Vizrt graphics solutions used for HD live productions in Japan

Following Japan’s requirement that broadcasters in three of its major cities (Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya) begin transmitting HD signals last year, the country has emerged as an HD production powerhouse.
Vizrt, the world’s leading producer of real-time 2D and true 3D graphics system for TV, has sold over 100 real-time HD and SD graphics systems to the top Japanese networks, since the government’s ruling last year. All of the country’s major broadcasters, including NHK, TV Asahi, Nippon TV, TBS, MBS, YTV, Nagoya TV, Fuji TV and many others now use Vizrt real-time broadcast graphics and virtual studio systems for live production.
For the network’s news, sports and special events coverage, TV Asahi deploys Vizrt’s Viz|Virtual Studio 3D virtual studio system, Viz|Artist real-time 3D animation software, and Viz|Engine 3D renderer with customized software.
As of July 24, 2011, all broadcasts in Japan will be in HDTV.
Chemmy Polak, Vizrt’s sales manager responsible for Japan, said: “High definition was introduced in Japan over 15 years ago, and Japanese broadcasters have always led the world in its adoption.
“Support for digital HD broadcasting is very important to the future of the nation’s top electronics manufactures, including Sony, Panasonic, JVC, Toshiba, and Hitachi. HD television sets are seen as a crucial source of future revenue for these companies. Japan is leading the way in what will quickly be the worldwide adoption and acceptance of high definition television production and transmission. Once viewers experience the difference between HDTV and their current, SD sets, they will also drive the transition.”
According to Polak, broadcasters in Japan represented 99% of Vizrt’s worldwide HD graphics sales throughout 2003. However, that has changed considerably over the past year with major HD graphics system sales into the US, Korea and Europe.
Visit the Visrt website at www.vizrt.com for further information.
(SP)