An extension of Mobile Viewpoint’s NewsPilot solution, VPilot helps market players deliver live, online video  Alkmaar, The Netherlands – 10 September 2018 – Mobile Viewpoint, a leading manufacturer in IP contribution solutions, today announces the launch of VPilot, a suite of AI powered live production solutions. An extension of Mobile Viewpoint’s NewsPilot solution, VPilot uses artificial intelligence to automate live production for broadcasters, event organisers, as well as journalists and bloggers. The VPilot suite consists of NewsPilot and StreamPilot, and both solutions will be demonstrated on the Mobile Viewpoint stand (14.F24) at this year’s IBC Show. Mobile Viewpoint launched NewsPilot earlier this year at NAB, to help broadcasters quickly and cost-efficiently produce and deliver live content. The use of AI allows broadcasters to automate production, removing the need to invest in costly camera crews, production facilities and distribution platforms. VPilot consists of two different product licenses:
  • NewsPilot, targeted at broadcasters, for use in studio environments as well as for live news coverage.
  • StreamPilot, aimed at journalists, bloggers, radio shows and event organisers, to support live event and interview production.
VPilot consists of three PTZ (plan/tilt/zoom) cameras and Mobile Viewpoint’s Automated Studio control box, which incorporates its Autopointer and Virtual Director software. VPilot also includes CameraLink, a robotic arm which can move a 3kg PTZ camera much like a traditional dolly arrangement, offering the same camera control normally associated with high quality news productions. Virtual Director mimics a human director by using an AI engine that analyses audio signals (such as microphone levels), video images, and other sources such as autocue and rundown scripts, to identify which camera to switch to and control. Based on inputs from Virtual Director and 3D sensors, AutoPointer automatically points cameras and controls shots to track and focus on TV presenters. VPilot integrates with Mobile Viewpoint’s LinkMatrix, an online dashboard that allows users to manage their complete live IP-based workflow. Each product can be licensed to meet content owners’ individual requirements. VPilot will be showcased on Mobile Viewpoint’s on-stand news studio throughout IBC. The news studio will be hosted by British improviser and actor Simon Lukacs.  Simon will conduct interviews with a number of significant industry players, including BBC News, Ian Brash of Sky Sports, Stéphane Ducobu of CyanView, and Shengli Han from Beijing Jetsen Technology. The interviews will be live streamed using VPilot. Simon is an actor, improviser, and comedian. He is part of creative club Boom Chicago and is a founding member of improv squeeze, The Petting Zoo, who he has performed with at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, The Comedy Café Berlin, and their London residency at The Free Association theatre. “Today, it’s not just the big broadcasters who want to be able to deliver live video online—bloggers, journalists and radio shows want to be able to capture and deliver video content too. But doing so often requires a lot of investment in costly cameras, production teams and distribution technologies. Following the success of NewsPilot, we’ve launched VPilot to help all market players meet consumer demands for live video,” said Michel Bais, CEO at Mobile Viewpoint. “We’re excited to have Simon on board to demonstrate how VPilot can automate live news production, right from the show floor.” Mobile Viewpoint will be exhibiting its range of live production and delivery solutions at IBC, taking place from 13th-18th September at RAI Amsterdam, on stand 14.F24.