Matrox Video and VRi support South Korean election coverage
Matrox Video and VRi support South Korean election coverage
Visual Research Inc. (VRi) has deployed its Karisma Illuzon augmented reality (AR) and virtual studio platform across three major South Korean broadcasters to support coverage of the country's nationwide local elections. Working with long-term technology partner Matrox Video, VRi delivered real-time election graphics and data visualisation systems for SBS, YTN and MBN during the June 3 broadcast, one of the largest live television events in South Korea.
The elections presented significant technical challenges, with broadcasters required to visualise results for 7,782 candidates across 2,335 constituencies while maintaining uninterrupted live coverage. Across the three networks, election broadcasts totalled 41 hours, with some systems operating continuously for more than 16 hours.
To support the production requirements, VRi deployed six Karisma Illuzon systems based on its real-time graphics engine. The platform was used to generate a range of on-air graphics, including interactive 3D maps, candidate comparison tools, live vote-count displays, data-driven infographics and AR studio elements.
Designed for broadcast applications, Karisma Illuzon incorporates physically based rendering technology to create realistic lighting, reflections and shadows, with the aim of enabling graphics to blend seamlessly with live studio environments.
To ensure reliable operation throughout the broadcasts, each Karisma Illuzon system was equipped with Matrox DSX LE4 SDI I/O cards. The cards provided low-latency video input and output, allowing synchronisation between live camera feeds, graphics rendering systems and on-air outputs while integrating with existing broadcast infrastructure.
Founded in 1993, VRi develops real-time graphics technologies for television production, including character generators, virtual studios, AR graphics systems and LED wall control solutions. The company reports more than 5,000 installations across over 30 countries.
According to VRi, all six Karisma Illuzon systems operated continuously throughout election coverage, supporting the delivery of real-time graphics and election data visualisations. The company also noted that systems could be configured and made broadcast-ready in approximately 80 minutes using pre-validated hardware configurations.
“Matrox Video has been part of VRi's broadcast DNA for over 25 years,” said Charles Kim, CEO of VRi. “When we built Karisma Illuzon, we knew we needed a video I/O foundation that broadcasters could trust unconditionally and Matrox Video was the clear answer. In 25 years of live broadcast deployments, that trust has never once let us down.”
