Redefining the Next Era of News Storytelling

The world of broadcast media is in constant flux, driven by the intersection of technology and artistic vision. A recent visit to Studio 4 at 3CatInfo in Barcelona offered a glimpse into what may be the future of news production, showcasing innovations that have impressed industry experts.

Studio 4: A New Benchmark for Broadcast Innovation

AVIXA toured Studio 4 during a Tech Tour at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) from February 3-6, 2026 and the experience was described as more than impressive. 3CatInfo, established in 2023, is the news division of 3Cat, Catalonia’s public media company, and operates across television, radio, streaming, and social media platforms, all in Catalan.

A Crown Jewel Among Studios

While 3Cat operates 10 studios, Studio 4 stands out due to its groundbreaking technology and its role as the home for 3Cat’s flagship news programs. The studio represents a significant leap forward for the European broadcasting industry.

Did You Know? Albert Calatrava, TV3’s Head of News, stated that Studio 4 is equipped with state-of-the-art technology designed to deliver visually appealing and technically sophisticated content while maintaining the newsroom’s core values of quality, credibility, and rigor.

Revolutionary Technology at the Core

The studio’s most striking feature is its expansive screen system. Covering 400 sq. M (approximately 4,300 sq. Ft), the space is encircled by 42 m (138 feet) of LED screens reaching up to 3.5 m (11.5 feet) in height. Adding to the visual complexity are three mobile, rounded-edge screens, two supporting anchors and commentators, and a third, called the “giratuto,” capable of rotating 180° with a presenter standing on it.

Complementing the screens is a sophisticated camera system featuring five Artimo robotic cameras. These cameras can move freely throughout the studio, controlled from a station outside the space.

Technical Specifications of the Artimo System

Payload Capacity: ENG or Box style broadcast camera, ENG or Mini-Box lenses, 19″ Teleprompter
Max. Payload: 40 kg (88 lbs)
Optical Height Floor to Tilt Axis: Min.: 0.7m Max: 2.0m
Range: 130 cm
Pan Range: ±179 deg (total 358 deg)
Tilt Range: With prompter: ±25 deg (50 deg total)
- Without prompter, throughout lift range: ±36.5 deg (73 deg total)
- Without prompter, limited lift range: ±85 deg (170 deg total)
Pan Speed: Min. : 0.01 deg/sec Max. : 90 deg/sec
Tilt Speed: Min. : 0.01 deg/sec Max. : 60 deg/sec
Floor Speed: Min. : 0.01 cm/sec Max. : 50 cm/sec
Lift Speed: Min. : 0.01 cm/sec Max. : 15 cm/sec
Floor (xy) Absolute Accuracy: ±1.25cm
Max. System Height: 2.5m
System Weight:
System Footprint – Max. Width: 86cm
Virtual Tracking Data: Included

Expert Insight: The integration of robotic cameras, expansive LED screens, and augmented reality capabilities suggests a move toward more dynamic and immersive news presentation. This could allow for more complex storytelling and a greater ability to visualize data and information for viewers.

The system also includes an elevated, 360-degree rotating camera and two conventional backup cameras. All systems are integrated with Augmented Reality (AR) generated through Unreal Engine and the RedSpy camera-tracking system, enabling the creation of hyper-realistic 3D graphics synchronized with camera movements.

Impact and Future Potential

Studio 4 currently supports a range of daily programming, including the morning show Matins, the late-night analysis programme Mésnit, and four daily editions of Telenotícies. While not yet at the level of industry leaders like the BBC or Sky News, Studio 4 represents a significant step toward advanced broadcast standards.

The studio’s success suggests that 3CatInfo and Studio 4 are poised for continued innovation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of Studio 4?

Studio 4 serves as the home for 3CatInfo’s flagship news programs, producing a broad slate of daily programming.

What makes Studio 4 technologically unique?

Studio 4 features an expansive LED screen system, five Artimo robotic cameras, and full integration with Augmented Reality generated through Unreal Engine and the RedSpy camera-tracking system.

When was 3CatInfo established?

3CatInfo was established in 2023 following the integration of TV3, Catalunya Radio, digital and streaming platforms, and interactive and on-demand content services.

As broadcast technology continues to evolve, how might studios like Studio 4 reshape the way we consume news and entertainment?