Vizrt

Vizrt
source
Name	Vizrt
Type	Private
Industry	Broadcast software
Founded	1997
Founders	Børre and Jon Tvedt
Headquarters	Bergen, Norway; New York City, United States
Key people	Petter Ole Jakobsen (CEO)
Products	real-time 3D graphics, video servers, newsroom computer systems, live sports graphics, virtual sets
Revenue	(not publicly disclosed)
Employees	(approximate)

Vizrt is a multinational company specializing in real-time graphics, live production tools, and media asset management for broadcasting, sports, and digital content creation. The company develops software and hardware systems used by television broadcasters, production houses, and digital publishers to produce on-air graphics, virtual studios, and play-out services. Vizrt's offerings integrate with newsroom systems, studio automation, and sports data feeds to deliver branded visuals for live and recorded programming.

History

Vizrt was founded in 1997 by Norwegian entrepreneurs Børre Tvedt and Jon Tvedt during a period of rapid innovation in digital video and computer graphics. Early growth involved partnerships and technology licensing with companies such as Intel, NVIDIA, and Microsoft, and collaborations with broadcasters including BBC, Sky UK, TV 2 (Norway), and NRK. In the 2000s, Vizrt expanded through acquisitions and merges, integrating technologies from firms like Orad, NewTek, and others to broaden live production and virtual studio capabilities. The company underwent ownership changes involving private equity firms including EQT Partners and Altor Equity Partners, and faced strategic shifts as broadcasters migrated to IP-based workflows with standards from the SMPTE and initiatives like AMWA. Vizrt's timeline intersects with major industry events such as the transition to high-definition broadcasting, the rise of digital streaming platforms like Netflix, and major sports productions associated with organizations like UEFA and the International Olympic Committee.

Products and Technology

Vizrt's product suite covers real-time 3D graphics engines, virtual studio systems, newsroom computer systems (NRCS), and video play-out servers. Core technologies stem from graphics toolchains compatible with GPU vendors like NVIDIA and APIs from Microsoft DirectX and OpenGL, while supporting media orchestration protocols such as NDI and standards from SMPTE (including SMPTE 2110). Key product families include modular graphics engines for live overlays used by networks such as CNN, timeline-based media servers adopted by regional broadcasters like TV 2 (Denmark), and sport-specific graphics driven by data providers such as Opta Sports and STATS Perform. Vizrt systems integrate with newsroom platforms including ENPS and Avid iNEWS, and automation systems from providers like Grass Valley and Ross Video. The company has developed virtual set tooling that interoperates with camera-tracking solutions from firms like Mo-Sys Engineering and Pixotope. Vizrt also offers cloud-enabled workflows compatible with providers such as Amazon Web Services and virtualization technologies used by studios at broadcasters like CBC/Radio-Canada.

Business Model and Market Position

Vizrt operates on a software-plus-services model selling perpetual licenses, subscriptions, and professional services including integration, training, and support. The company competes in markets alongside vendors like The Vizrt Group competitors Ross Video, ChyronHego, Brainstorm Multimedia, and NewTek (acquired by Vizrt in an earlier phase of consolidation). Major market drivers include the migration to IP-based production, demand for OTT content from platforms like YouTube and Roku, and sports-media monetization through partnerships with organizations such as FIFA and ESPN. Vizrt targets broadcast, sports, and digital-media segments, positioning itself as a provider of end-to-end live-graphics and production ecosystems. Revenue streams derive from software licensing, recurring maintenance, cloud services, and bespoke installations for events like World Cups and political elections covered by outlets such as Reuters and Associated Press.

Major Clients and Notable Uses

Vizrt systems are deployed by international broadcasters and production companies including BBC, Sky News, Al Jazeera, NBCUniversal, CBS, and regional entities like TVNZ and SBS (Australia). Notable uses include on-air election coverage graphics for organizations like The Washington Post partners, virtual studio deployments during major sports coverage for rights holders such as UEFA Champions League broadcasters, and graphics packages for daytime programming on channels like ITV. The technology has been used in major events including the FIFA World Cup, the Olympic Games, and global news coverage of crises reported by agencies such as AFP and Bloomberg News. Vizrt-powered storytelling has supported productions from production companies such as Endemol Shine Group and live streaming initiatives by digital publishers like Vox Media.

Corporate Structure and Ownership

Vizrt has been privately held, with ownership transitions involving private equity investors and media-technology groups. Over time, shareholders have included firms such as EQT Partners, Altor Equity Partners, and strategic investors from the broadcast sector. The corporate structure spans headquarters in Bergen and regional offices in cities including New York City, London, Singapore, and Sydney to support sales, R&D, and professional services. Executive leadership has included CEOs and senior managers with backgrounds at companies like Avid Technology and Sony Professional Solutions. Strategic alliances and distribution agreements have linked Vizrt with system integrators such as NEP Group and resellers including Harmonic Inc..

Awards and Recognition

Vizrt and its technologies have received industry recognition and awards from organizations such as the NAB Show (including Product of the Year and engineering accolades), the Royal Television Society, and peer acknowledgment from associations like IBC (International Broadcasting Convention). Individual product awards have highlighted innovations in real-time rendering, virtual studios, and newsroom integration, often judged alongside entries from companies like Grass Valley and Chyron. Vizrt deployments have been cited in case studies by broadcasters honored with awards from bodies such as the Emmy Awards (technical categories) and industry-specific honors from Sportel for sports-broadcast innovation.

Category:Broadcasting companies Category:Software companies of Norway