Case Studies: COVER Corporation

― Technical Producer COVER Corporation

Note: Job title at time of implementation. Anonymity based on his request.

Challenge

• Build a state-of-the-art IP production studio that incorporates the latest technologies to achieve extra-efficient operations and overcome the growing problem of insufficient inputs and outputs.

Solution

• The KAIROS IT/IP platform was selected for the new IP production studio due to its flexible acceptance of increased inputs and outputs, support for SMPTE ST 2110 to transmit uncompressed IP video, and convenient macro functions to streamline daily operations.

Background

Huge Integrated-production Studio for VTubers

COVER Corporation operates one of the world's largest VTuber agencies, Hololive Productions, which boasts more than 70 VTubers and 74 million YouTube channel subscribers (March 2023), producing a variety of content every day for fans worldwide. In May 2023, the company opened a new integrated studio to accommodate its rapidly increasing content. The facility, which has numerous studios for motion capture, chromakey and recording, fully utilizes the latest technologies for unprecedented production capabilities and operational efficiency.

Why KAIROS?

More Flexible I/O and SMPTE ST 2110 Compatibility

Explaining why his company installed the KAIROS IT/IP platform in the motion-capture studio's control room, COVER's technical producer said, "Our content production requires a very large number of outputs, so KAIROS was a logical candidate because it flexibly offers many inputs and outputs. We also wanted to create a full-IP studio, so KAIROS' compatibility with SMPTE ST 2110 was another deciding factor. We believe that KAIROS will become the standard for virtual production, so we wanted to be among the first to adopt it."

Benefits

Unrestricted MEs for Unprecedented Freedom

The technical producer explained that KAIROS offers a whole new level of freedom: "What I appreciate most is its flexible video production. KAIROS accepts as many layers as the system's GPU allows, with no limit on the number of MEs, unlike conventional switchers. We can also create images in either vertical or horizontal screen mode without being restricted by the aspect ratio. For example, when producing a 16:9 video for regular distribution and then a vertical video for a short YouTube video, we normally must change the profiles one by one, but with KAIROS we can complete the process with just one single profile, greatly reducing our production time."

Macros and AI for Greater Efficiency

KAIROS' macro functionality makes daily operations more efficient than ever. "Macro-enabled RAM and CLIP players allow operations such as playback, stop and rewind to be performed with a single button on the control panel," said the technical producer. "This is extremely convenient because it enables instantaneous execution and also helps to prevent accidental execution. In addition, we can use AI to create macros by simply copying the AI-generated source, eliminating the need for manual typing. Macros and AI greatly streamline the work of our operators, who must handle huge amounts of content every day."

System layout

In the Customer's Own Words

Taking on New Challenges with KAIROS

"SMPTE ST 2110 compatibility enables highly useful resource sharing and cross-studio operation. Also, transferring AR content from our new chromakey studio to KAIROS in another studio requires minimal cabling. We plan to use KAIROS to take on many new challenges, including remote-venue production, to deliver compelling content to fans worldwide."