Texas A&M University Taps Sony Technology for Virtual Production Institute Establishment

Texas A&M University's Virtual Production Institute Partners with Sony Electronics

Texas A&M University is set to establish a cutting-edge Virtual Production Institute, thanks to a partnership with Sony Electronics. The institute, located on the main campus in Bryan-College Station with an extension at Texas A&M-Fort Worth, will offer students and industry partners the opportunity to use top-of-the-line technology.

Sony Electronics will provide equipment and technology for the school's virtual production institute, including Crystal LED panels, BURANO and VENICE 2 digital cinema cameras, professional monitors, and more. Synapse Virtual Production has been announced as the integrator for the institute, responsible for designing, procuring, and building the four virtual production stages, and providing curriculum assistance and training for faculty and staff.

Two of the virtual production stages will be located in Fort Worth, and two in Bryan-College Station. Students will have access to four virtual production stages composed of large LED walls that display computer-generated imagery to create immersive worlds. The institute will leverage the latest technology from Sony's virtual production ecosystem, including the Virtual Production Tool Set.

The virtual production setup will offer students and industry partners the opportunity to use real-time game engines to process photorealistic imagery and live-action scenes to create in-camera visual effects. The institute will reach beyond entertainment uses to offer workforce training and simulation for first responders, health care, the military, manufacturing, product and architectural design, digital twin environments, and live performances.

David Parrish, director of the College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts at Texas A&M-Fort Worth, expressed that the partnership with Sony Electronics will expose Texas A&M students to innovation within virtual production. Texas A&M University aims to establish and nurture relationships with various industries, offering the capability for them to collaborate, research, innovate, and explore the possibilities of the technology being built at the institute.

A permanent virtual production stage will be completed at the institute in January. The institute will also feature a demonstration event in Fort Worth on Nov. 22, titled "Arts in Motion," which includes guest speakers, collaboration discussions, and a virtual production demonstration. SISU Cinema Robotics is providing a robotic camera arm for the demonstration.

The partnership with Sony aims to address the college's long-term goals through a range of different tools and technologies for imaging, audio, and internet-connected devices. The VERONA Crystal LED, a modular display designed for demanding virtual production applications, will also be employed. It offers extraordinary black levels, low reflection, high brightness, wide color gamut, and high refresh rate.

The Virtual Production Institute at Texas A&M University is poised to become a hub for innovation and collaboration in the field of virtual production, thanks to its partnership with Sony Electronics.

Texas A&M University Taps Sony Technology for Virtual Production Institute Establishment