Orad Takes Virtual Studio Photorealism To The Next Level

Orad Hi-Tec Systems Limited, a leading provider of 3D real time graphic solutions announced the new version of its ProSet virtual studio system, which allows the insertion of semi transparent objects into the virtual studio.
The company said that virtual studios had suffered from a technical problem negatively effecting realism: virtual objects placed in front of real objects had to be always completely opaque. Transparent objects made the actors and real elements of the virtual studio look translucent.
Orad's new solution allows the insertion of semi transparent 3D graphical elements into the virtual studio by separating the alpha and graphics from the background enabling complete multi-layer compositing.
ProSet enables the object in the foreground to have a separate alpha and graphics input from those in the background, providing full control over the transparency of the foreground object without affecting the other elements in the virtual studio.
The new version of ProSet is also equipped with a soft garbage matte feature. Orad said that often in virtual studio productions, the camera pans out of the blue or green box area; this off box area is typically masked using garbage matte.
However, the edges of the blue box are frequently visible on the composite image as visible lines, making the difference in brightness between the keyed area and garbage matte very visible.
The soft garbage matte feature addresses this issue, providing a seamlessly soft and blended image.
This unique solution is fully supported by Ultimatte 11.
Mr Avi Sharir, CEO and President of Orad: "We are pleased to offer our customers new and unique tools to continually improve their virtual studio productions. This new solution helps us maintain our presence at the forefront of the 3D broadcasting graphics and virtual studio market."
The complete digital graphic workflow solution was demonstrated at NAB 2008 in Las Vegas at Stand SU1920.
Founded in 1993, Orad is a leading company in TV graphics and production technology.
Orad's product line includes virtual sets, on-air graphics systems, channel branding, virtual advertising, sports production solutions and hardware for the virtual reality industry.
Further information is available at: www.orad.tv.
(KMcA/JM)