RT’s updates to its telestrator Tactic Pro 8.0, and to Swift Studio virtual studio and AR graphics, include accurate AI-based player identification and GPU accelerated software-based keying.
RT Software has made interesting and very practical updates to its telestrator suite Tactic Pro, now in version 8.0, and to the new release of Swift Studio, a virtual studio and augmented reality (AR) graphics application. These include accurate AI-based player identification and GPU accelerated software-based keying.
Tactic Pro 8.0 now has a Team ID feature within its set of AI-driven tools that automatically identifies the teams that players belong to with notable accuracy. This tool enhances the capabilities introduced by Player Detect, which automatically detects players on the field. Users are able to work more efficiently, and deliver sequences with highlight graphics attached to the players more precisely, than when this is done manually.
Team Formation
Building on this ability, Team ID improves on the workflow and accuracy by automatically identifying the teams of the players on the field. Users can then suggest the team formation being played, and in turn Tactic Pro adds the appropriate graphics to the identified players. This process effectively reduces the time required for operators to create detailed graphics sequences that show strategy, for example.
Another advantage of Team ID is its Team Dimensions functionality that visualises the longest length, width or overall shape of the team formations on the pitch. This can be enhanced further with automatic distance markers, and gives users more comprehensive, customisable graphic options.
Mike Fredriksen, RT Software's Commercial Director, remarked, "We are aware that broadcasters are constantly seeking competitive advantages to keep audience’s attention. Our investment in AI technology is driven by this desire. By automating time-consuming tasks, we enable users to focus on designing more insightful, engaging stories for viewers. It's rewarding to see how our software supports broadcasters in achieving superior results in a shorter time."
Swift Studio Updates for AR and Virtual Studios
The new version of Swift Studio, RT Software’s virtual studio and augmented reality (AR) graphics system was recently used to great effect in the South African general election at national broadcaster SABC, where the system powered AR graphics that kept the audience informed and engaged through election night.
Swift Studio can also be used for full virtual studio sets, where a green screen background is removed using a keyer. Until now, many broadcasters would opt for a separate hardware keyer to ensure the best-quality keying result. RT’s latest release of Swift Studio now includes its updated software keyer that reaches a level of performance that matches that of a separate hardware keyer.
Development Director Steve Hart said, "Our software has to work in real time and allow operators to adjust keying controls instantaneously as the lighting conditions change from moment to moment during live events. The application achieves this through use of the NVIDIA RTX A5000 GPU, making it possible to achieve high-quality results when keying virtual graphics during live broadcasts." With 24GB of GPU memory, the RTX A5000 improves data-transfer speeds from CPU memory for data-intensive tasks like keying.
Affordable Tools, Speed and Quality
"This update is all about developing affordable tools that do not compromise on broadcast quality. At the same time, the demands of broadcast leave no room for second chances during live events, which is why we've developed this approach that avoids the need to purchase a separate hardware device," Steve said.
Swift Studio can be integrated with many common types of camera-tracking systems and control protocols, giving flexibility to broadcasters wishing to extend their graphics into virtual studios or AR. RT Software is ready to advise on the best approach for integrated set-ups or, alternatively, a complete turnkey system can be built.
Finally, Swift Studio can also incorporate Unreal Engine graphics and combine them with native Swift graphics. This approach allows the broadcaster to retain a consistent look and user experience across the facility, and helps to make sure they can maintain high quality equipment without having to retrain operators on different user interfaces and workflows.
Professionals attending IBC2024 in September can visit the RT Software stand for live demos at the RAI in Amsterdam. rtsw.co.uk
