Virtual production company Pixotope is introducing Live Controller, an all-in-one graphics control solution for broadcast virtual production workflows.
The solution is underpinned by Unreal Engine, and introduces reusable no-code templates and rundown-based virtual production workflows to all broadcast control rooms in a single-user software package, said Pixtope.
It means that any broadcast operation, regardless of size, can easily implement virtual production as part of its programming without bespoke engineering teams to synchronise the separate graphics pipelines needed to bring CG, AR, XR, and virtual sets together on air, added the company.
“Live Controller is just our latest step forward in making virtual production accessible to all broadcasters,” says Gideon Ferber, senior product director, motion and production graphics at Pixotope. “More than making the technology readily available, Live Controller flattens the learning curve that is often cited as a barrier to entry for broadcasters by creating a workflow that feels familiar and intuitive. The result is a streamlined graphics pipeline for operators and increased visual impact for viewers.”
The solution enables operators to use mix-and-match templates to build one-click rundowns across the entire graphics workflow, meaning they can control virtual studio, AR, and XR graphics side by side with CG.
Pixotope Live Controller is unique in that it is an intuitive and simple-to-use web-based centralised hub for all creative graphics that easily integrates with existing workflows and technology, added the company. It enables broadcasters to use templates to build playlists for individual shows, segments – and even the entire channel’s graphic workflow – out of any Unreal asset in a drag-and-drop motion in a centralised web-based dashboard.
These templates can be saved in a database and reused, allowing broadcasters to create playlists for their shows.
“In a market where audience attraction and retention is everything, we are ensuring that all broadcasters can leverage virtual production to remain competitive without the need for massive budget or resources,” added Pixotope CEO Marcus Brodersen. “The launch of Live Controller is an invitation to all broadcasters to embrace the future of storytelling by leveraging our expertise in bringing the power of Unreal Engine to broadcast workflows.”
