Planar, OptiTrack to Showcase Advanced Virtual Production, XR Tech at the 2022 NAB Show

Planar
(Image credit: Planar)

LAS VEGAS—Planar, a developer of visualization technology, and sister company OptiTrack, which specializes in  3D tracking systems, will demonstrate its range of production technology, from cutting-edge fine pitch LED display solutions for in-camera virtual production to state-of-the-art motion capture (Mocap) solutions for advanced camera tracking at the 2022 NAB Show in Las Vegas, April 24-27.

This year’s NAB Show marks the first major broadcast industry gathering since Planar launched Planar Studios in 2021. Specializing in virtual production (VP) and extended reality (XR), Planar Studios offers its customers the latest technologies in LED display and Mocap systems. The Planar Studios initiative leverages Planar’s fine pitch LED display solutions and ultra-precise tracking cameras and Mocap software from OptiTrack

“In an age where everyone can be a broadcaster and demand to authentically reach remote audiences is unprecedented, we’re thrilled to be presenting a truly unrivaled choice of LED display and Mocap technologies,” said Executive Vice President Adam Schmidt. “Our portfolio today is backed by decades of on-camera broadcast industry leadership, offering industry-leading solutions to support everything from live television broadcasts requiring bright, reliable and superior visual performance to breathtaking cinema production looking for flexible configuration and the fastest frame and refresh rates.”

At the show, Planar and OptiTrack will present a compelling VP and XR volume complete with fine pitch LED display technology, Mocap, lighting and dynamic virtual and physical scenery captured in vivid in-camera content. 

Planar’s booth will feature the following tech: 

  • Planar CarbonLight CLI VX Series LED displays, for the production of realistic on-camera and in-camera content, are available in 1.9 and 2.6 millimeter pixel pitches. Featuring models with Brompton and Colorlight controllers, the series supports hanging, wall-mounted, free-standing and curved LED video wall installations to integrate with broadcast as well as VP and XR studios. It features improved thermal management and uniformity, precise yet flexible color management and a wide color gamut for greater color compatibility. The LED refresh rate of 3840 Hz and frame rates ranging from 24 – 144 Hz, provides smooth motion and compatibility with a variety of camera settings, according to the company.
  • Planar CarbonLight CLF VX Series LED flooring features a 2.6 millimeter pixel pitch that can be used to create a high resolution, continuous canvas for on-camera scenes, virtually expanding physical environments. The square (500x500 millimeters), thin LED flooring panels feature carbon fiber frames with layered wear-proof masking to support up to 1,102 pounds per display, facilitating heavy loads.
  • Planar CarbonLight CLI Flex Series creates immersive and eye-catching smooth, concave or convex curved video walls. These pliable LED video wall displays can bend into curves with a radius as tight as 25 inches or 637 millimeters. Available in 1.3, 1.5, 1.9, 2.6 and 3.9 millimeter pixel pitches, the displays are ideal for applications requiring smooth curves, waves, halos or column wraps, the company said.
  • CinePuck, the first purpose-built tracking tool for VP, XR and broadcast studios, according to Planar, offers access to world-leading tracking accuracy and precision. CinePuck includes an all-new industrial grade IMU and ultra-bright wide-angle LEDs. The 6DoF IMU data is combined with optical data to produce a tracking result better than the sum of its parts, resulting in smooth tracking—even with significant occlusion, according to the company.
  • Planar DirectLight Ultra Series are premium fine pitch MicroLED video wall displays available in 0.6, 0.7, 0.9 and 1.2 millimeter pixel pitches. The series features models with MicroLEDs, off-board power supply, proprietary alignment technology and built-in processing to deliver always-on, high resolution display experiences for close viewing distances and the most refined applications.
  • The Planar TVF Series family of fine pitch LED video wall displays deliver superior on-camera performance with a wide range of refresh rates to ensure that it can be used with a variety of on-camera recording needs. The series offers models with fine pixel pitches from 0.9-2.5 millimeters and features a front service, cableless, stackable design that gives new meaning to multi-functionality and reduces the complexity of installation and vertical alignment.
  • Planar MGP Series seamless screens are suitable for replacing legacy display technology and make fine pitch LED an accessible alternative to formerly projection or tiled LCD applications, according to Planar. The fine pitch LED displays are available in 1.2, 1.5, 1.8 and 2.5 millimeter pixel pitches and feature a 27-inch diagonal, 16:9 cabinet that is designed to support full front-service, wall-mounted installation. 

Planar will be in Booth #N5914 in the North Hall of the LVCC.

Tom Butts

Tom has covered the broadcast technology market for the past 25 years, including three years handling member communications for the National Association of Broadcasters followed by a year as editor of Video Technology News and DTV Business executive newsletters for Phillips Publishing. In 1999 he launched digitalbroadcasting.com for internet B2B portal Verticalnet. He is also a charter member of the CTA's Academy of Digital TV Pioneers. Since 2001, he has been editor-in-chief of TV Tech (www.tvtech.com), the leading source of news and information on broadcast and related media technology and is a frequent contributor and moderator to the brand’s Tech Leadership events.