New RTL Netherlands News Studio Went Live With Orad Virtual Backdrop

The new RTL Netherlands News Studio went live using a unique integrated solution based on Orad graphics systems. The installation features three large virtual green panels, in which stunning video and graphics are perfectly keyed over thanks to Orad’s ProSet Virtual Studio and Maestro systems.

RTL Netherlands’ new News Studio went live with a backdrop solution utilizing Orad graphics.

RTL uses the Orad ProSet system to key the very high-resolution content over the three virtual panels, which are strategically located along the back of the real studio. The ProSet system extracts camera and lens parameters from each of the five studio cameras, flawlessly matching keyed graphics to the panels. To ensure graphics and video are always sharp, Orad’s high-quality Infuse internal chroma-keyer is used for keying. Augmented reality elements are also generated by ProSet, allowing RTL to create an even more appealing studio look.

The Orad HDVG4 rendering platform integrates with the five studio cameras to display high-resolution graphics and video content. The platform’s powerful engine renders in real-time complex 3D graphics sceneries. Full-screen graphics, lower thirds, tickers and other on-air graphics elements are controlled by the Orad Maestro control application.

With a holistic approach in mind, the playlist, including the virtual background and the on-air graphics, are generated by the Maestro News Producer plugin, which is embedded into the Avid iNews newsroom computer system. The rundown is controlled by Sony’s ELC studio automation system, which triggers the Maestro created playlist to air.

“We were adamant that we wanted all the advantages of a video wall, without an actual video wall. After an intense evaluation process, we found that only Orad was able to provide us with the required technology to realize the augmented video walls we dreamed of. We are very pleased with the visual results we can now achieve and the efficiency gains thanks to the integration between Orad’s Maestro and our automation system,” says Hank van de Loo, CTO at RTL Netherland.

Orad Expands North American Operations
Orad Hi-Tec Systems Ltd. announced the addition of Robert Kakareka and Scott Rogers to its North American operations. Robert Kakareka, who joins Orad as director of sales, southeast region, has spent the majority of his career in the broadcast industry most recently working for Pixel Power and Miranda Technology. Robert also has considerable experience with systems integration having spent time with Technical Innovations and Comprehensive Technical Group both out of Atlanta. Rob is a graduate of Southern Mississippi University.

Scott Rogers joins Orad as director of sales for the central region. Based in Chicago, Scott will manage the central US for Orad. Scott brings a strong background in system sales and a deep understanding of the broadcast workflow to the Orad team. His years of experience with Miranda Technology, Harris Broadcast, TVIPs and Sencore have allowed him to build strong relationships with many broadcast accounts in the central US.

“We are confident that the addition of both Robert and Scott to Orad will enable us to continue to increase our presence in North America,” says Avi Sharir, CEO and president of Orad.