Racing TV migrates to a new virtual studio
Racecourse Media Group (RMG) has unveiled a new, high-end virtual studio, set up with the help of Timeline and Moov, which is destined to take horseracing TV coverage to the next level.
Supplied by Timeline TV, Mo-Sys StarTracker systems are in use in the new Racing TV virtual studio. Making a small studio appear to be a large studio is one of the many advantages of virtual production. StarTracker’s Sensor has a wide degree field of view, which enables it to cope with challenging camera angles in small spaces, and, of course, in larger spaces.
Built at the home of the Racing TV channel, at Ealing Studios, West London, the studio has been created in collaboration with Timeline TV, which has been RMG’s technical managed services provider since 2012, and MOOV, industry leaders in broadcast graphics and virtual studios.
It uses virtual technology from Unreal Engine and Brainstorm InfinitySet, originating from the gaming industry.
At a relatively small space (6m x 6m) the studio appears expansive in its virtual guise, with four operational areas. The Mo-Sys StarTracker system enables extra flexibility in camera angles, and the types of cameras, even jibs, that can be in the studio.
The over-riding objective of the new studio is to take viewers as close to the racecourse action as possible, without physically being there. The new studio will work as a hub by bringing in all of Racing TV’s race-day feeds, with reporters at every course, creating a ‘watch together’ racing community experience.
The studio has four specific zones:
- A main presentation desk for a panel of up to three guests per live programme
- A stand-up position with augmented reality big screen, to integrate data and analysis into panel discussions
- Timing information data area for analytical shows such as The Verdict
- A panoramic area for festival coverage and the new home for shows such as Luck on Sunday
Adam Binns, Director of Broadcast and Production at RMG, said: “The studio will enable Racing TV to deliver immersive and interactive horseracing presentation coverage to our audiences.
“The virtual and augmented reality environment helps us to keep the racing fraternity closely linked on an ongoing basis and will be the perfect platform for video-conferencing and other remote tools, which are so vital now.
We are very grateful for all the support and expertise which Timeline TV and MOOV have contributed to the project.”
David Harnett, Head of Operations at Timeline commented: “This has been a hugely collaborative project between RMG, MOOV and Timeline TV. Racing TV required a studio that would be flexible and adaptable to allow them to create different sets for a variety of their horseracing shows.
“We already work alongside MOOV at BT Sport’s Broadcast Centre, so we had no hesitation in collaborating with them and relied on their expertise and knowledge to deliver a truly immersive and innovative virtual reality studio.”
Commenting on the new virtual studio, Nev Appleton, co-founder of MOOV, said: “As we enter our 21st year, we are delighted to have worked with the Timeline team to create and deliver such an exciting and innovative virtual studio for Racing TV, which will further enrich the experience for all racing fans.
“Racecourse Media Group are focused on expanding the multi-platform presence of horse racing to help grow the sport in the UK and Ireland and this is something the MOOV and Timeline team are passionate about supporting.”
Racing TV broadcasts coverage of racing from 35 British, and 26 Irish, racecourses and is available in the UK on Sky, Virgin and Apple TV.
