CaptureLab
Overview
The CaptureLab provides a comprehensive environment for virtual production research, combining real-time LED volume technology with precision motion capture systems. Our facility supports experimental workflows in digital performance, XR content creation, and real-time rendering, enabling collaborative research between academic and industry partners.
The CaptureLab currently houses the following capabilities:
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Facility Access & Amenities
Ground Floor Access
The CaptureLab is located on the ground floor with a wide roller shutter door, enabling straightforward load-in for equipment, set pieces, and large props. This accessibility supports efficient setup for productions and research activities requiring specialized gear or custom installations.
Production Gallery
An elevated gallery area provides a dedicated space for production monitoring, equipment control, and client observation. The gallery overlooks the main volume space, allowing directors, researchers, and technical staff to oversee capture sessions without interfering with the performance area.
Connectivity & Power
High-speed 1Gbps internet connectivity and facility-wide WiFi support remote collaboration, cloud rendering, and data transfer requirements. Multiple power distribution points and connectivity panels throughout the space provide flexible options for equipment placement and cabling configurations.
Accessible Facilities
The facility includes an accessible toilet, ensuring the space meets current accessibility standards for all users, cast, and crew members.
- Core Capabilities
LED Volume Production
A 10-meter curved LED wall with 5120×1536 resolution enables in-camera visual effects and real-time background replacement for film, broadcast, and XR applications. The 1.9mm pixel pitch supports close-range cinematography, while Brompton Tessera SX40 processing ensures accurate color reproduction and low latency playback.
Optical Motion Capture
Our Vicon-based system with 46 Vero 2.2 cameras delivers sub-millimeter tracking accuracy for character animation, biomechanics research, and real-time performance capture. The system includes virtual camera tools with iPad integration, active marker kits for rigid body tracking, and supports both Vicon Evoke and Shōgun software workflows.
Facial Performance Capture
Three Faceware Mark IV head-mounted camera systems capture nuanced facial expressions for character animation and human-computer interaction research. HD-SDI micro cameras with adjustable helmets enable comfortable, extended capture sessions with real-time monitoring and digital recording capabilities.
Real-Time Rendering Infrastructure
A dedicated machine room houses five high-performance workstations equipped with RTX 4090 and RTX A6000 GPUs, supporting Unreal Engine workflows, real-time compositing, and computational experiments. The facility includes 10Gb networking, Perforce version control, and centralized render management.
Cinematography Systems
RED KOMODO 6K digital cinema camera with lens encoding integration supports high-resolution capture and virtual production workflows. The system includes VFX calibration tools, HDRI capture equipment, and video switching infrastructure for multi-camera production scenarios.
Lighting & Audio Production
A programmable lighting system with eleven Aputure LED fixtures controlled via ChamSys MagicQ console provides flexible illumination for varied production requirements. Professional audio capture through Shure wireless systems and monitoring via Yamaha and Neumann speakers ensures production-grade sound quality.
- Applications
For Students
The CaptureLab offers hands-on access to industry-standard virtual production tools, enabling practical learning in motion capture, real-time rendering, and digital cinematography. Students can experiment with emerging workflows and develop technical skills applicable to film, games, and immersive media production.
For Researchers
Our facility supports interdisciplinary research across computer graphics, computer vision, biomechanics, and human-computer interaction. The combination of precise motion tracking, real-time rendering, and flexible infrastructure enables novel experiments in performance capture, virtual environments, and mixed reality systems.
For Industry Partners
The CaptureLab provides a collaborative space for technical development, proof-of-concept work, and pipeline research. Industry partners can test new workflows, evaluate emerging technologies, and engage in knowledge exchange with academic researchers while accessing specialized equipment and expertise.
- Technical Specifications
LED Volume: 120 Absen PR Series cabinets, 5120×1536 resolution, 1.9mm pixel pitch, Brompton Tessera SX40 processing
Motion Capture: 46 Vicon Vero 2.2 cameras, Vicon Lock Studio, virtual camera systems, active marker kits
Rendering: 3 Proline workstations (Ryzen 9, RTX 4090), 2 render nodes (Threadripper, RTX A6000), 10Gb networking
Playback: Pixera media server supporting HAP, ProRes, DPX, and EXR formats with high-performance codecs
Lighting: Custom 9.5m × 11m rigging frame, 11 Aputure LED fixtures, ChamSys MagicQ control
Audio: Shure 4-channel wireless system, Røde shotgun microphone, Yamaha DZR10D and Neumann KH 80 monitoring
Connectivity: 1Gbps internet, facility-wide WiFi, distributed power and data connection points