You know how big TV networks have those fancy virtual sets — think weather maps or election night graphics — where presenters stand in front of computer-generated backgrounds that look completely real? That technology costs a fortune, so small local TV stations and independent production companies can't afford it. SMARTSET built a compact, low-cost version of the same thing that delivers broadcast-quality virtual sets without the massive price tag. Think of it as going from a professional movie camera that costs €100,000 to a smartphone that shoots 4K — same quality output, fraction of the cost and complexity.
Small and mid-sized broadcasters, local TV stations, and independent production companies are locked out of virtual studio technology because existing systems cost as much as the rest of their equipment combined. They lose contracts and viewers to competitors who can afford high-end virtual sets, creating a widening gap between large networks and everyone else.
A complete virtual studio system — both hardware and software — that went from prototype at month 14 to a finished commercial release with full documentation. The system integrates an advanced graphics engine with image and video processing in a simplified, self-contained hardware platform designed specifically for SME budgets.
If you are a local or regional TV station struggling to compete visually with national networks because high-end virtual studio systems are out of your budget — this project developed a self-contained, low-cost virtual studio platform that delivers the same broadcast-quality graphics and virtual sets. The system was built across 7 partners in 4 countries specifically for SMEs in the broadcast sector and reached commercial release stage.
If you are an independent production company that loses contracts because clients expect polished virtual backgrounds and augmented reality visuals you cannot afford to deliver — SMARTSET created an integrated hardware-software solution with an advanced graphics engine and image processing capabilities. The system was designed to be simplified and inexpensive, putting professional virtual production within reach of smaller firms.
If you are a corporate communications team producing internal training videos, webinars, or product demos and want professional-looking virtual sets without renting expensive studio time — this project built a complete commercial system including software, hardware, and documentation ready for market deployment. It was validated against real user requirements from creative industry professionals.
The project was specifically designed to be a 'low cost' alternative to high-end virtual studio systems used by large broadcast companies. While the exact price point is not specified in the project data, the EU invested EUR 1,078,659 across 7 partners to develop it, and the commercial release was explicitly designed for SMEs who cannot afford traditional solutions.
Yes. The project objective explicitly states the system will 'have the same quality and functionality of high cost solutions used by large broadcast companies.' It integrates a state-of-the-art graphics engine with advanced image and video processing capabilities into a self-contained hardware platform.
The coordinator is Brainstorm Multimedia SL, a Spanish SME that specializes in broadcast graphics solutions. As the party responsible for both the prototype and commercial release deliverables, they hold the primary exploitation rights. Licensing or purchasing inquiries should be directed to them.
The project included a formal validation phase with a dedicated prototype built at month 14, followed by user requirement verification. The final deliverable was a commercial release described as 'ready to be introduced in the market for immediate commercial exploitation,' indicating thorough testing was completed.
SmartSet is a complete self-contained system. The commercial release deliverable includes software, hardware, and documentation. The hardware platform is described as 'simplified and inexpensive' with an integrated graphics engine and advanced image and video processing capabilities.
The project closed in December 2016, and the coordinator Brainstorm Multimedia SL is an established broadcast technology company. Based on available project data, the commercial release was prepared for market introduction, but current product availability should be confirmed directly with the coordinator.
The system was developed with input from creative industry SMEs and validated against real user requirements from the broadcast media sector. The consortium included 3 industry partners and 2 universities across 4 countries, ensuring both technical rigor and practical broadcast applicability.
The 7-partner consortium across Spain, Finland, Hungary, and Norway is well-balanced for bringing a product to market: 3 industry partners (43% of the consortium) ensure commercial grounding, while 2 universities provide the research backbone. The coordinator, Brainstorm Multimedia SL, is a Spanish SME already active in broadcast graphics — meaning this isn't an academic exercise but a product built by a company that sells into this market. With 2 SMEs in the consortium and 23 deliverables completed, the project had both the market knowledge and the engineering depth to produce a commercially viable system.
Brainstorm Multimedia SL (Spain) — an established broadcast technology SME that led the commercial release. Contact through SciTransfer for a warm introduction.
Want to explore whether the SmartSet virtual studio solution fits your production needs? SciTransfer can connect you directly with the development team at Brainstorm Multimedia and provide a tailored briefing on pricing and integration options.
