Case Study | Caster x Unilumin XR Virtual Studio: Innovating the Future with Intelligence

01. Ultra-High Brightness

As we know, the core components of an LED virtual production system include:

• UE editing workstations

• LED screens and processors

• Cameras and motion capture systems

• Lighting editing and control systems

To balance cost and performance while bridging the gap between virtual and live-action filming, most virtual studios opt for a hybrid approach—combining digital lighting with physical lighting. Unilumin’s XR studio is no exception.

The setup featured an LED curved screen paired with a floor screen. To avoid moiré patterns, the camera maintained a certain distance from both the screen and the subject, placing higher demands on the ambient lighting’s illuminance.

To meet these requirements, we arranged multiple Caster flat panels in a linear array above the screen. With each C04P delivering 500W output, they ensured ample base illumination.
Equipped with factory softboxes and egg crates, the lights effectively prevented spill onto the screen while enabling smooth gradations between light and shadow.

The event included product launches, keynote speeches, signing ceremonies, and panel discussions. Thanks to Caster’s 0.1% precision dimming, the crew could adjust lighting levels in real time via the console—proving extremely practical.

02. True-to-Life, Soft Lighting

Virtual production merges physical and digital environments to achieve "what you see is what you get." It emphasizes realism through:

• 3D reconstruction and rendering optimization

• High-definition LED displays

• Practical set extensions

Quality ambient lighting helps accurately reproduce skin tones and set colors, heavily reliant on the Color Rendering Index (CRI).

While sunlight has a CRI of 100, Caster’s full product line achieves Ra > 97 and TLCI > 97, surpassing professional cinematic standards. This means footage under Caster lighting rivals natural sunlight in realism.

As shown in the comparison (left: high-CRI lighting; right: low-CRI lighting), the former delivers more vibrant, natural skin tones.

Beyond overhead base lighting, two Caster C02P units flanked the floor screen.
Human vision is most sensitive to side lighting. These lights:

• Accentuated facial contours and body lines for depth

• Filled in shadows for a softer, more flattering look

03. Adjustable CCT & Dynamic Effects

During the launch, Unilimin’s CTO Zhang Yichuan highlighted their 4th-gen LED tech, including:

• HOB surface treatment

• Low-gray high refresh rates (240FPS)

• 10,000:1 contrast ratio

• Wide color gamut and viewing angles

To demonstrate, a time-travel skit unfolded:

Act 1: Tang Dynasty
A scholar sat in a teahouse admiring landscapes. As recited, “Through night’s stillness, wind and rain whisper; armored steeds on icy rivers invade my dreams,” Caster’s lightning effects synced with weather changes, while a 6500K CCT mimicked overcast skies.

Act 2: Republic Era
A warm 4500K (+green tint) set a retro mood. The bustling scene featured chess players, qipao-clad women, and suited men dancing to vinyl records. Fireworks erupted—Caster’s pyro effects mirrored the on-screen display before fading to black.

Act 3: Modern Day
At 5600K, characters from past eras reappeared, revealing their "time-travel device": Unilumin’s latest LED screens.

The 10-minute skit earned applause for its immersive lighting transitions, which:

• Enhanced visual impact

• Reinforced scene atmospherics

• Grounded performances in the virtual space

04. Closing Thoughts

Even in challenging times, pioneers thrive! As an LED screen industry leader, Unilumin is forging new opportunities through collaborative innovation.

We recognize that turning ideas into reality demands cross-industry cooperation. As a professional Chinese cinematic lighting brand, Sunnyxiao is proud to contribute. Moving forward, we aim to:

• Deepen integration with rendering systems

• Develop lighting control protocols

• Enhance user interactivity

Beyond film/TV, virtual production will revolutionize digital tourism, education, gaming, live events, and exhibitions—ushering in a future brimming with possibilities!