VIRTUAL STUDIOS AT GRANADA TELEVISION

MANCHESTER based Granada Television is continuing to take advantage of the latest developments and technological advances in the industry.
Granada recently placed an order for an inca virtual studio system from vi[z]rt, the integrated broadcast graphics solutions provider formed by the recent merger of RT-SET and Peak Broadcast Systems.
Guy Lewis, Head of Technical operations at Granada Television said: “This is a key product in the broadcast market. It is a truly versatile and affordable virtual studio system that will be used in the development of a number of new programmes. It will also enable us to greatly increase our studio efficiency and will allow our programme makers to be even more innovative.”
Granada’s selection of the inca 3D virtual studio system makes them the first commercial broadcaster in the UK to move into virtual production.
Supplied through vi[z]rt UK based reseller of virtual studio systems Metro Broadcast, the inca system will be used for a variety of programmes. It is the only windows-based, open architecture PC solution on the market, with a fully scaleable and upgradeable system.
David Zerah vi[z]rt Director of sales in Europe said: “This is a key project for vi[z]rt as we’ll be working with Granada to help create new types of programming using the inca system. We are anxious to begin work with them and see what type of programming possibilities emerge.”
Jim Richardson, Head of Sales for Granada said: “This tool is a great addition to our portfolio of facilities. It will allow us not only to provide other options for our broadcast customers but will also open other markets in the corporate, commercial design and new media sectors.”
vi[z]rt has also been selected by NBC for Live, On-Air Graphics Production. NBC’s Summer Olympic Games television coverage will feature real-time 3D digital video effects utilizing vi[z]rt’s solutions.
Previously known as Everest, vi[z] runs on either SGI platforms or Windows NT based PC systems and is ideal for real-time delivery of live news, sports, business, entertainment, weather and other programming in need of an enhanced graphics appearance.