How Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Used XR to Bring the Peaks of the Dolomites Into View

Why It Matters

The workflow proves that high‑quality, location‑enhanced broadcasts can be produced remotely, lowering costs and expanding creative possibilities for global sports networks.

Key Takeaways

• XR extends real mountain view beyond studio windows
• Unreal Engine 5.5 and Vizrt power real-time compositing
• PTZ cameras capture live footage stitched into virtual scene
• Remote production runs from London, syncing with Italian studio
• Markets customize AR graphics via Viz Trio controllers

Pulse Analysis

The rise of extended reality in live sports broadcasting is reshaping how studios overcome physical constraints. In Cortina, Warner Bros. Discovery Sports turned a simple framing issue—mountain tops disappearing behind studio windows—into a showcase of XR technology. By mounting three pan‑tilt‑zoom cameras on the roof and stitching their feeds, the team created a live video plane that sits behind a virtual studio model. This “hole‑in‑the‑XR‑scene” technique, powered by Unreal Engine 5.5, restores the panoramic backdrop while keeping presenters in focus.

Behind the scenes, the operation is a masterclass in remote production. All tracking data and compositing tasks are routed to WBD’s Chiswick office in London, where Vizrt’s Trio controller blends the live feeds with the virtual environment in real time. Vizrt’s integration with Unreal Engine enables precise synchronization, allowing regional markets—such as Norway and Italy—to overlay their own AR graphics via the same control system. This distributed workflow reduces on‑site staffing, cuts travel expenses, and ensures a consistent visual standard across multiple territories.

The successful deployment signals a broader shift for broadcasters seeking immersive, location‑aware content without the overhead of full‑scale on‑site production. As XR tools become more accessible, networks can replicate complex environments—from mountain ranges to city skylines—while maintaining real‑time interactivity. This approach not only enhances viewer engagement but also opens new revenue streams through localized advertising and branded AR overlays, positioning XR as a strategic asset in the future of sports media.