Arcturus launches ‘first high-performance’ 3D video codec

Arcturus has released the ‘first high-performance’ volumetric video codec.

The Accelerated Volumetric Video (AVV) update to the HoloSuite toolset compresses 3D performances without a loss of quality, allowing creators to add more volumetric characters in scenarios such as the metaverse, gaming and architecture.

While volumetric video offers a faster turnaround and a more natural performance than a computer-generated digihuman, the amount of data generated previously resulted in large files that increased the demands on the hardware.

AVV significantly compresses volumetric files, while maintaining the quality of the data, allowing creators building a virtual environment to play back more volumetric video characters in real time.

As well as improved scalability, the AVV codec can also improve improve the visual quality and relighting in a game engine.

The codec has been utilised in multiple professional ventures, including the recently released remake of the classic game, The 7th Guest VR from Vertigo Games.

Paul van der Meer, project lead for Vertigo Games, said: “The original 7th Guest managed to tell an engaging story using full-motion video, but for virtual reality, we wanted to elevate that experience and use full 3D recordings of the performers, captured through volumetric video.

“We worked closely with Arcturus to compress the data with almost no loss, and to reduce the original volumetric assets by a quarter. For the first time ever in VR, we were able to include multiple volumetric video streams featuring real performances in 3D, giving players a new and compelling experience.”

Arcturus chief executive Kamal Mistry said: “With each new generation of any visual technology, the demands on the hardware are an issue that can slow adoption. It could be exactly what a project needs, but if it isn’t practical to use, no one benefits.

“AVV makes volumetric video a viable solution for digital scenes looking to add a high quantity of human characters.”