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Top Universities in New York, London, Sweden, Israel, Mexico, Denmark and Finland Employ vi[z] virtual studio and vi[z] modeling

New York, NY: vizrt's virtual studios and real-time 3D broadcast graphics solutions are being employed by top universities around the world to educate students about the advantages of virtual studio and template-based broadcast graphics production. The solutions are also being used extensively to enhance the distance-learning environment.

"We are very proud to take part in the education of the next generation professionals," said Alon Carmeli, Vice President Marketing and Business Development at vi[z]rt. "This is part of our strategy as an industry leader to increase the market awareness of real-time graphics. The brightest ideas and innovations often come from students, and we are honoured that our software has been chosen by this impressive list of institutions."

At New York University's (NYU) School of Continuing Education and Professional Studies, students in the "Broadcast 3D Graphics" course use vi[z] modeling to learn how to design and create real-time 3D graphics for broadcast television applications. The course was started to train CBS Sports and News graphics personnel, but now serves both industry professionals and non-professionals. Bardazzi is expanding the course work to include non-broadcast, interactive environments. "Broadcast 3D Graphics" is offered through NYU's Center for Advanced Digital Applications.

As part of its extensive video department, the Royal University College of Art in Stockholm runs vi[z] virtual studio within its Virtual Set Operators and Designers class. The College also employs vi[z] modeling software. "Ours is the first virtual studio in Sweden," said Eberhard Holl, Professor, Video Department, Royal University College of Art. "The country's major broadcasters are lining up to use our vi[z] virtual studio solution, and we're excited about our role as the country's training ground for skilled virtual studio operators."

The Royal University is cooperating with several technical institutes in developing an interactive distance learning network that utilizes vi[z] virtual studio as its back drop.

In a specially designed programme at the Hadassah College of Technology in Jerusalem, Israel, second-year students who have completed the Television Department's multi-camera studio class, use vi[z] virtual studio to experiment with new ways of artistic expression. Students are taught how to operate the system, which is later used during training workshops and for students' independent projections.

The Universidad Anahuac del Sur, a Catholic university in Mexico City, uses vi[z] virtual studio within its communications department curriculum for both production coursework and distance learning applications. "We are extremely pleased with the vi[z] system," said Marcel Baetens, Technology Director, Universidad Anahuac del Sur. "It's compatible with the entire range of software we have here, and its rendering time is incredibly fast and accurate."

Aarhus University is the second largest university in Denmark and recently purchased vi[z] virtual studio with infrared tracking software for the school's new studio. The studio is part of the university's Center for Advanced Visualization and Interaction (CAVI). In addition to the studio, the Center has a 3D Panorama cinema screening area; a Holobench, which is a smaller version of the Panorama; and a laboratory for experimenting with other forms of display and interaction technology, including motion capture equipment.

The virtual studio and other parts of the facility are used for teaching the school's interdisciplinary multimedia curriculum offered to students studying music, literature, drama, film, mass media, information studies and computer science. In addition to teaching, CAVI is used for joint projects with industry professionals. "The researchers and students here do not have a conventional background in film and television production, so we are looking forward to exploring the many, innovative uses of vi[z] virtual studio," said Kim Halskov, Director, Center for Advanced Visualization and Interaction, Aarhus University. "We have a long tradition of working with various kinds of prototyping and visualization technologies in new product design. The vi[z] virtual studio is a very natural step in this process."

Another university that recently purchased vi[z] virtual studio is Helsinki University in Finland. The system is used for the creation of virtual studios and other blue screen applications within the university's Department of Design for Theatre, Film and Television. Students produce professional broadcast graphics, art-related videos, and multimedia projects employing the software. The classes are designed for both undergraduate and graduate students.

"We have a multi-use, all-digital television studio, which is also rented out for commercial applications if our schedule allows," explained Katriina Ilmaranta, Head of Helsinki University's Department of Design for Theatre, Film and Television. "We purchased the vi[z]rt system because we were looking for an easy-to-use system for students that was cost-effective and stable." vi[z]rt also recently awarded scholarships to two Helsinki University students.

vizrt is the world's leading provider of fully integrated broadcast and web-cast graphics solutions, including virtual studio systems, broadcast graphics, content management and scheduling, character generator and creative design services. vi[z]rt is the company formed following the acquisition of Peak Broadcast Systems by RT-SET on July 4, 2000. RT-SET is traded on the Neuer Markt (RTZ).

For further information contact:

vizrt Headquarters:
Alon Carmeli
Tel: +1-212-560-0708
info@vizrt.com

www.vizrt.com Investor Relations:
Kirchhoff Consult AG
Frank Schwarz
Tel: +49-69-74748615
Frank.schwarz@kirchhoff.de