Sony doubles down on virtual production business using its hardware muscle

Sony Group is increasing its focus on the virtual production business where it is seeing market-beating growth, a company executive said, riding on the strength of the Japanese entertainment conglomerate's technology. The business, which offers virtual production facilities to filmmakers and broadcasters, involves using a wall of light-emitting diode (LED) panels displaying images – a science-fiction landscape or a downtown cityscape – that are integrated into the scene as it is shot. Sony sees its edge from the company's strength in hardware – the conglomerate makes everything from image sensors for cameras to the supersized LED video walls – and moviemaking expertise as a major player in Hollywood.