Shotoku Broadcast Systems To Demo Free-d2 At NAB

Shotoku Broadcast Systems will demonstrate its latest solution of VR/AR tracking systems to the U.S. broadcast market at this year's NAB Show.

The new Free-d2 represents a new generation of tracking systems that do not require physical encoder devices attached to the camera support's moving axes. The solution is ideal for VR/AR news, sports and current affairs live studio productions. It uses advanced video processing algorithms and ceiling markers to determine the exact position and orientation of the studio camera.

The system's small Free-d2 camera is attached to the broadcast camera but does not interfere with normal operations, and constantly views the lighting grid area where markers are positioned. As it is directly attached to the camera, it means that any type of camera support can be used, including Steadicam or handheld cameras.

The low-cost markers are made of reflective material and can be placed anywhere within the studio lighting grid or ceiling area. Once an initial studio map is created, the system will typically never require calibration again.

In use, the Free-d2 camera only needs to see a small number of markers to calculate the position of the camera, so obstructions such as lights or any other ceiling equipment fittings do not interfere with operations.

James Eddershaw, sales director, Shotoku, said: "Shotoku is extremely excited to introduce Free-d2, our newest VR/AR tracking system, to the U.S. broadcast market. For many years, Shotoku has been providing broadcasters from around the world with a range of solutions in VR tracking, from simple 2D P&T heads to full-sized 3D systems based on pedestals, cranes and jibs. These systems provide precise, reliable, and easy-to-use hardware-based VR tracking data. Now, the free Free-d2 which was originally developed by engineers at BBC Research and Development, is the latest addition to the range but differs in concept to encoder-based hardware tracking. This latest addition extends our range of VR solutions."

www.shotoku.tv

(JP/MH)