3DGS Sets New Standards for Audiovisual Production at IBC 2026
The Rise of 3DGS in Audiovisual Production at IBC 2026
At the IBC 2026 event held at RAI Amsterdam, XGRIDS, a pioneer in spatial intelligence, demonstrated a groundbreaking approach to integrating photorealistic locations into virtual production and live broadcasting workflows. This new standard, known as 3DGS (3D Gaussian Splatting), has already gained traction among media and audiovisual technology professionals from Europe and North America alike, who are utilizing advanced techniques to seamlessly integrate 3D captures of real-world sites into Unreal Engine.
Streamlining Production with Spatial Capture
Historically, transforming actual locations into digital environments for media production has been an arduous task that involved intricate reconstruction processes. However, XGRIDS is simplifying this task with innovative tools like the Lixel K2 spatial scanner and the PortalCam spatial camera. These cutting-edge devices capture spatial details and visual information for localized processing in the Lixel CyberColor (LCC) system. The environments created through this 3DGS process can be imported into Unreal Engine using the XGRIDS LCC plugin, which allows for a fluid transition from concrete locations to digital production.
During a session at IBC, CM Fey, XGRIDS’s product lead, illustrated how this workflow can be integrated into actual production chains. This integration moves beyond treating spatial capture as a mere visualization step; instead, it transforms a physical location into a versatile digital production resource that can be adapted and reused for various creative needs. This 3DGS environment acts as a foundational tool for scene composition, camera plans, extended reality (XR), and integrated visual effects (ICVFX).
Moreover, this workflow supports major production platforms, including Pixotope, Aximmetry, Disguise, and nDisplay. The following day, filmmaker and visual effects supervisor Amir Ovadia Steklov showcased how he captured a spaceship set using the PortalCam, effectively demonstrating the integration of 3DGS environments into cinematic special effects workflows.
A Workflow Already on Air
The application of this innovative 3DGS methodology is not merely theoretical; it is already in active use within the media and entertainment sectors. For instance, the PortalCam has won four awards across various categories at the NAB Show 2026's Product of the Year Awards. South Korean network SBS has incorporated both 3DGS technology and XR into its live news broadcasts, leveraging the LCC plugin for Unreal Engine and Pixotope to enhance its storytelling capabilities.
Additionally, XGRIDS introduced LCC Scan, a solution enabling users to create 3DGS models directly on their devices, such as iPhones. This innovation empowers the capture of individuals, objects, and spaces, producing interactive 3D content that can seamlessly integrate into digital workflows.
As spatial capture technology continues to become more accessible, the translation of real-world environments into digital workflows is expected to accelerate. XGRIDS is playing a crucial role in bridging the physical and digital worlds, paving the way for new methodologies in capturing, representing, and utilizing reality in audiovisual production.
In summary, the 3DGS technology introduced by XGRIDS at IBC 2026 is poised to revolutionize how professionals approach the integration of real-world elements into their digital productions. As the industry heads toward more sophisticated and streamlined methods, the potential for creativity and storytelling in the audiovisual realm expands significantly.