Baron, the worldwide provider of critical weather intelligence, has released hand tracking that utilizes advanced machine learning and computer vision technologies. This new solution will deliver to the broadcast marketplace a solution for the Chroma key that resolves the common problems often experienced with other solutions.Baron's new Hand Tracker, a standard part of its premier weather graphics system, Baron Lynx, will provide more accuracy, responsiveness, and user confidence than any other system on the market.
“Baron is the world leader of storm tracking technology. It only makes sense that we would provide cutting-edge hand tracking as well,” said Mike Mougey, Vice President of Broadcast Sales.
Advanced machine learning enables the solution to continue improving the tracking algorithm's accuracy. Using advanced computer vision technology that obtains information directly from the studio camera, the system detects an object, in this case, the presenter’s hands, with increased performance and accuracy.
“As an on-air meteorologist, I used another version of hand tracking. As a News Director, I understood the value of interaction at the Chroma key wall. At Baron, we are delivering the confidence a meteorologist has to have with an accurate and reliable solution,” said Steve Bray, Director of Broadcast Meteorology.
Simple and very cost-effective, the solution gives the presenter tremendous freedom, allowing them to deliver the weather confidently. Presenters can switch hands, move to the other side of the Chroma wall, and use faster, more fluid movements.
There are no calibration wait times, and the system can determine the hand from other body parts, such as the head and elbow. At a recent Baron-sponsored conference, meteorologists from all over the country had the opportunity to experience the new system.
“The hand tracking is very nice; the algorithm is sophisticated and impressive in the way that it determines what you are trying to point at. I think this is sharp and responds well to how fast your hand is moving and exactly where you are trying to highlight. It’s impressive, and it works well."
-- Jay Trobec, Chief Meteorologist, KELO-TV in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
The new Hand Tracker is immediately available and will be a standard component of Baron Lynx for new installations. An additional computer and license fee will be required for existing Lynx customers.
