Bunkyo University

A State-of-the-Art Virtual Studio Modernized with Camera Tracking System

Studio A - Control Room/ Control Desk

Background

Bunkyo University Shonan campus has around 40 years of history. It was the first campus to establish the Faculty of Information and Communications in Japan, as well as the Faculties of International Studies, Business Administration and Health and Nutrition.
The Department of Media and Communications, which uses the state-of-the-art virtual studio that Totsu introduced, is known for producing many talents for the broadcasting industry and other media-related companies.
We were in charge of the studio’s overall renovation process, from system consulting to design and construction, following the studio’s renewal in March 2019.

Systems

◆Concept

The concept of the renovated studio is to enable the production of high-quality contents with minimum operation, while having the latest broadcasting production technology. By building such a system with an IP network, which has become commonly used in broadcasting systems, the devices in the studio can be easily connected to each other via Ethernet and WiFi without relying on VTR or any other special equipment. On top of this, by allowing the servers of the Information System Division to be linked and the data to be exchanged with the CG classrooms without going through any medium, the studio becomes more convenient. The goal was to make it possible to create contents across departments and to increase studio utilization.

Studio A

◆SYSTEM - Newtek TriCaster TC1 as the Core of Studio A

As the main equipment, Newtek’s TriCaster adopts a live production system and integrates necessary functions for content creation, such as video switching, VTR, audio mixing, titler, etc. for quick access. By using an Apple iPad, the sub-switcher function and the audio mixer function can also be separated from the TriCaster and operated remotely. In addition, two lines of Skype TX, a professional version of Skype which enables real-time broadcasting without incurring any costs, can help realize content production in liaison with remote campuses and other universities. The studio supports various streaming broadcasts, including Youtube, and is also compatible with internet live streaming.

Studio A - Control Room/ Tricaster

Studio A - Control Room/AV Rack

◆Virtual Studio with 2-Way System

Bunkyo University’s virtual studio system linked to the movements of the cameras has been modernized. The highlight is the adoption of the system by Vizrt which is used by broadcasting stations all over the world. The system synthesizes with CG in real-time in conjunction with the movements of the studio’s three cameras and lenses. It enables content creation in coordination as the CG data can import content created in a CG classroom. The latest image processing method is applied to camera tracking, and the camera position and tilt are detected by reading the pattern sheets under the cameras. Unlike the mechanical tracking method in the past, the set-up time is now 1 minute or less. As such, the amount of preparation time before starting the classes has been largely reduced. In addition, TriCaster TC1’s built-in simple virtual function also helps composite content to be created easily even by non-experts. In this way the studio is not limited to just the Department of Media and Communications, and can be used by other departments in the university, thereby contributing to improved studio utilization.

Studio A - Virtual System

◆Digital Recording in Sound Studio

Studio B is a recording studio. Avid ProTools, which is the industry standard for editing audio, is used as the core feature of the studio and connected to the digital mixer BEHRINGER X32, through a USB cable to exchange 32in/ 32out data. The mixer can be used both as a fader for recording and as a fader controller for ProTools operation. In addition to local or network file input and output, an iPhone or USB memory stick can be connected, allowing students to easily access the system with their contents.

Studio B - Control Room

Studio B - Control Room/ Audio Mixer

Testimonials

“We are able to create a wider range of contents by renewing our equipment and adding more functions in the studio. In particular, the new virtual system which works together with the cameras is easy to set up and has made the studio accessible to even more people. It has made content production a more enjoyable experience.”

Reproduction or use of the photographs is prohibited.

Photos: Totsu Sangyo Co., Ltd.