Using For-A’s state-of-the-art digiWarp-EX technology, Metro Ecosse has created a virtual parliamentary newsroom from which material will be webcast on the Parliament’s website. The virtual studio will provide a modern news setting for a variety of interviews and features, and will incorporate a video screen depicting a virtual image of the Parliament’s new Holyrood site, currently under construction. There will also be a computer-generated image of the interior of the new building, from which the presenter can continue studio-based interviews. Footage will also be created of a Virtual Planned Parliament Chamber, allowing people to see how the Parliament will look. This footage will be available for use in future virtual studio projects. Commenting on the innovation, Alan Smart, head of broadcast at the Scottish Parliament, said: "The Scottish Parliament is a modern and forward-looking institution. We are anxious to harness the power of the latest technologies and the virtual studio is a prime example of this."
Metro Ecosse is the approved supplier of audiovisual equipment to the Scottish Parliament. Oscar Askin, director, added: "Metro Ecosse has worked with the Scottish Parliament for the past 12 months and we have always found them to be open to new ideas. Bringing virtual studio technology to the Parliament is an exciting innovation and we are delighted to be involved with such a ground-breaking project."
Virtual studio technology differs from traditional blue screen or chroma-key technology because it places the virtual scenery in front of, as well as behind, the presenter, allowing him or her to move around the scenery and to interact with it. Further, it does not require the camera to be locked off: the camera operator can also move around and shoot from multiple angles.
The Scottish Parliament is spending a week at the King’s College Conference Centre at the University of Aberdeen while the Church of Scotland returns temporarily to its Edinburgh home at The Mound for its General Annual Assembly. The Parliament’s permanent new home at Holyrood is due for completion in 2003. The Queen will visit the Parliament in Aberdeen on 28 May.
(Lee Baldock)
