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What is it?

The AirPixel XT is the latest addition to the AirPixel system. Built on the RACELOGIC PNT platform, it uses RTK and IMU technology for seamless tracking of cameras in expansive outdoor areas with a clear view of the sky. The system also allows for the integration of captivating AR and CG elements into live broadcasts and other productions. AirPixel XT offers a quick and simple setup, making it a practical solution for the broadcast industry. It is an ideal tool for camera tracking in open environments such as golf courses, race tracks, and large festivals.

Track Our Progress

November 20–21, 2024

We had an incredible two days testing our AirPixel XT camera tracking system, teaming up with Motion Impossible and GIRRAPHIC to create some stunning real-time AR content. Using both an Agito mobile platform and a custom Cinelifter drone, we explored how far we could push the system in a dynamic, real-world environment...

How does it work?

AirPixel XT determines the position and orientation of the camera by combining satellite data with information from an internal inertial measurement unit (IMU). The data is processed through an advanced filter algorithm, providing accurate outputs for X, Y, Z, Pan, Tilt, and Roll.

The antenna connects to a lightweight control unit, which merges the position data with lens FIZ data, genlocks the output, and transmits it to the render engine via Ethernet or serial connection. At this stage, the data is formatted either in AirPixel's proprietary format—ideal for use with our custom Live Link plugin—or in FreeD format for broader software compatibility.

Standalone satellite receivers, or those found in your phone or car typically offer 1–3 m position accuracy, however using an RTK base station as a source of correctional data improves positional accuracy to within centimetres. AirPixel XT receives correction messages from either a fixed base station (see image 1) or NTRIP service provider via an NTRIP modem (see image 2).

Image 1: Camera position is calculated using correction messages from a fixed base station

Image 2: Camera position is calculated using RTK correction messages from NTRIP service provider

AirPixel XT in the Making

November 2024

The tests involved tracking the position and orientation of a wireless camera, transmitting this data over radio alongside the live video feed. On the receiving end, VizRT and Unreal Engine processed the inputs to render high-quality 3D graphics in real time.

The Agito, courtesy of Motion Impossible, worked brilliantly as a mobile camera platform, allowing us to film smooth, ground-level shots. Meanwhile, the Cinelifter drone captured breathtaking aerial footage. We also tracked a vehicle, overlaying graphics that mirrored its motion. For added realism, we can incorporate live data from vehicles into the graphics in future applications.

It was great to see how well the AirPixel XT system performed regardless of lighting or weather conditions. Setup was fast and straightforward, making it clear how well-suited this technology is for real-time broadcasting and virtual production, especially in large outdoor spaces where traditional tracking struggles.

A huge thank you to GIRRAPHIC for their incredible graphic designs and to Motion Impossible for sharing their fantastic Agito platform.

We learned so much over these two days and came away with new insights into how we can improve alignment and smoothness even further. This was a big step forward for AirPixel XT, and we’re excited about what’s next!

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September 2024

AirPixel XT on a single-wire cable-cam system, which stretched end to end across the stadium.

AirPixel XT system mounted on camera

NTRIP base station located outside stadium

AR content overlaid in real-time to the camera footage

Following a visit to the IBC Show in Amsterdam, we completed a live demo of AirPixel XT at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, supported by representatives from EuroGrip, Stage Precision, and Prismax.

As the system is reliant on receiving satellite signals, testing in a semi-enclosed stadium posed some challenges. However, following the day of tests, we were pleased by the system’s performance.

Initially we rigged AirPixel XT onto a cable-cam system that spanned the stadium, and despite some initial radio issues, the setup successfully tracked the camera over the entire pitch area.

Next, we switched to an 'EasyRider' equipped with a stabilised camera head. Although maintaining a good satellite fix inside the enclosed stadium was more challenging, this phase allowed us to explore the system's limits and gather crucial data for enhancements.

This also proved the viability of AirPixel XT for mobile cameras in some occluded areas, by successfully applying AR to this camera feed. Overall, the demo was a success, highlighting the real possibilities that an AirPixel XT system can unlock.

June 2024

There's exciting progress on our latest prototype test for the AirPixel XT system! Using GPS technology, we tracked a wireless, hand-held camera to overlay Augmented Reality graphics on the video stream in real-time.

In the 2nd half of the video, we showcase tracking a moving vehicle with a 3D graphic floating over it – seriously cool stuff! The video and GPS data were wirelessly transmitted to a PC running the Unreal Engine for real-time graphic rendering.

Utilizing the Teradek Bolt 6 XT for video transmission and a low latency 2.4 GHz wireless link for GPS data, both with a range of 1km+, paves the way for our next challenge: miniaturizing the setup for drone mounting!