Zürich University of the Arts (ZHdK) VP Studio
The Challenge: Elevating Artistic and Technical Education
Zürich University of the Arts (ZHdK), a key centre for artistic and media education in Europe, needed to establish an industry-leading virtual production studio. This studio had to support advanced teaching in film, broadcast, and theatre, requiring an LED wall that met the absolute highest technical standards for in-camera use.
The display’s performance had to be flawless, capable of handling rapid camera movements, extreme close-ups, and complex lighting conditions without introducing common issues like reflections, latency, or scanlines. The goal was to give students and professionals a truly creative canvas, allowing them to bring digital experiences to life
The PIXREAL Solution: The HIRO Series – Gold Standard for xR
PIXREAL supplied a 9-metre by 3-metre volume using the HIRO Series, our dedicated in-camera LED solution . The HIRO is widely considered the gold standard for xR and virtual production, engineered to render reality with remarkable precision.
We focused on the technical specifications that are absolutely essential for a demanding film and arts environment:
- Exceptional In-Camera Fidelity: The HIRO delivers an ultra-high refresh rate of up to 15,360Hz , which allows for smoother motion and lifelike detail capture for film. Combined with $16$-Bit Grayscale, it provides great image details and improved low-brightness performance . This ensures a scanline-free experience for wide or close shots .
- Maximum Creative Freedom: With HDR Supported visuals, the display offers richer contrast, vibrant colours, and lifelike details . The $170^\circ$ wide viewing angle offers maximum shooting flexibility for camera operators and designers .
- Uncompromising Quality: PIXREAL is committed to a “quality-first” approach. The HIRO’s automatic edge protection shields the equipment from impacts, and its modular design simplifies maintenance for efficient operations in a busy university setting.
The Result: A Hub of Creative Innovation
The HIRO Series installation at ZHdK has established a new benchmark for production and education in Zürich.
- World-Class Training: The university now offers a studio where students can confidently train on the leading technology in virtual production, preparing them for careers in film and broadcast .
- Stories Brought to Life: The LED volume, powered by a real-time rendering engine, blurs the line between reality and the virtual world , allowing creatives to tell amazing stories
- Operational Benefits: By using this LED volume, the studio benefits from less on-location filming, lower post-production costs, and shorter overall production times
This project in Zürich confirms that for professionals who demand excellence in creative studio environments, the HIRO is the clear choice