Prototype video technology provides ultimate angles

The camera turns the input from fixed cameras into a 3d space where the director or cameraman has the total freedom to choose any angle or distance to the action. According to imec, directors can easily steer anywhere to find the ultimate angle. iVC is also unique because it allows real time advanced image manipulation on still shots, slow motion and even live video feed. iVC is handled via a remote control panel comparable to that of a regular boom camera or spider cam, enabling straightforward manipulation of the virtual camera. The Virtual Camera brings new possibilities in sports, concerts or performance broadcasting whereby users can 'move' anywhere to view and also zoom in to particular sections. Imec Virtual Camera is a fully operational prototype that is now ready for licensing. Timo Koch, managing director at Outside Broadcast, one of Europe's leading outside broadcasting companies and imec's partner in the development of iVC, said: "In our permanent search for new technologies to incorporate in our offering, we are proud to have been part of the imec Virtual Camera project, which can become a revolutionary product in the future professional broadcasting market. iVC will allow us to automate some standard camera positions and movements and could replace cameras that are only used for specific replay angles. iVC is the ultimate tool to offer angles that have never been shown before. These are just a few examples of how iVC can enrich the live coverage of different sports and music events. On another level, iVC is the ideal tool to generate the perfect stereoscopic image the broadcasting industry actually is looking for."