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LIVE
the REAL Virtual Set
Live on-air video production using the best available computer and video technology to bring virtual worlds to reality in real time.
The ELSET LIVE system from Accom is an on-air production system that enables program producers the ultimate flexibility in completing video productions. ELSET LIVE is a set creation and real time display system providing a seamless link between the virtual world and the real world. By blending live images with true three dimensional objects from a Silicon Graphics computer, ELSET LIVE produces a realistic environment that comes to life in all aspects of texture, depth and perspective.
Accom has a full line of ELSET virtual set systems that can be operated on Silicon Graphics computers, as well as PCs running Windows NT, giving the option of live, near-live or off-line program production. With the industrys widest range of virtual set systems, ELSET has a solution for virtually every professional video producer.
ELSET LIVE virtual sets begin with your concepts and your creativity. Imagine building sets without the constraints of size, materials or other physical limitations. You create the set objects using readily available AD modeling packages like Alias / Wavefront, Softimage or AD Studio Max. Set textures can also be "painted" using standard computer-based programs such as Adobe Photoshop. Next, the models are imported into the ELSET LIVE Realistic Set Builder software for scene processing. Once the set is processed, youre then ready to use the set with live actors and physical props. You can even include complex, hierarchical AD animations to enhance your s
Completing a video production using ELSET LIVE will utilize your existing studio equipment. In fact, besides the ELSET LIVE system, the biggest change to your facility will be lots of blue chroma key paint. Thats because the entire process is based on a total "blue-screen" stage in which your actors perform, and which your chroma-keyers bring to life. While the actors (or "real" set pieces) are lit for chroma key, all of the AD models are lit in the ELSET LIVE virtual world. The actor and real set position information comes from your cameras. In this way, what the camera "sees" in your physical studio is linked in precise perspective to the computer models in real time. Virtual sets can be changed in seconds and scenes re-shot in a fraction of the time needed for physical sets. New virtual sets can be quickly "built" utilizing components of existing set models or from standard libraries.
ELSET has the most realistic looking sets in the industry because of its architecture which embodies our philosophy of an open system. ELSET takes advantage of the advancements in 3D graphics tools and computer platforms, providing an environment for users to create the best looking, most realistic sets possible. One example is ELSETs unique automated texture rendering concept, AutoTex, which enables users to create and light sets under their favorite modeling and rendering packages, such as Alias, Softimage, A\W explore, Lightscape and others. Thanks to AutoTex, sets running in an ELSET system are displayed with their rendered textures retaining the original high quality look intended by the graphic artist. Other systems do not take this approach, often yielding results which are "cartoonish" in appearance. It is due to this concept that ELSET sets are widely acknowledged as the best.
ELSET realism is also due to the care that has been given to including true AD objects, excellent lighting tools, depth of field, and precise calibration of all virtual studio surfaces to real physical surfaces. With ELSET, all camera head and lens movements are perfectly coupled to changes in perspective in the virtual set. In this way, any camera or live movement is seamless and realistic.
For more information, see also:
POST
for SGI O2, Impact, or
Octane
LIVE-NT
for WindowsNT PC with the Real3D
Graphics Engine
POST-NT for WindowsNT PC running Studio 3DMax
Accom is a registered trademark of Accom, Inc. ELSET is a trademark of Accom, Inc. All other product and company names are the property of their respective owners.
rev. 5/2/97
SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE