GMO’s WORLD STUDIO, built with a 500-inch LED display, handles virtual production, events and streaming using URSA Broadcast G2, ATEM Constellation 8K and HyperDeck Studio 4K Pro.
GMO Global Studio is part of GMO Internet Group, an internet services provider supporting event production and live streaming businesses. The Global Studio, which opened March 2024, is a hybrid event space that is also equipped for streaming. It consists of three studios that can be re-configured for different purposes. Its primary WORLD STUDIO is equipped with a large 500-inch LED display and can also handle virtual production using XR systems.
"Since the outbreak of COVID-19, we have changed all internal events, which were previously held in large venues, to online streaming. Initially, we did this with makeshift equipment in our conference room, but as we went on, we installed green screen and sometimes rented a streaming studio for better quality. Then, we recognised the demand for hybrid event spaces that can be enjoyed both online and by a limited in-person audience. This led to the establishment of GMO Global Studio," said Shugo Kakeda, the director of the company.
One Space, Many Purposes
"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, and where more than 7,900 employees from around the world participate. For external customers, we supply comprehensive services from event production to day of operations, rather than just renting out the facilities," Kakeda said.
The studio uses three Blackmagic Design URSA Broadcast G2 cameras and adjusts each one 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 system is used for streaming, and a Videohub Master Control Pro router control panel is used for routing and switching.
URSA Broadcast G2 Cost Performance
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, but still create a good studio. We also wanted to use the studio for B2B conferences and entertainment style shoots for broadcast, such as TV commercials and movies. Considering these factors, Blackmagic Design cameras were the best match.
"The URSA Broadcast G2 can handle cinema, broadcast and streaming, making its cost performance 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 partly for their portability."
The event team has the option to use HyperDeck Studio 4K Pro for video playback and recording as well. While the video projected on the LED screen sometimes comes directly from the Disguise media server, it is just as likely to be output through the switcher from the HyperDeck Studio 4K Pro.
"Recently, we held a press conference in this studio and received favourable comments on the image quality. Also, since we do XR compositing, we have attached RedSpy camera tracking system sensors to the URSA Broadcast G2 cameras, and find that their compatibility with the sensor is excellent. Connecting various manufacturers' products as new equipment is released is an advantage in this industry," Sano said. www.blackmagicdesign.com
