CBS Los Angeles has joined other CBS Stations in adopting cutting-edge virtual studio technology. The new facility, showcased during the 9 a.m. newscast on June 11 with meteorologist Paul Deanno, is a significant upgrade.
Located within the KCAL News broadcast center, this impressive 3,400-square-foot space (68 feet by 50 feet) is the largest augmented reality and virtual-enabled news studio within the CBS-owned network. It marks the sixth virtual studio deployed by CBS and is specifically designed to improve the visual presentation of weather and sports segments. “CBS Los Angeles is proud to be the first in Southern California to bring this level of immersive storytelling to our viewers,” said Tim Wieland, regional president and general manager of CBS Los Angeles, emphasizing that the technology makes “complex information more accessible, engaging and visually compelling.”
The expansion of this technology began two years ago at KPIX in the Bay Area. “We began this journey two years ago with KPIX in the Bay Area, driven by a vision to invest in local journalism and deliver the news in ways that resonate with today’s audiences. Bringing this technology to the nation’s second-largest media market was a natural next step. This is about standing apart through innovation, and continuing to lead with purpose, creativity and cutting-edge storytelling,” explained Jennifer Mitchell, president of CBS Stations. The studio’s launch day featured immersive weather and sports presentations. The virtual environments utilize Zero Density’s Reality solution, Unreal Engine rendering, and Stype camera tracking.