The installation of Germany's first Sony Crystal LED VERONA video wall in Munich marks a significant milestone in the field of virtual production. This cutting-edge technology is set to revolutionize the way films are produced and trained at the University of Television and Film Munich (HFF).

Unleashing the Potential of Virtual Production in Munich

Installation at the CreatiF Centre

The CreatiF Centre, a renowned innovation laboratory, has integrated the Sony VERONA LED screen within one of its film studios. Measuring 4 x 2.5 metres and consisting of 40 modules with four LED panels each, this wall is designed to familiarize HFF students with the new standards in virtual production. It serves as a technology platform for research projects like the CreatiF Centre, exploring new approaches to film production, postproduction, and content usage. The partner and system integrator for this project is Pro Video GmbH based in Berlin, with the planning carried out by macom GmbH.This installation on a rolling structure allows for flexible use by students and researchers within the studio. It enables digital backdrops and realistic backgrounds to be projected in real time on a huge screen surface, transforming conventional green screen technology. Through the live interaction of physical and digital elements, film scenes can be visualized directly on set, offering new creative collaboration opportunities and cost efficiency.

Optimized for Virtual Production

The VERONA is optimized for demanding virtual production applications. The HFF uses VERONA modules with a 1.5mm pixel pitch (ZRD-VP15EB), controlled via the Brompton Tessera SX40 processor. It builds on Sony's leading technology for film and entertainment production, providing content developers, creators, and AV distributors with a combination of exceptional image quality, installation flexibility, ease of maintenance, and low cost of ownership.Sony's newly developed Deep Black and Anti-Reflection surface technology delivers very high picture quality with an impressive brightness of 1,500 cd/m², a wide colour spectrum, and a high refresh rate. Complemented by extremely deep black levels, it makes it possible to create the most realistic virtual sets. The VERONA series uses high-performance LED driver ICs that achieve extremely high refresh rates of up to 7,680 Hz, significantly higher than other commercially available LED solutions for virtual production studios. A low refresh rate can lead to flickering and image artefacts, which are particularly disruptive in virtual production environments.

New Opportunities for Filmmakers

"The Virtual Production System allows us to explore the limits of technology in a very flexible way and to develop new innovative approaches," says Simon von der Au, project manager of the CreatiF Centre. "This expands creativity and technical feasibility in film production. With this system, HFF Munich can train its students in state-of-the-art technology and prepare them for the future of work. At the same time, we are opening up completely new opportunities for filmmakers to realize their visions.""We are delighted to have integrated such a modern virtual production system at HFF Munich," says Slava Luft, Project Manager at Pro Video. "With this project, we are continuing our pioneering work in the field of studio LED walls and our ongoing support for the education sector throughout Germany. This innovative system gives HFF students and teaching staff the opportunity to learn and further explore both current and future virtual production workflows.""We are particularly pleased that the first Crystal LED VERONA screen for virtual production in Germany is located at the HFF in Munich," says Georg Armborst, Key Account Manager Media Solutions at Sony Europe. "This underlines HFF's pioneering role and commitment to operating at a top international level and helping to shape future trends in the film industry. In addition, thanks to its modular design, our Crystal LED VERONA system offers flexible application options for the HFF and its students."The official launch of Sony's Crystal LED VERONA at the HFF is scheduled for spring 2025.