS PTX Model 3 PRO pan/tilt head. Visitors can step into an AR environment with professional live graphics powered through Qimera’s Unreal Engine plug-in, with the PTX Model 3 PRO pan/tilt head ensuring a cinematic feel to the visual experience thanks to smooth, whisper-quiet operation. The resulting AR experiences are reflected on the walls and floors at ENCO’s stand and fully visualised on a large monitor so that visitors can precisely understand the AR production elements being used to bring the visuals to life. Qimera’s built-in video-switching technology will drive the visual output.
ENCO president Ken Frommert explains that ENCO has developed an AR production workflow that takes the complexity out of the equation. “We’re offering a complete solution that begins with a very simple user interface in the Qimera system and simple remote control of the content acquisition technologies,” he said. “For example, Qimera’s native plug-in to Unreal Engine makes it simpler for users of different skill levels to produce and manage graphics. There are no complicated coding requirements, and it comes down to clicking a few buttons. The RUSHWORKS technology makes it simple for all users to execute a variety of commands and manage positions while also providing users with the freedom to use their preferred cameras and lenses.”
Qimera’s real-time virtual production compositing tools were built with modern production workflows in mind, beginning with its easy and intuitive user interface. Editors can quickly create highly advanced virtual sets and augmented reality graphics thanks to its quick learning curve, and users can connect four cameras to a single server thanks to its built-in video switcher. The solution builds in lighting control with DMX IP, PTZ camera integration, a 3D assets library, realistic graphics via Unreal Engine, multi-layer composition, and a virtual crane among other features.
The RUSHWORKS PTX Model 3 PRO pan/tilt head features passthrough connections for SDI, HDMI, USB, DC camera power, and networking between cameras and lenses, minimizing stress between the base and arm. Made of steel and aluminum, the PTX Model 3 PRO provides a solid platform for smooth presets and on-air moves. The PTX Model 3 PRO provides the torque necessary for smoothly controlling most pro-grade camera/lens combinations, including models from Blackmagic Design, Canon, Panasonic/Lumix, Red, Arri, Sony, and more.
Stand 8.C73
