Rockets inaugurates virtual studio with Blackmagic Design solutions

Osaka (Japan) is the base of operations for Rockets, a producer that has decided to bet on Blackmagic as the technological core of the new virtual studio Rocket Studio in Tokyo.

Rockets provides services related to the broadcast of live content over the Internet and the transmission of different events, carrying out a total of more than 200 transmissions per year. Likewise, it offers solutions including event planning, personnel and device selection, operation, and requirements for complex network configuration and outdoor power supply. The production company has clients throughout Japan and carries out broadcasts from outside.

The pandemic caused the demand for internet transmissions to multiply, which is why Rockets decided to build an infrastructure that supported all this type of content. In the words of Kazuhiro Yoshitomi, Rockets representative: “We wanted a virtual space with flexible options for the fund and that, in turn, offered us a guarantee for the future.”

To this end, the company decided on a wide selection of solutions for Blackmagic: a mixer ATEM Constellation 8K; a unit ATEM 1 M/E Advanced Panel; a camera URSA Broadcast G2 with Blackmagic Zoom Demand and Blackmagic Focus Demand accessories; arrays Blackmagic Videohub 40×40 12G y Smart Videohub 20×20; a format processor Teranex OFF; monitors SmartScope Duo 4K y Multiview 16; professional engravers HyperDeck Studio HD Plus y HyperDeck Studio 4K Pro; a capture and playback device UltraStudio 4K Mini; several converters Mini Converter; devices Ultimatte 12, y Smart Remote 4.

“Having used Blackmagic products for so many years, we can transition to the newer models seamlessly. The ATEM Constellation 8K mixer's numerous inputs and various composition channels make it easy to layer images. Recently, we have not only received requests regarding broadcasts, but also requests regarding various visual effects, and in this sense the SuperSource function is of great help,” notes Yoshitomi.

Managing the green screen with Blackmagic

The Rocket Studio is equipped with a green background two-sided, which is digitally painted in that color. Additionally, the computerized background image is transmitted through a virtual system. Through the use of cameras capable of providing target information, this data is sent to said virtual system, where it is combined with the background, real-time compositions and material captured by the URSA Broadcast G2 unit using an Ultimatte 12 device. The resulting composition is then transmitted to the mixer ATEM Constellation 8K to alternate it with other signals.

All this exemplifies the versatility of the ecosystem of Blackmagic, as explained Yoshitomi: “The Videohub 40×40 12G matrix receives all sources and subsequently distributes them. We also purchased the Smart Videohub 20×20 model, even though we used a previous one, in order to have more inputs. This new version includes a rotary control with an electronic clutch that makes it easier to use. On the other hand, the Teranex AV processor allows us to convert formats. In turn, we rely on HyperDeck devices, which allow content to be stored on SD cards, which is convenient when delivering recorded images to clients.”

“Because we equipped much of the studio with Blackmagic Design products, we were able to connect them via a network. In this way, we have the possibility of controlling them using an iPad device or any computer equipment, thus simplifying their use,” says Yoshitomi in conclusion, explaining how Rockets not only relies on top-level technology, but also on Easy to use.

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