CBS Chicago unveils new virtual weather presentation

CBS News Chicago meteorologist Albert Ramon in the new “WeatherSphere”. (CBS/Newscast Studio)

CBS-owned WBBM-TV turns to virtual and augmented reality to present weather

A significant development occurred in the post-Tom Skilling era as Chicago TV viewers were introduced to the “Weather Sphere.”

CBS-owned WBBM-TV—branded locally as CBS Chicago—debuted a new weather technology on October 1 using 3D virtual and augmented reality technology (VR/AR technology for short) in a separate, brand-new studio.

The debut of the weather sphere showed CBS Chicago Chief Meteorologist Albert Ramon standing in the studio, walking on a virtually projected map of Chicagoland with weather info, and surrounded by a live shot of the city in the background. Think of it as a surround green screen room.

On days when Chicago has inclement weather, you’ll see Ramon in the thick of it – virtually, of course.

“I think some of the most important storytelling that we do here are the days leading up to those higher-impact events. Winter weather, tornado outbreaks, flooding events”, said Ramon. “And this kind of technology allows for, not just myself, but other meteorologists to show exactly what the weather patterns are doing, how things are changing, and more importantly, how it can impact you at home, whether it’s the morning commute, the evening commute, or even your weekend plans.”

“We are beyond excited to be the only station in Chicago delivering weather in an all-new AR/VR format. This technology is a game changer, offering our viewers a deeper, more engaging way to understand the weather,said CBS Chicago GM Jennifer Lyons. “We are beyond excited to be the only station in Chicago delivering weather in an all-new AR/VR format. This technology is a game changer, offering our viewers a deeper, more engaging way to understand the weather.”

CBS started using the new VR/AR technology at its KPIX San Francisco station, and it is currently in use at WCBS New York, KYW-TV Philadelphia, and KCNC Denver. WBBM is the only station in the Midwest to deliver the weather in this innovative way.

CBS Chicago’s Weather Sphere is a circular structure covering 1100 square feet and standing 16 feet tall, featuring simulated windows and skylights. ZeroDestiny’s Reality Solution powers the 3D technology, utilizing Unreal Engine and integrated with Chyron Prime.

CBS Chicago plans to utilize the technology in its 4 p.m. weekday newscast and intends to extend its use to newscasts in other dayparts.

This isn’t the first time CBS Chicago has introduced technical gizmos to its weather team. Ten years ago, WBBM unveiled its Mobile Weather Lab, a Columbia Puslar 600 weather station on wheels with a 360-degree HD camera, a control panel behind the rear seats to monitor the camera using a wireless joystick, and a gauge to pinpoint the temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure at a particular location. This space described it as “with the look and feel of a video game – one you can play on the road” (a compliment since this writer has spent some 40 years having fun with this form of entertainment, dating back to the Atari 2600.)

While this is a welcome addition to a low-rated newscast with bland graphics (at least the four stars at the bottom of the CBS News Chicago logo is a nice touch and pays homage to our city’s flag), WBBM can also claim that Skilling never stood in a virtual “Weather Sphere”.

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