Brompton Technology announces new features as part of Tessera V3.5 software release

Brompton Technology introduce the latest Tessera V3.5 software features at this year’s InfoComm 2024, bringing significant improvements and functionality for professional workflows in live events, virtual production, broadcast, XR, corporate, and esports markets. Additions include Frame Store, Hidden Markers, and Dark Time Insertion, which complement Tessera’s already industry-leading capabilities. Tessera V3.5 will be available to Brompton users in June.

Frame Store

Frame Store adds a game-changing capability to the Tessera LED processor to store and recall 24 bitmaps. These bitmaps can either be captured from a live video source or uploaded directly to the processor. The feature is integrated into the existing Test Pattern function, resolving previous limitations in test pattern quality by supporting industry-standard HDR to deliver unparalleled depth of colour and brightness. The Frame Store function also allows users to access significantly higher-quality test patterns, complete with alpha channels to be used as overlays.

“Frame Store means users can trigger test patterns to evaluate HDR video quality on LED screens or utilise them for commissioning new panels,” says Cesar Caceres, Product Lead at Brompton Technology. “For live events, pre-recorded test patterns can be showcased to troubleshoot video issues or be creatively overlaid with transparent company logos for enhanced branding during corporate events.

“The introduction of the Frame Store feature enhances flexibility and test pattern quality for our users. We’ve received overwhelmingly positive initial feedback, and Brompton customers are eagerly anticipating the seamless integration of this feature into their day-to-day workflows.”

Hidden Marker Improvement

The Hidden Marker function allows markers to be displayed for a fraction of the frame period. This brings a significant improvement as implementing markers previously required sending two frames: one with the content; and another with the marker. The camera then had to be set to 180 degrees, opening when the content was displayed and closing when the hidden marker appeared. This method required Frame Rate Multiplication to effectively double the frame rate to 120 fps when running at 60 fps, as both content and markers were sent at 60 fps, but this doubling strained the network capacity of the output ports and limited the number of panels that could be utilised.

“With Hidden Marker’s improved capability, this limitation has been removed. Now, we can send any image we want and use the ShutterSync function to display it only when the shutter is closed. Since the image is now stored within the panels and not generated by the LED processor, it does not impact the processor’s network capacity,” explains Caceres.

Red Spy Hidden Markers Integration and Custom Markers

Following successful integration with Mo-Sys’s camera tracking system, Brompton now offers its digital tracking markers functionality with stYpe’s RedSpy, another leading tracking system. Additionally, Brompton users can now choose Custom Markers within the same interface, which can be uploaded remotely via a USB key, or through the API.

“In addition to partnering with major players like Mo-Sys and stYpe, we aim to provide a broader range of companies with access to the Hidden Marker functionality,” says Caceres. “To achieve this, we’ve introduced the Custom Marker option, allowing companies to upload any one-bit image into the LED processor for use as a marker.”

A notable application for Hidden Markers is in the broadcast sector. “For example, in an XR studio, it’s possible to place custom markers on the floor to provide the presenters with a reference for AR visuals during broadcasts, while keeping these markers hidden from the camera. This opens up creative possibilities for using various images in diverse ways, as well as making it much easier for the presenter to interact with virtual objects,” Caceres notes.

Dark Time Insertion

Dark Time Insertion is a new feature that builds on Brompton’s patented ShutterSync^® technology to deliver benefits for human viewers rather than a camera. It allows users to specify Dark Time within the frame period, reducing motion blur and enhancing the viewer experience in applications such as simulators or eGaming. It can be defined in milliseconds or as a percentage of the frame period.

“The need to address motion blur becomes apparent in fast-moving scenes, where the refresh rate can introduce distracting blurs,” continues Caceres. “Cinematographers often prefer 24fps for ideal motion blur, enhancing creative visuals. However, for content where clarity is paramount, such as in eGames or simulators, minimising motion blur is crucial to maintain a sharp viewing experience.”

The Dark Time Insertion feature tackles this challenge by strategically inserting dark intervals between frames, effectively eliminating motion blur and delivering the perception of higher frame-rate video. “This enhancement is important for users seeking Brompton’s hallmark quality, akin to the improvements seen with HDR technology, which enhances colour, depth, and brightness, resulting in sharper image definition and a vastly improved motion quality,” adds Caceres.

Enable Brightness Limit

This new feature allows users to set a maximum brightness limit in Global Colour that is either equal to, or less than, the maximum panel brightness. It becomes particularly valuable when granting brightness control through the API or remote access to the Tessera LED processor.

“During live events like concerts and music festivals, it’s often crucial to adjust the LED screen’s brightness according to the time of day or to suit an overall creative look,” explains Caceres. “The new feature in Tessera V3.5 software empowers users to give control over the screen’s brightness settings to other operators, such as the lighting designer, to manage the brightness while ensuring it remains within a defined brightness top-limit. This enhancement provides greater flexibility and peace of mind for the LED technical team.”

Caceres emphasises that with the latest features introduced in Tessera V3.5 software, their applications can span diverse sectors like theme parks, simulations, and eGaming among others. “Whether in a live event, virtual production, or broadcast environment, the new features exemplify the quintessential Brompton approach to delivering top-quality and industry-leading functionality, with yet more brilliant tools to control the image and make it look good in camera and to the eye,” he concludes.