RSI Greenscreen Studio – Virtual Production for Modern TV Formats
In summer 2025, Radiotelevisione Svizzera (RSI) commissioned a new greenscreen studio.
The studio is used for several modern TV formats, including ZeroVero, NEO, Storie, Nero su Bianco, and Il Giardino di Albert.
The goal of the project was to create a flexible, efficient, and future-proof production environment within a limited studio space.
Role of AVC-Systems AG
AVC-Systems AG played a central role in this project. Working closely with the RSI project manager, AVC was responsible for:
- project management and coordination of the various technical disciplines
- delivery and integration of the complete tracking, robotics, and virtual production technology
In addition, AVC-Systems supported RSI with the dismantling, removal, and reuse of the previous studio set (cyclorama), contributing to a resource-efficient implementation of the new studio.
High-Precision Tracking Infrastructure with Mo-Sys StarTracker
Before the greenscreen was installed, AVC-Systems mounted several hundred reflectors on the studio ceiling. These markers serve as reference points (“stars”) for the Mo-Sys StarTracker system, a highly precise optical tracking solution for capturing camera movements in real time.
The following camera systems were equipped with StarTracker:
- 2× studio cameras on tripods
- 1× PTZ camera
- 1× camera jib
The StarTracker system ensures that all camera movements—whether pans, dolly moves, or crane movements—are transferred accurately and with minimal latency into the virtual environment. This forms the technical foundation for realistic and stable greenscreen productions.
Robotics Control with Ross Robotics and SmartShell
In addition to tracking, a Ross Robotics system was integrated. Centralized control of the robotic heads and the PTZ camera is handled via the SmartShell control system.
This combination enables:
- highly repeatable camera movements
- automated motion sequences
- seamless integration of robotics into the virtual production workflow
Virtual Sets with Ross Voyager, Lucid, and XPression
For virtual production, AVC-Systems delivered several solutions from the Ross Video portfolio:
- Voyager: a real-time rendering engine based on Unreal Engine for photorealistic virtual sets
- Lucid: control of scene changes, presets, and virtual workflows
- XPression Clips: integration of clips and graphic elements directly into the production workflow
The combination of precise Mo-Sys tracking with Voyager and Lucid enables a flexible studio environment in which real camera movements seamlessly blend with virtual sets. In addition, lighting control was directly integrated into the Voyager projects, allowing lighting moods to be automatically synchronized with virtual scenes and camera movements.
Custom Dashboards and Automated Production Workflows
For each show, custom and highly detailed dashboards were developed. These dashboards provide intuitive control of the entire production environment via a single interface.
The dashboards:
- automate recurring workflows
- optimize the use of personnel resources
- significantly reduce production times
CueScript Teleprompter Systems
Another part of the project was the delivery and integration of a complete CueScript teleprompter system, ensuring professional presenter ergonomics for both live broadcasts and recorded productions.
A Studio for Modern and Flexible Productions
Thanks to the integrated tracking, robotics, and virtual production technologies, RSI can now:
- launch new formats more quickly
- produce virtual sets cost-effectively
- visually modernize existing shows
- create free and realistic camera movements in virtual environments
AVC-Systems AG is proud to have supported RSI in the planning, implementation, and commissioning of this innovative greenscreen studio.
