Vizrt releases Libero 8.1: Viz AI, cloud, new graphics package…

Viz Libero sports analysis software from Vizrt reaches version 8.1 with major enhancements aimed at giving new possibilities to its users.

3D camera flights are a favourite tool of sports producers, enabling hyper-realistic virtual movements that allow the audience to enjoy multiple points of view and angles. Now, thanks to Viz AI, Libero 8.1 is able to create 3D fly-throughs automatically, eliminating the manual task of identifying and masking players to generate object cutaways.

Other enhancements in Viz Libero 8.1 include a new default graphics package designed by vendor Girraphic that takes full advantage of the integration between Libero, Viz Engine and Viz Artist; or the new Viz Libero AR Player, a tool designed to “quickly and easily” render a player (or any other object) in augmented reality. Using this system, production managers can extract players from a real match situation and place them in the studio alongside the presenter to provide new details.

A final focus of Vizrt’s 8.1 system upgrade is the certification of Viz Libero as a cloud solution available “soon””through Viz Now. Vizrt’s cloud deployment solution provides the ability to undertake end-to-end live productions, with templates and presets, in the cloud. Specifically, Viz Libero in Viz Now can be launched as a file-based workflow, a workflow whose capabilities can be extended by adding live ingest and output with IST über 3Play to the equation.

Other enhancements in Viz Libero 8.1 include the inclusion of 3D models of the Qatar World Cup stadiums, support for ambient audio and new options for adding annotations to productions.

Sam Leadsom, commercial director of sports at Vizrt, sums up the key features of Libero 8.1: “Sports broadcasters face a triple challenge; speed, flexibility and higher quality. At this year’s FIFA World Cup 2022, Qatar, Viz Libero 8.1 delivers all three. I am particularly excited by the new graphics, improved workflow for virtual 3D Flights, one of its most widely used features, and the highly detailed 3D models of all the stadiums. All these features will help producers and content creators shape their stories and analysis of the matches at this global sporting event.”