xplor worked with ITV on the development of the broadcaster’s new studio in Covent Garden, which successfully launched in January and features a 360-degree set with LED walls, allowing rapid turnarounds between shows. The Yorkshire based consultancy led the design and integration of the LED panels which now form the backdrop for the three different TV sets. As the studio has evolved, xplor has worked with the teams involved to develop a deeper understanding of how large-format LED processing systems, real-time rendering technologies and broadcast production infrastructure must operate together to meet the reliability standards expected of live television.

Now xplor is working with the studio teams on the next phase of development, which is the introduction of camera tracking technology that enables virtual environments to extend beyond the physical LED installation.

The enhancement allows production teams to create extended virtual scenery that responds dynamically to camera movement. As cameras move through the studio, virtual elements can now continue beyond the LED walls into areas such as the ceiling, creating an environment which looks more realistic for the audience.

Phil Adlam, Head of xplor says: "When we started working with ITV Studios at the very start of this project, the original brief was never simply to install technology, it was to create a production framework that could evolve over time as virtual production tools and operational requirements developed. We identified early on that the ability to extend virtual environments beyond our initial LED deployment would be vital. Seeing that capability now being introduced demonstrates the value of designing for future flexibility rather than focusing solely on immediate production requirements. Now partnering with the ITV innovation hub, we’re helping develop the next steps, with some game changing approaches coming down the line for broadcast, TV and film."

The camera tracking system, supplied by Mo-Sys, represents a further step towards a more advanced virtual production environment where multiple tracked cameras can interact with dynamically rendered virtual scenes designed specifically for each camera position.

xplor has also worked with the studio teams to analyse the practical realities of deploying large-scale virtual production workflows within a live broadcast environment.

Alice Gairdner, Head of Production, ITV Daytime comments: "When we developed the new daytime production model, we knew the initial launch would only be the beginning of the studio's evolution. The introduction of camera tracking and extended virtual environments is an important next step because it allows us to explore new creative possibilities while continuing to operate within the practical demands of live broadcast production.”

Tim Guilder, Head of Production Technology, ITV Studios, comments: "One of the reasons we partnered with xplor was their ability to look beyond an immediate technical requirement and consider how a production environment might develop over time. From the outset, discussions focused not only on delivering a working solution for today's programmes, but also on creating a platform that could support future virtual production opportunities. The addition of camera tracking capability reflects that original thinking. By building scalability into the foundational design, we have been able to introduce new functionality without fundamentally redesigning the studio environment, giving production teams greater flexibility as the technology continues to mature."

The expanded virtual production capability is now supporting a broader range of production requirements and forms part of ITV Studios' continuing development of a more flexible and scalable production model.

For xplor, the project reflects a wider focus on helping broadcasters and content producers evaluate, implement and future-proof emerging production technologies through a combination of strategic planning, workflow design and operational readiness.