Sony Electronics has unveiled Version 2.0 of its Virtual Production Tool Set, slated for release in winter 2024. This latest update enhances the virtual production workflow for both broadcast and cinema, offering improvements to the Camera and Display Plugin and the Color Calibrator. While both applications are free to download, select premium features will be available under a paid license.
The Camera and Display Plugin enables users to simulate a camera’s movement and settings in a virtual environment before physical production begins with an LED wall. Version 2.0 expands support for additional cameras, including BURANO, FR7, HDC-3500, HDC-5500, and HDC-F5500, alongside the VENICE series. Notably, the plugin also supports Epic Games’ Unreal VCam, allowing intuitive camera control using an iPad. A paid license is available for Live Camera Sync, a feature that instantly syncs settings between VENICE cameras and Unreal Engine virtual camera settings on set.
The Color Calibrator application, compatible with Windows 10, generates LUTs to ensure high color fidelity in virtual production stages. It calibrates the LED wall to the Sony camera color space, ensuring that the colors seen during pre-production match those captured on film. Version 2.0 adds support for new camera models and introduces a user guide for easier calibration adjustments. Basic color calibration is free, while advanced LUT export features require a paid license.