Judder in Virtual Production

Judder is a Virtual Production term in filmmaking. In virtual production, the nuances of this term take on special meaning. Here, we break down the definition to give you a starting point.

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Basic Definition:

What is Judder in virtual production?

Judder is an undesirable effect in virtual production that results from a low frame rate. It is characterized by a stuttering or shaking motion between frames which can be experienced both inside and outside of VR headsets. Judder can range from minor to severe depending on the original frame rate and the amount of motion present within each frame. While it may not seem like a major issue at first glance, judder can have serious repercussions for the overall viewing experience.

In order to understand how to prevent judder, it’s important to recognize why it occurs in the first place. The most common cause of judder is when there isn’t enough time between frames for all of the information to be processed properly. This could mean that two frames are being played back too quickly in succession, or that the current frame rate is simply too slow. In either case, the result is often a jerky and unpleasant viewing experience.

Thankfully, there are some simple steps that can be taken to reduce judder. The most obvious solution is to increase the frame rate to ensure that more information is being processed per second. Additionally, adjusting the shutter speed of your camera can also help minimize any visual artifacts. A slower shutter speed gives each individual frame more time to capture movement, thus reducing the chance of judder occurring. Other solutions include using high-dynamic range (HDR) imagery and increasing the resolution of your video output.

Of course, even with these solutions in place, judder will still occasionally occur if you aren't careful. Paying attention to lighting levels and ensuring that you always use the highest quality image possible is key to minimizing issues such as this. If needed, you should consider investing in better hardware as well, particularly if you plan on doing professional work.