Pixotope Reveal Introduced – Remove Backgrounds Without Green Screen or Chroma Key

Software News

by Heath McKnightToday

Imagine removing backgrounds and placing 2D and 3D graphics and other elements behind or in front of your talent without the need for chroma key software and a green screen. Pixotope Reveal does just that, using AI to analyze and remove backgrounds from up to 20 subjects. Let’s take a look!

The past 20 years have seen some incredible technological achievements, including the rise of digital cinema cameras from Blackmagic Design, RED, ARRI, and others. We also saw the iPhone transform smartphones forever and how they can be used to film and edit a project. Virtual production made a splash with The Mandalorian and grew during COVID-19.

Pixotope Reveal could be the next technological achievement for film and video production. There’s no need for a green screen and chroma key or time-intensive rotoscoping.

Pixotope Reveal – features

Pixotope Reveal is background segmentation software and uses AI to identify and isolate up to 20 subjects in the frame. This allows for the removal of the background and new graphics or elements added in front or behind the talent, all in real-time. A talent tracking tool allows the subject to move in the frame, including around AR objects, such as a small table, without any problem.

There is no need for a green screen, special lighting or cameras, advanced setups, or rotoscoping after the shoot has wrapped. However, a powerful workstation is required to run the Pixotope Reveal software. It can also be used in conjunction with Pixotope Graphics and other software, which is great for broadcasts looking to seamlessly add 2D and 3D graphics and virtual sets in the frame.

Features include:

• AI-powered extraction of up to 20 subjects from any background into a combined matte, in real-time.
• Supports UHD at 60 fps.
• Timecode and genlock synchronization.
• Compatible with SDI, NDI, SRT, and SMPTE 2110.
• Works as a standalone for key + fill or in conjunction with other software like Pixotope Graphics.
• Also integrates into existing workflows with talent tracking systems so subjects can interact with AR objects naturally. Pixotope Camera Tracking, Pixotope Graphics VS/AR Edition, and similar software are supported.
• Faster post-production workflows with recorded mattes for on-screen talent.
• Cloud-ready deployment options.

Common use cases for Pixotope Reveal

The most common application cited by Pixotope is a live or pre-recorded broadcast requiring a virtual set or a mix of real and virtual (news, sports, etc.). The background can be removed, and the talent can be dropped into a virtual news set or location (such as a football stadium), and 2D and 3D graphics can be added. It’s also ideal for sponsorships and advertising. This saves on building sets, installing lights, going on location, and more.

What also comes to mind is using it for a movie with heavy VFX and backgrounds. 300 and Sin City both famously filmed nearly the entire movie in front of blue or green screens, then used extensive post-production to create unique universes. Pixatope Reveal may be able to do just that without the need for complex setups and cameras.

With the explosion of virtual production since The Mandalorian’s first season in 2019, many films, TV shows, and commercials take advantage of filming on an LED volume, nearly eliminating the need for post-production VFX. It’s all done in pre-production and during shooting. Could Reveal compete with virtual production? Possibly.

Price and availability

Following development and beta testing, Pixotope Reveal is now available. Early adopters can get a 30% discount on a license, and there’s also a 30-day trial available. For licensing and pricing information, you’ll need to reach out to Pixotope. Visit their website for more information.

What do you think of Pixotope Reveal? Will you consider using it on your next productions instead of filming with a green screen? Let us know in the comments below!