Internet Giant GMO Builds Tokyo Virtual Event Space with URSA Broadcast G2

Grace McInnis
Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 and ATEM Constellation 8K used for virtual production and IMAG for 500” LED display.
Fremont, CA, USA - Tuesday, December 17, 2024 - Blackmagic Design today announced that GMO Global Studio Inc., a hybrid event space that can also be used for streaming, installed a number of Blackmagic Design products, including Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 cameras, Blackmagic Videohub 40x40 12G router, ATEM Constellation 8K live production switcher, and ATEM 2 M/E Advanced Panel 20.
GMO Global Studio is part of GMO Internet Group, which provides various services related to the internet and is engaged in event production and live streaming businesses. The event space, GMO Global Studio, which opened March 2024, consists of three studios that can be used differently depending on the purpose and need. The main studio, WORLD STUDIO, is equipped with a large, approximately 500” LED display and can also handle virtual production using XR technology.
"Since the outbreak of COVID-19, we have switched all internal events, which were previously held in large venues, to online streaming. Initially, we did it with makeshift equipment in the conference room, but as we went on, we installed green screen and sometimes rented a streaming studio for better quality. Then, we realized the demand for hybrid event spaces that can be enjoyed both online and by a limited number of in person participants. This led to the establishment of GMO Global Studio," said Shugo Kakeda, the director of the company.
"We are currently using this studio for various purposes, such as events within the GMO Internet Group, conferences for external parties, and shareholders' meetings. One particularly large event is the internal awards. This is a major event where employees and project teams who have performed the best over the year are awarded, with more than 7,900 employees, including overseas bases, participating. For external customers, we provide comprehensive services from event production to day of operations, rather than just renting out the facilities," Kakeda said.
The studio uses three URSA Broadcast G2s and adjusts each camera using an ATEM Camera Control Panel. All video and other signals are aggregated into a Videohub 40x40 12G, from where they are sent to an ATEM Constellation 8K and switched using the ATEM Advanced Panel 20. A Blackmagic Web Presenter 4K streaming solution is used for streaming, and a Videohub Master Control Pro router control panel is used for routing switching.
Regarding the selection of equipment, the company's director, Kurataro Sano, said, "We had to build the studio quickly while keeping costs as low as possible and creating a good studio. We also wanted to use the studio for B2B conferences and entertainment style shoots, such as TV commercials and movies. Considering these factors, Blackmagic Design cameras were the best match."
Sano continued, "The URSA Broadcast G2 can handle cinema, broadcast, and streaming, and its cost performance is quite good. The ATEM switcher is compact compared to other switchers by different manufacturers. Considering that we, the event team, may eventually hold events outside this studio, we chose Blackmagic Design products that have an advantage with their portability."
"Additionally, we use HyperDeck Studio 4K Pro for video playback and recording. The video projected on the LED screen sometimes comes directly from the Disguise media server or is output through the switcher from the HyperDeck Studio 4K Pro," Sano said.
"Recently, we held a press conference in this studio and received comments that the image quality is quite good. Also, since we do XR composition, we have attached RedSpy camera tracking system sensors to the URSA Broadcast G2 cameras, and the compatibility with the sensor is excellent. Connecting various manufacturers' products as new equipment comes out is an advantage," concluded Sano.
Press Photography
Product photos of ATEM Constellation 8K, ATEM 2 M/E Advanced Panel 20, URSA Broadcast G2, Videohub 40x40 12G, Videohub Master Control Pro, HyperDeck Studio 4K Pro, ATEM Camera Control Panel, Blackmagic Web Presenter 4K and all other Blackmagic Design products are available at www.blackmagicdesign.com/media/images
About Blackmagic Design
Blackmagic Design creates the world’s highest quality video editing products, digital film cameras, color correctors, video converters, video monitoring, routers, live production switchers, disk recorders, waveform monitors and real time film scanners for the feature film, post production and television broadcast industries. Blackmagic Design’s DeckLink capture cards launched a revolution in quality and affordability in post production, while the company’s Emmy™ award winning DaVinci color correction products have dominated the television and film industry since 1984. Blackmagic Design continues ground breaking innovations including 6G-SDI and 12G-SDI products and stereoscopic 3D and Ultra HD workflows. Founded by world leading post production editors and engineers, Blackmagic Design has offices in the USA, UK, Japan, Singapore and Australia. For more information, please go to www.blackmagicdesign.com