GMO creates virtual event space in Tokyo equipped with Blackmagic Design solutions

GMO Global Studio, a space for hybrid events from which Internet broadcasts are also carried out, install various solutions Blackmagic Design, including URSA Broadcast G2 cameras, a Blackmagic Videohub 40 matrix×40 12G, an ATEM Constellation 8K mixer and an ATEM device 2 M/E Advanced Panel 20.

As part of GMO Internet Group, GMO Global Studio provides various Internet related services, including the production and transmission of live content through this medium. The event space, inaugurated this year, It consists of three studios suitable for different purposes depending on the needs and purposes of each event. The main study, World Studio, houses three screens 500 inches and also allows virtual productions to be carried out with extended reality.

“With the outbreak of the COVID pandemic, We began to transmit all internal events over the Internet, that were previously carried out in considerable venues. Initially, we did it with improvised equipment in the conference room, but over time, We installed green backgrounds and sometimes rented a studio to broadcast over the Internet when we wanted better quality. Then we realized that there is some demand for hybrid event spaces that support both virtual and in-person participation, with a limited number of people in the latter case. This led to the establishment of GMO Global Studio”, comment Bring in Kakeda, company director.

“We currently use this studio for several purposes, For example, to celebrate GMO Internet Group events, third party conferences and interest group meetings. A particularly important event is the internal awards. This is a featured event that recognizes employees and project teams who have demonstrated improved performance throughout the year., and has the participation of more than 7900 workers, including those based abroad. For external clients, we provide comprehensive services, ranging from event production to daily operations, instead of simply offering to rent the facilities”, duck.

Equipment

The studio is equipped with three URSA Broadcast G2 cameras that are controlled by devices ATEM Camera Control Panel. All audiovisual sources and other signals are transmitted to one Smart Videohub 40 matrix switcher×40 y, thence, still ATEM Constellation 8K mixer, and the assignment is done with the help of a device ATEM 2 M/E Advanced Panel 20. In turn, a team is used Blackmagic Web Presenter 4K when streaming over the Internet and a Videohub Master Control Pro control panel to switch signals.

Regarding the selection of equipment, the director of the company, Kurataro Sano recognizes that “we had to set up a high-end studio quickly in the least expensive way possible. Besides, we wanted it to be suitable for business conferences and entertainment style shots, such as television advertisements and movies. When considering these factors, Blackmagic Design cameras were the most suitable”.

In addition, Sano adds that “The URSA Broadcast G2 model is ideal for cinematographic content, television and Internet broadcasts, and offers a good relationship between its value and performance. He ATEM mixer is quite compact compared to those of other manufacturers. If we consider that the events team, that is, we, we can hold events outside the studio, we opted for Blackmagic Design products, since they offer the advantage of being portable”.

“In turn, we resort to a unit HyperDeck Studio 4K Pro for recording and playing content. The images projected on the screen sometimes come directly from the media server Disguise, or streamed from the HyperDeck Studio 4K Pro recorder through the mixer”, says Sano..

“We recently held a press conference at this studio and received very positive feedback about the image quality. Besides, since we offer extended reality compositions, We have incorporated sensors for a camera tracking system that is highly compatible with URSA Broadcast G2 cameras. The possibility of using products from different manufacturers as they come onto the market is an advantage”, concludes Sano.