VRE
Information and Communications / Society / Technology

Acronym for virtual recorder. A media system that recreates a location in 3D by simultaneously recording video, sound, and environment data from various sensors, then analyzing and compiling the data via computer. Originally used in planetary exploration and scouting for mineral deposits. The data, recorded on separate sub-devices, is linked piece by piece on a special workstation and supplemented as necessary. This is called virtual processing, and the machine used for this is called a virtual editor. Going beyond simply recording 2D images, it simulates a location in perfect 3D, including air temperature and humidity, smells – even the exact materials the actual objects are made of. However, virtual processing requires a considerable amount of time even with the speed of computers available today.

BBC has several virtual editors at its studios.