ATG Danmon integrates tracking system into ITN's main news studio

The solution adopted is Stype's RedSpy tracking system with ITN's existing Sony cameras and Vizrt's virtual studio graphics.

ATG Danmon just completed the integration of a robotic system with camera tracking for the main news studio at the headquarters of ITN in London. The solution adopted is the tracking system RedSpy the Support with the cameras Sony existing ITN and virtual studio charts from Vizrt. The new system replaces a third-party solution that was nearing the end of its useful life.

Russell Peirson-Hagger, MD at ATG Danmon, assures that “when ITN presented their needs to us, we shared them with the virtual study specialist Alex Roriz. Alex is the CEO of Vantec one of our associated companies within the Danmon group. He recommended that we consider Stype's RedSpy solution, which had been successfully deployed by a number of broadcasters, most notably for their coverage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. We investigated the various options at NAB 2018 and, following several discussions with ITN and demonstrations at IBC 2018, ITN agreed that RedSpy was the best option.”

"We worked closely with ITN and Stype to ensure full compatibility with the Vizrt graphics processor. The graphics system was upgraded by ITN prior to the installation of RedSpy. Being ITN's national news studio, it was decided that the rollout should take place over a weekend, starting after the Friday night bulletin and ending no later than the Monday morning bulletin," he adds.

"The RedSpy integration involved mounting cameras with infrared sensors on five existing ITN camera systems. The installation began with the placement of new markers in the studio and the calibration of the two types of lenses currently in use. Three sensors and processors are connected to the cameras and lenses mounted on pedestals. A fourth system has been mounted to a camera and lens on a Jimmy Jib and the fifth has been fixed to a handheld camera and lens using a 25 meter fiber cable supplied by Stype, with a remote processor.

Mapping is a vital element of any virtual studio system. This involved moving the cameras around the studio to create a full 3D map of the markers.

"The project was successfully completed with the new system on air ready for the Sunday night newscast. The success of the deployment was down to the hard work and cooperation between the ITN, ATG Danmon and Stype teams," acknowledges Russell Peirson-Hagger.