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The Future Group Releases Pixotope Version 1.5

With full access to Unreal Engine 4.26.1 and comprehensive integration and support for third-party plug-ins, the new release offers users endless opportunities for experimental XR graphics functionality.

The Future Group has released Pixotope Version 1.5. adding new levels of functionality for the live production of mixed-reality (MR) content for its users. It provides complete access to the full power of the high-performance Unreal Engine 4.26.1, which offers endless opportunities for experimental graphics functionality. Other key developments launching with Pixotope 1.5 include enhanced DMX workflows for real and virtual lighting, and Professional Codec support for Pro-Res, DNxHR and multichannel EXR.

The update provides comprehensive support for third-party plug-ins from the creative marketplace. Integrations include the DLSS plug-in from Nvidia that aims to improve performance when rendering high resolution tracked cameras in virtual environments. Additionally, Blackmagic video cards are now supported in experimental status, with support for progressive video modes and frame rates, genlock, system audio output and LTC operation for the Decklink 8K Pro card. Other cards are also in testing.

Widely used, the Pixotope software brings together physical props and talent with virtual assets to create dynamic, creative environments. After supporting aspect ratio changes in the Stype HF 1.1 protocol in the last release, Pixotope 1.5 continues to extend support for tracking solutions, adding support for the ‘fake aspect ratio’ adjustments in Trackmen X-Cito 1.2.

Pixotope has also tested and evaluated Imaginary Labs Inc’s Carbon plug-in within the system, supporting a whole range of DMX lighting fixtures and models to create fully controlled virtual lights. Multiple translucent holdouts are also fully supported, including overlapping, which is vital when setting up augmented reality (AR) holdouts for extended reality (XR) stages.

As a key player in the XR market, Pixotope is constantly communicating with studios utilizing XR, and those taking their first forays into the technology to remain at the forefront of development and add features that directly enhance productions. In this release, Pixotope has also continuing the period of free access to the XR toolset with Pixotope Live for the duration of the 1.5 release.

“After listening to feedback from our users, continuing to integrate with the latest Unreal Engine and workflow requirements in the field, was our main focus with this release,” commented The Future Group chief product officer David Stroud. “As we continue to deliver ongoing improvements to our software, Pixotope is being utilized across more and more productions in broadcast, esports, and live events. Combined with building on our strong links with external technology and third parties, our vision is to continue to see the industry utilizing powerful Pixotope technology in even more exciting ways.’

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Source: The Future Group