Virtual Graphics

Overview

Flexible, fast and easy to use virtual graphics enhancements for sports and entertainment broadcasts, utilizing highly accurate image processing & virtual imaging technology.

Since the late 60's, the Hego Group have continuously developed leading-edge solutions for live TV graphics creation. From our heritage in delivering solutions for live sports graphics applications, our portfolio has grown to include everything from advanced news graphics systems, to cutting edge real-time 3D stereoscopic graphics and virtual graphics solutions.

The unique combination of focused hardware engineers and skilled software developers has given Hego the ability to consistently deliver the best possible solutions for our broadcast customers. Many of these solutions are offered today as well-proven products, highly appreciated by broadcasters all over the world with over 100 installations in 15 countries.

Products for Virtual Graphics

The compositing of graphics into live broadcasts making them seem to be an integral part of the scene is a compelling enhancement that Hego has mastered. Virtual Graphics are often complex and expensive to create for live TV productions requiring expensive camera sensors or heads to be used in conjunction with time-consuming calibrations for set-up.

Hego has tackled this challenge by developing a best of breed system that is capable of reliably inserting virtual graphics realistically into live TV, using just standard camera equipment and without the need for complex calibration processes. Both the AKI Virtual Placement and AKI Virtual Football products, employ Hego's advanced image-processing technology which is powerful enough that any virtual graphic can be inserted instantly and seamlessly into a live studio or sports field production after the few minutes of initial setup and calibration.

Application - Sport TV Enhancement

Sports fans are notorious for being the most devoted and the most demanding of TV viewers. They increasingly want to see ever more complex and detailed analysis on the field of play. Hego can provide these essential tools for enhancing a live sports production with incredibly agile and accurate tools.

Sports TV enhancements such as virtual lines in Athletics, distances to beat in Ski jumping, or Football enhancements such as distance to goal and defenders in free kick situations provide greater insight for audiences. Coupled with important sports information such as country flags virtually floating on a swimming lane lanes or club logos, match score or sponsor virtually painted on a rugby pitch, these virtual graphics enrich the whole experience.

Application - Product Placement

With advertisers constantly looking for new and innovative ways to reach their target audience, virtual graphics offers a compelling medium. The growth in use of Personal Video Recorders (PVRs) which are able to remove traditional advertising slots from recorded live TV makes this ever more challenging. Therefore, being able to embed product and brand messaging subtly into live TV is an approach to still reach the audience and even to associate brands with specific characters or personalities.

Virtual graphics also offers a new and exciting approach for traditional shopping channels wishing to enhance their sales messaging and product placement techniques in live productions.

Application - Live TV Shows

Whether it's a serious political analysis show, children's TV program, or a live entertainment event, using virtual graphics can enhance a production immensely. A 3D animated object of a graph, weather-map, children's cartoon character or a results table can help provide a more engaging experience with the audience and reinforce the messaging, information and entertainment factor.

Hego Group Production Services

With production teams all over Europe as well as North and South America, the Hego Group is always ready to take on virtual graphics assignments on a service basis. We have complete solutions for virtual graphics both for studio production and all major sports events.
We are no stranger to complex project environments, with a strong heritage in delivering highly reliable information management and data delivery systems at large events. This includes delivering mission-critical services for many national broadcasters and numerous high profile sporting events such as the Olympic Games, F1, as well as World and European Championships in almost every major sport.

With the Hego Group involved in thousands of live events each year, this gives us the extensive knowledge, experience and confidence in our staff and solutions to deliver whatever, wherever and whenever required.

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