Sony's Virtual Production Innovations at IBC2024

Sony is showcasing an updated Virtual Production Tool Set at IBC2024, designed to streamline virtual production workflows for broadcast and cinema. The toolset, consisting of the Camera and Display Plugin and Color Calibrator software applications, aims to make it easier to achieve predictable, high-quality results in virtual production.

Early this year, Sony showcased their Virtual Production Tool Set at the NAB Show. Here's our coverage:

Behind the Scenes

• The Camera and Display Plugin (v2.0) now supports additional broadcast and cinema cameras, including BURANO, FR7, HDC-3500, HDC-5500, and HDC-F5500, along with the VENICE series.

• The plugin allows productions to plan shots and leverage an improved custom Moire alert tool.

• Version 2.0 supports Epic Games' Unreal VCam, enabling intuitive camera control in virtual space using an iPad (currently compatible with VENICE series, BURANO, and FR7).

• Sony offers a paid license for Live Camera Sync, which instantly reflects changes in VENICE camera and lens settings in the Unreal Engine Sony virtual camera settings.

• The Color Calibrator (v2.0) creates correction LUTs to achieve high color reproduction in Virtual Production stages and performs color correction of installed LED walls.

• It supports color calibration via newly added camera models and includes a user guide for easier adjustments.

• Creating and exporting calibration LUTs requires a paid license.

The Takeaway

Sony's Virtual Production Tool Set updates demonstrate the company's commitment to making virtual production more accessible and efficient for broadcast and cinema professionals.

By expanding camera compatibility, integrating with Unreal Engine, and simplifying color calibration, Sony is positioning itself as a key player in the growing virtual production market.