Come to Old Kent
Sit back.
Live computer-generated setting on
screen. Presenters may walk about in a
bare set, but viewers see them in a
proper three-dimensional environment
surrounded by props. And, unlike
shows that involve computer graphics
today, shooting can be done in real-
time and there is no need for post- -
production processes.
"One thing that unfortunately has-
n't become digital or computerized in
TV stations and production houses is
set building," says Shalom Nachshon,
45, president and CEO of RT-Set.
"It's an expensive business and studios
spend large amounts of time and labor
on set construction and maintenance.
You also need big warehouses and
costly tools to move sets from place to
place." At some studios, set budgets
can average $1 million a year.
"The virtual studio eliminates the
need for props or sets because the
computer creates them. You just load
in what set you want, whether it's for
the news or a game show. When
you've finished, you push a button
and the set changes in a second. The
studio can actually be small; it's the
computer that generates size and rich-
ness."
Aside from saving money,
Nachshon says the system also encour-
ages creativity. "Most fancy shows are
limited because of the complexity of
moving and operating sets. With this
system you can add special effects,
such as explosions or people floating
through walls, and it's all live-to-air
shooting [live shows]."
For presenters, however, the system
does present challenges. They are, after
all, working in a vacuum.
Nachshon insists they soon get used
to it. "It's easier than expected.
Because it's in real-time they have
immediate feedback. There are moni-
tors in front, and they can see them-
selves in the virtual world. At the
beginning; everyone is hesitant, but
afterward they love it."
It was Nachshon who unearthed
the idea of the virtual studio. A former
air force pilot, like many of BVR's
employees, he was brought in to BVR
in 1993 to find new commercial
applications for BVR's sophisticated
3-D simulators.
For six months, Nachshon explored
the market, turning up some 25
potential applications in medicine,
entertainment, education and indus-
try. After deliberation, BVR chose the
virtual studio.
It was an obvious choice, says
Nachshon. "First, it's big business. We
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OLD /(ENT
MEMBER FDIC
COLD KENT BANK 1998
1/9
1998
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