Vizrt Introduces Viz MapBox 3D
By rdemott2
Created 09/06/2011 - 11:45
files/pictures/picture-35.jpgPress Release from Vizrt Ltd.
Bergen, Norway, September 5, 2011, Vizrt Ltd. (Oslo Main List: VIZ). As native HD production becomes the industry standard for news, sports, and weather, broadcasters increasingly need to be able to create realtime, 3D-animated HD maps as part of their graphics workflow.
At IBC2011—from September 9-13, 2011 in Amsterdam, RAI Hall 2, Stand A31—Vizrt will introduce Viz MapBox 3D, a “one-box” map production solution. Viz MapBox 3D packages all the hardware and software components broadcast news organizations need to create real-time, 3D-animated maps that geographically illustrate their HD/SD news, sports, and weather reports.
“Since major news stories can break anywhere in the world, broadcast maps are vital for informing viewers about the location and impact of global events,” said Petter Ole Jakobsen, CTO of Vizrt. “Visually rich, branded, 3D animated HD maps can help a broadcast news organization distinguish its live, online, and mobile news reports from those of competitors while reinforcing its image as a news leader.”
Integrated map creation workflow
The Viz MapBox 3D one-box solution includes the Viz World map creation server, Viz Artist animation software, Viz Trio live graphics generation system, as well as an innovative MapBuilder plug-in, and access to Microsoft’s Virtual Earth and the Bartholomew global map databases. Since this map creation system is fully integrated within the Viz graphics workflow, Viz World map templates can be accessed and controlled from within Viz Artist and Viz Trio, as well as Viz Content Pilot graphics playout system.
Viz MapBox 3D gives broadcast journalists, artists, and producers powerful, user-friendly tools with which to create visually dynamic, station-branded HD maps complete with 3D objects and animation. It offers a template-based workflow that lets artists and non-artists alike easily design and build maps within a full 3D environment complete with virtual cameras and lighting. By leveraging the (optional) high-performance renderer Viz Engine, 3D animated Viz World maps can playout live to air.
Upgrade opportunity for Viz Curious Maps users
Viz MapBox 3D represents a technological advance over Vizrt’s legacy 2D map creation product, Viz Curious Maps, which is limited to non-realtime performance due to its software renderer. But when Viz MapBox 3D is used in conjunction with Viz Engine, rendering speed is eight times faster than Curious Maps processing, enabling realtime playout.
Since Viz Curious Maps and Viz MapBox 3D are compatible, the hundreds of customers currently using Curious Maps worldwide may now upgrade to MapBox 3D to add realtime, 3D animation capabilities to their existing map creation workflow.
About Vizrt:
Vizrt provides real-time 3D graphics and asset management tools for the broadcast industry and media houses - from award-winning animations & maps to online publishing tools. Vizrt's products are used by the world's leading broadcasters and publishing houses, including: CNN, CBS, Fox, the BBC, BSkyB, ITN, ZDF, Star TV, Network 18, TV Today, CCTV, NHK, The Globe and Mail, Times Online, The Telegraph, and Welt Online. Furthermore, many world-class production houses and corporate institutions such as the Stock Exchanges in New York and London use Vizrt systems.
Vizrt is a public company traded on the Oslo Main List: VIZ, ISIN: IL0010838154.
