A New Era of Broadcasting with Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
CBS Texas has introduced a groundbreaking augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) set, marking it as the only station in the region to offer this innovative technology. The new AR/VR set was launched on June 23, providing a fresh and immersive way to deliver weather and news content to audiences. This advancement allows viewers to feel more connected to the stories being told, enhancing their overall experience.
Each week, CBS Texas will feature a different individual who has played a role in the project or will be involved with it moving forward. This week, we spoke with Adam Bull, director of broadcast operations and engineering, to learn more about the technology and its impact.
How Does the Technology Work?
According to Adam Bull, the technology is quite advanced and can be likened to being in a video game. The process involves placing a person on a green screen, cutting them out, and digitally inserting them into a video game engine. This allows for seamless interaction with virtual objects.
The individuals using the technology wear an infrared tracker, enabling them to move around and interact with digital elements on the screen. They also look at monitors above and in front of them to see what they are doing. It takes some practice to make it seem like they are interacting with something that exists only in the virtual world. Meteorologists use an iPad to communicate with the system, sending commands such as bringing up a virtual monitor or changing the map on the floor.
The Effort Behind Launching the Set
Bull shared that the launch of this set required a significant amount of work. The IT team spent over six months on planning, construction, and rehearsals to bring the technology online. He noted that the team at the CBS San Francisco station, which pioneered this technology, took a couple of years to develop it. This highlights the complexity and dedication involved in implementing such advanced systems.
Excitement for the Future
Bull expressed his excitement about what the future holds for this technology. He believes that the creative minds from the news, weather, and sports teams will push the boundaries of what is possible. While the technology itself is impressive, Bull emphasized that the true value lies in its ability to create an immersive environment where storytellers can share their vision and take viewers on a virtual journey.
What Makes This Set Unique?
One of the standout features of this set is its versatility. Unlike traditional sets, nothing is “set in stone.” The same green set used for news and weather can be transformed into a sports set or even the Sistine Chapel with just a click of a mouse. As the team continues to explore the possibilities of this technology, there is no limit to where the storytellers might take the audience next. This flexibility opens up endless opportunities for creativity and innovation in broadcasting.