Sony Electronics announced four new Crystal LED displays under the product name VERONA, purpose-built to meet the needs of virtual-production applications. Per the company, each new panel benefits from technology advancements developed over several years and supported by the guidance of filmmakers. Here, the goal lies in bringing new levels of quality and efficiency to in-camera VFX applications.
Enabling Seamless Virtual Production
Sony adds that the key to this was the development of a new Deep Black and Anti-Reflection Surface Technology. This technology can deliver deeper black-level expression. It also helps greatly reduce contrast loss caused by light from adjacent LED panels and studio-lighting equipment. Thus, the innovative technology significantly reduces the difference in contrast between the image projected on the LED display and the actor(s) performing in front of it on set. As a result, it blends virtual and real elements in a natural way, reducing time and cost required for post-shooting adjustments.
Additional Features
In addition to the black levels and low reflection, VERONA achieves a high brightness of 1,500 cd/m2 and wide color gamut covering more than 97% of DCI-P3, Sony says. This helps to increase the sense of realism of virtual-shooting locations. It also employs high performance LED drivers, which enable high refresh rates up to 7,680Hz. This then drastically reduces scanline artifacts on the camera.
Both new models, the ZRD-VP15EB/23EB and ZRD-VP15EM/23EM, are available in P1.56mm and P2.31mm pixel pitch.
For the new VERONA series of LED panels, Sony says it worked closely with industry leaders to create a new easy-installation 1:1 cabinet design. With this, production crews can quickly and efficiently assemble a display that matches the desired stage size. They feature large, easy grip handles, locating pins for easy alignment, and a lever-type locking mechanism which can be operated without tools.
Additionally, the series not only adapts to curved, hanging or stacked LED designs; but also the frames are stronger to support more weight, enabling self-stacking screens up to 23-feet high. Sony’s unique surface technology also protects the LED surface and edges; while the specifically designed protection mechanisms prevent damage during installation.
Bringing Together The Real and Virtual Realms
“As virtual production expands, Sony is uniquely positioned to provide an ecosystem of solutions — from our VENICE digital cinema cameras and Crystal LED displays — to the workflows and expertise creatives require,” says Kevin O’Connor, senior director, cinematic production solutions, Sony Electronics.
He adds, “The new purpose-built Crystal LED VERONA displays are a critical piece in creating virtual productions that marry the real and the virtual realms [in a frictionless manner]. Through the support of some of the most innovative filmmakers; we’ve developed a new high-quality technology that [will] simplify and enhance virtual production through its ease of use and compatibility while enabling powerful new forms of expression.”
According to Sony, VERONA can work with leading virtual production LED controllers. The ZRD-VP15EB/23EB works with Brompton Technology’s Tessera SX40. Meanwhile, the ZRD-VP15EM/23EM works with Megapixel’s HELIOS Processing Platform. The new ZRD-VP15EB model also sees a roughly 27% power consumption decrease when compared to the current ZRD-B15A model.
Per a statement, the launch follows Sony’s latest announcement of a new Virtual Production Tool Set designed to tackle common problems with virtual production and to support quality In-Camera VFX.
The launch features of the Tool Set include the Camera and Display Plugin and the Color Calibrator. The Camera and Display plugin uses Unreal Engine to connect the real and virtual worlds. As a result, it achieves synergy between hardware and software through a fully virtualized VENICE camera to aid in design, and visualize and refine the virtual production shots during PreVis.
The Color Calibrator tool also provides a simple and rapid process to calibrate display-to-camera color. This helps ensure that the LED panels match the specific camera’s color characteristics.
Making its debut at IBC in Amsterdam, the Sony VERONA series will become available in Spring 2024, the company states.
