Advances in how 3D spaces and objects are captured to create immersive, interactive content are helping redefine how stories are told and experienced. Integrating volumetric capture into mainstream media however requires a new set of skills, blending creative storytelling with advanced technical knowledge.
Unlike traditional video, which is confined to a 2D plane, volumetric video provides the added dimensions of depth and volume, making it possible to interact with digital objects in ways that were previously not possible. Objects such as a coffee cup can be digitally captured in 3D and placed within a virtual environment almost in the same way a practical prop can be placed within an actual set. This technology has many applications for virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), virtual production (VP) and mixed reality (MR).
Several technologies underpin volumetric capture, including photogrammetry, Gaussian splatting, and 4D capture. Photogrammetry involves taking multiple photographs of an object or scene from different angles and stitching them together to create a 3D model. Gaussian splatting, a more recent innovation, creates a point cloud where each point represents a small, textured circle. This method is lightweight and efficient, making it suitable for real-time applications. The cutting-edge 4D capture extends this technology to the 4th dimension of time, making it possible to capture animated content volumetrically, providing enhanced options for animation...
You are not signed in.
Only registered users can view this article.
.jpg)
AI through the looking glass: Digital natives
When it comes to AI, the M&E industry should take a more active interest in the views of its young people if it wants them to remain part of it, writes James McKeown.
NAB preview: Agentic AI poised to steal the show
New imaging technologies, AI creative mates and wrestlers await visitors to Las Vegas while America’s free press is under attack.
Inside virtual production’s latest processing and toolset innovations
Advances in GPU capability and algorithms are among the developments allowing ‘more to be done with less’ as virtual production technology and techniques continue to evolve, writes David Davies.
Content Everywhere: Getting (more) personal in the AI era
Content Everywhere companies cite service personalisation as an area in which artificial intelligence (AI) and data will play an increasingly transformative role in the highly competitive streaming market.
/Hero Shot - LED Wall at NFTS Virtual_Launch_0128 (1).jpg)
Level up: Addressing the skills gap in virtual production
As virtual production technology becomes more ubiquitous, the need for real-world training and development for professionals of all levels becomes paramount. John Maxwell Hobbs explores the education and training programmes on offer from academic institutions and industry organisations.
.jpg)