DAZN Italia has unveiled its second virtual studio as part of its ongoing Innovation Hub initiative. This expansion aims to enhance the platform’s live and on-demand production capabilities. The new facility, launched in early 2024, follows the successful introduction of an initial studio developed by NVP in collaboration with system integrator Video Progetti.
The first virtual studio, which became operational in just two months, is located within DAZN’s production centre in Cologno Monzese and spans 134 square meters. It features a U-shaped LED wall enhanced by a Unilumin LED floor, utilizing Brompton processors to ensure consistent colour performance and compatibility with high dynamic range (HDR) content. The entire workflow is coordinated through the Disguise platform, which manages media servers and render engines, facilitating a seamless mixed reality environment.
Second Studio Launches with Advanced Technology
The newly launched studio, measuring 500 square meters, incorporates a green screen environment supported by advanced infrastructure, including integrated sensors. In partnership with wTVision, the studio features the wVSet virtual set and augmented reality system. This collaboration allows for photorealistic environments combined with data-driven augmented reality graphics, leveraging the capabilities of Unreal Engine and wTVision’s R3 Space engine.
According to Ivan Pintabona, technical director at NVP, the establishment of this new studio signifies the completion of a strategic innovation path shared with DAZN. He emphasized that the goal is to pursue broader international projects, focusing on further integrated Innovation Hubs and remote centres. This is alongside the evolution of DAZN’s outside broadcast (OB) van fleet.
The production infrastructure of the new studio is fully compatible with DAZN’s existing broadcast galleries. It is equipped with four Grass Valley LDX 135 HDR cameras, Canon lenses, a HumanCrane Stype system for automated movements, and Redspy tracking technology for precise motion control. Additionally, the studio uses Ultimatte 12 4K for compositing and Sennheiser EW 6000 microphones featuring a Dante interface.
Video signals enhanced with virtual sets and augmented reality elements are transmitted via optical fibre to DAZN’s production centre. This setup ensures that the feeds processed maintain full operational continuity and adhere to broadcast-quality standards.
NVP’s innovative approach aims to deliver tailor-made, immediately operational production solutions, showcasing DAZN Italia’s commitment to advancing its technological capabilities. As the company continues to expand its Innovation Hub, it positions itself at the forefront of the evolving sports broadcasting landscape.
