Television
Germany's HFF Installs Sony Crystal LED VERONA for Virtual Prod
2024-12-05
The installation of Germany's first Sony Crystal LED VERONA video wall in Munich marks a significant milestone in the field of virtual production. This cutting-edge technology is set to revolutionize the way films are produced and trained at the University of Television and Film Munich (HFF).

Unleashing the Potential of Virtual Production in Munich

Installation at the CreatiF Centre

The CreatiF Centre, a renowned innovation laboratory, has integrated the Sony VERONA LED screen within one of its film studios. Measuring 4 x 2.5 metres and consisting of 40 modules with four LED panels each, this wall is designed to familiarize HFF students with the new standards in virtual production. It serves as a technology platform for research projects like the CreatiF Centre, exploring new approaches to film production, postproduction, and content usage. The partner and system integrator for this project is Pro Video GmbH based in Berlin, with the planning carried out by macom GmbH.This installation on a rolling structure allows for flexible use by students and researchers within the studio. It enables digital backdrops and realistic backgrounds to be projected in real time on a huge screen surface, transforming conventional green screen technology. Through the live interaction of physical and digital elements, film scenes can be visualized directly on set, offering new creative collaboration opportunities and cost efficiency.

Optimized for Virtual Production

The VERONA is optimized for demanding virtual production applications. The HFF uses VERONA modules with a 1.5mm pixel pitch (ZRD-VP15EB), controlled via the Brompton Tessera SX40 processor. It builds on Sony's leading technology for film and entertainment production, providing content developers, creators, and AV distributors with a combination of exceptional image quality, installation flexibility, ease of maintenance, and low cost of ownership.Sony's newly developed Deep Black and Anti-Reflection surface technology delivers very high picture quality with an impressive brightness of 1,500 cd/m², a wide colour spectrum, and a high refresh rate. Complemented by extremely deep black levels, it makes it possible to create the most realistic virtual sets. The VERONA series uses high-performance LED driver ICs that achieve extremely high refresh rates of up to 7,680 Hz, significantly higher than other commercially available LED solutions for virtual production studios. A low refresh rate can lead to flickering and image artefacts, which are particularly disruptive in virtual production environments.

New Opportunities for Filmmakers

"The Virtual Production System allows us to explore the limits of technology in a very flexible way and to develop new innovative approaches," says Simon von der Au, project manager of the CreatiF Centre. "This expands creativity and technical feasibility in film production. With this system, HFF Munich can train its students in state-of-the-art technology and prepare them for the future of work. At the same time, we are opening up completely new opportunities for filmmakers to realize their visions.""We are delighted to have integrated such a modern virtual production system at HFF Munich," says Slava Luft, Project Manager at Pro Video. "With this project, we are continuing our pioneering work in the field of studio LED walls and our ongoing support for the education sector throughout Germany. This innovative system gives HFF students and teaching staff the opportunity to learn and further explore both current and future virtual production workflows.""We are particularly pleased that the first Crystal LED VERONA screen for virtual production in Germany is located at the HFF in Munich," says Georg Armborst, Key Account Manager Media Solutions at Sony Europe. "This underlines HFF's pioneering role and commitment to operating at a top international level and helping to shape future trends in the film industry. In addition, thanks to its modular design, our Crystal LED VERONA system offers flexible application options for the HFF and its students."The official launch of Sony's Crystal LED VERONA at the HFF is scheduled for spring 2025.
Bundesliga's 2% TV Revenue Increase: A League in Good Shape
2024-12-05
The Bundesliga, with its governing body, die Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL), has recently made a significant announcement regarding the national television rights deal for the 2025/26 to 2028/29 season. This outcome is nothing short of a major victory, bringing in a substantial €1.121 billion ($1.185 billion) per season and a total revenue of €4.484 billion ($4.736 billion). In contrast to other major football leagues like Ligue 1, Serie A, and LaLiga, where national rights deals have either decreased or stagnated, the Bundesliga is experiencing a 2% increase in television revenue. It stands as the second-strongest national media contract globally, trailing only the English Premier League.

Trust and Unity: The Foundation of Success

DFL co-CEO Steffen Merkel emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, "The result of the tender underlines the unbroken popularity of German professional football, despite economically challenging times. Trust and unity within the league association have truly paid off. After an intensive process, we have now achieved a very good and comprehensively secured financial result. This provides the clubs with planning security at a high financial level for another four years."Adding to this, co-CEO Marc Lenz said, "The financial security achieved with this result is a key foundation for the positive development of the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2. From this position of strength, we must tackle the various economic, sporting, and political challenges and continue to develop our leagues together with the 36 clubs, ensuring their future readiness."The television contract negotiations' outcome is undoubtedly a major win for the two league CEOs, Lenz and Merkel. However, their journey wasn't without its challenges. In February, the failed international investor deal had put them under fire. Subsequently, in the spring and summer, the initial tender process faced significant obstacles. The DFL had initially awarded one of the major packages to SKY, overlooking a better offer from competitor DAZN. DAZN then took the matter to court, forcing the DFL to restart the tender process.There were doubts about whether Sky and DAZN would remain interested in bidding if one of them lost out on a major package. To address this, the DFL devised a compromise that would benefit all partners. Most games will remain with Sky, while DAZN has won the rights to show the highly popular Konferenz on Saturday afternoons. The individual games that were part of Package B and initiated the legal process will stay with Sky.Keeping both pay-TV partners on board was crucial for the DFL decision-makers as they restarted the television auctions. There was some hope that new bidders like Amazon or Apple would enter the negotiations, but with no such prospects on the horizon, it was essential for the DFL to maintain the partnership with both DAZN and Sky.Today, the Bundesliga is looking ahead to another four years of stability and measured growth, while most European top leagues face financial insecurity. This success story showcases the Bundesliga's resilience and ability to adapt in challenging times.
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Referencing Dentons and Beijing Dacheng Law Offices in the Article
2024-12-05
In the complex world of legal services, it is crucial to understand the nuances between different law firms. One such example is the relationship between Dentons and Beijing Dacheng Law Offices. Dentons is a renowned international law firm with a global presence, while Beijing Dacheng is an independent partnership firm based in China.

Uncover the Truth About Dentons and Beijing Dacheng

Dentons - The Global Legal Giant

Dentons Group (a Swiss Verein) is a separate international law firm with a widespread network. It has members and affiliates in over 160 locations around the world, including Hong Kong SAR, China. This extensive reach allows Dentons to handle a diverse range of legal matters on an international scale. With its deep expertise and resources, Dentons is often at the forefront of complex legal transactions and disputes.

For instance, in cross-border mergers and acquisitions, Dentons' global team can provide seamless legal support. Their understanding of different legal systems and regulations enables them to navigate the intricacies of international deals with ease. The firm's reputation for excellence attracts clients from various industries, who trust Dentons to handle their most critical legal issues.

Beijing Dacheng Law Offices - A Chinese Powerhouse

Beijing Dacheng Law Offices, LLP (“大成”), is an independent law firm that operates under the laws of the People’s Republic of China. It has a strong presence in China, with offices in more than 40 locations throughout the country. As Dentons’ Preferred Law Firm in China, Beijing Dacheng brings local expertise and insights to the table.

The firm specializes in various areas of law, such as corporate law, commercial law, and litigation. Its team of experienced lawyers is well-versed in Chinese legal practices and can offer tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of clients. Beijing Dacheng's commitment to excellence has earned it a reputation as a trusted legal partner in China.

The Differences and Synergies

While Dentons and Beijing Dacheng operate independently, there are also areas of synergy between the two. For example, in certain cross-border transactions involving China, Dentons and Beijing Dacheng can collaborate to provide comprehensive legal services. Their combined expertise can help clients navigate the complexities of both international and local laws.

However, it is important to note that each firm has its own unique identity and focus. Dentons brings its global perspective and extensive resources, while Beijing Dacheng offers in-depth knowledge of the Chinese legal market. Clients can benefit from the strengths of both firms by leveraging their respective expertise.

For more information, please see dacheng.com/legal-notices or dentons.com/legal-notices.
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