3CatInfo’s Studio 4: Inside the Future of Broadcast Innovation
- The audiovisual landscape is in constant flux, driven by technological advancements and creative ambition.
- During a Tech Tour at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) in Barcelona February 3-6, 2026, experts were given a first look at Studio 4, and the response was overwhelmingly...
- While 3Cat operates ten studios dedicated to diverse productions—from reality shows to documentaries—Studio 4 stands apart.
The audiovisual landscape is in constant flux, driven by technological advancements and creative ambition. But occasionally, a project emerges that doesn’t just keep pace with innovation—it redefines the possibilities of broadcast media. That’s precisely what’s happening at 3CatInfo in Catalonia, Spain, with the launch of its groundbreaking Studio 4.
A New Benchmark in Broadcast Technology
During a Tech Tour at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) in Barcelona , experts were given a first look at Studio 4, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. 3CatInfo is the news division of 3Cat, Catalonia’s public media company, established in through the integration of TV3, Catalunya Radio, and various digital platforms. The organization has evolved into a comprehensive content creation hub, spanning television, radio, streaming, and social media, all produced in Catalan.
While 3Cat operates ten studios dedicated to diverse productions—from reality shows to documentaries—Studio 4 stands apart. It represents a significant investment in cutting-edge technology and serves as the primary home for the organization’s flagship news programs.
Immersive Visuals: A 400 Square Meter Screen
The most immediately striking feature of Studio 4 is its expansive screen system. Covering 400 square meters (approximately 4,300 square feet), the studio is encircled by 42 meters (138 feet) of LED screens, reaching heights of up to 3.5 meters (11.5 feet). This provides the creative team with unparalleled flexibility and visual possibilities.
Adding to the immersive environment are three mobile, totem-style screens with rounded edges. Two of these screens move laterally, providing dynamic support for anchors and commentators. The third, dubbed the “giratuto,” is particularly innovative, capable of rotating 180 degrees with a presenter standing on its base. This allows for seamless transitions and dynamic camera angles.
The screen system isn’t merely a backdrop; it’s an integral part of the storytelling process, enhancing graphic aids and bringing set designs to life with exceptional visual depth and detail.
Robotic Cameras and Augmented Reality Integration
The technological advancements don’t stop with the screens. Studio 4 features five Artimo robotic cameras, capable of free movement throughout the space and controlled remotely from a station outside the studio. These cameras offer a level of flexibility and precision previously unseen in broadcast environments.
Complementing the robotic cameras is an elevated camera capable of 360-degree rotation, along with two conventional backup cameras for redundancy.
All of Studio 4’s systems are fully integrated with Augmented Reality (AR) generated through Unreal Engine and the RedSpy camera-tracking system. This integration allows for the creation of hyper-realistic 3D graphics—maps, virtual environments, and dynamic visual elements—rendered live and perfectly synchronized with the camera’s movements. The RedSpy system provides precise data on the camera’s position, orientation, zoom, tilt, and movement, ensuring seamless AR integration.
Impact on 3CatInfo and the Future of Broadcast
According to TV3’s Head of News, Albert Calatrava, the studio was designed to offer “more visually appealing and technically sophisticated content, without forgetting the DNA of this newsroom, which is quality, credibility, and rigor.”
Studio 4 is already anchoring 3CatInfo’s news operation, producing daily programming including the morning show Matins
(8-10:30 a.m.), the late-night analysis program Mésnit
(from 10:05 p.m. Onward), and four daily editions of Telenotícies
(1:55 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m., and 9:00 p.m.).
While Studio 4 may not yet reach the technological sophistication of industry leaders like the BBC or Sky News, it represents a significant step forward for public broadcasters of its scale. It signals a clear commitment to real-time graphics, modernized workflows, hybrid physical-virtual sets, and the integration of Unreal Engine and AR technologies. The studio’s launch, coinciding with the broader rollout of the 3CatInfo brand in , marks a pivotal moment for Catalan public media and a glimpse into the future of broadcast innovation.