Broadcast & Virtual Production Challenges We Solve
Every industry has unique requirements. Here's how Show Tech addresses the specific challenges of broadcast & virtual production LED production.
Camera Sync & Moiré Prevention
Broadcast LED must sync precisely with camera shutter angles. Mismatched refresh rates cause visible scan lines and moiré patterns on camera. Processor genlock configuration and panel refresh rates must align with your camera system's frame rate and shutter speed.
Virtual Production Processing Load
VP stages running Unreal Engine or Disguise require massive pixel throughput. A 270° LED volume at 2.5mm pitch can exceed 50 million pixels. Processor port allocation, fiber runs, and latency management become critical when real-time rendering meets live camera tracking.
Color Science & Gamut Matching
Camera sensors see color differently than the human eye. Rec.709 compliance, DCI-P3 coverage, and panel-to-panel color uniformity directly impact post-production costs. Wrong panel selection means hours of color correction or expensive reshoots.
Permanent Installation ROI
Studio LED is a 5-10 year capital investment. Over-specifying wastes budget; under-specifying limits future productions. Getting power infrastructure, processing headroom, and panel selection right on day one determines decade-long ROI.
Purpose-Built Solutions
High-Refresh Processing Calcs
Calculate processor port requirements for high refresh rate (3840Hz+) applications. Factor in genlock inputs, backup signal paths, and the additional bandwidth needed for HDR content pipelines.
Clean Power Architecture
Design isolated power distribution for noise-sensitive studio environments. Calculate UPS requirements for graceful shutdown protection and prevent ground loops that cause visible interference.
VP-Grade Panel Specs
Filter panels by scan rate, color gamut coverage, viewing angle, and HDR support. Compare on-axis vs. off-axis performance critical for curved LED volumes.
Redundancy Planning
Configure A/B signal paths, backup processors, and failover scenarios. Calculate the additional ports and cabling needed for broadcast-grade reliability.
Common Use Cases
- LED volume design for virtual production stages (Mandalorian-style)
- Broadcast studio backdrop and cyclorama walls
- XR stage processor and media server architecture
- News desk and weather wall permanent installations
- Live event broadcast with IMAG integration
- Film set LED backgrounds with Unreal Engine integration
“We spec'd three VP stages using Show Tech. The processor port calculations alone saved us from a major oversight—we would have been two ports short on our ceiling array without catching it in pre-production.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent moiré patterns on camera?
Moiré prevention requires matching panel refresh rate to camera shutter angle. Our processor calculations help you select refresh rates (typically 3840Hz or higher for broadcast) and verify your processing chain supports genlock to eliminate rolling scan line artifacts.
What pixel pitch should I use for virtual production?
VP stages typically use 2.6mm-2.9mm for rear walls where talent stands 3-4m away, and 1.5mm-1.9mm for floor tiles and close-up camera work. Our calculator factors in camera resolution and typical shooting distances to recommend appropriate pitch.
Does Show Tech calculate for curved LED volumes?
Yes. For concave/convex configurations, we calculate the additional processing load from curve-induced pixel density variations, structural mounting requirements, and recommend appropriate cabinets designed for curved installation (many standard panels don't curve).
How do I size processing for Unreal Engine / Disguise workflows?
VP workflows require low-latency signal paths with frame-sync capability. Our calculations factor in the ports needed for render cluster outputs, genlock distribution, and backup signal routing typical of production-grade VP facilities.
What about color calibration and uniformity?
We include panel-level color uniformity specs in our database. For broadcast applications, look for panels with <3% brightness uniformity and factory color calibration. Our specs help you compare panels before making a long-term investment.