Why Cerio is the Ideal Partner for M&E Rendering and Virtual Production as a Service Companies 

Written by Darci Penney, Director of Sales – Media & Entertainment

The Media & Entertainment (M&E) industry is undergoing a transformative shift, driven by the rapid adoption of virtual production and real-time rendering technologies. Companies offering Rendering as a Service (RaaS) and Virtual Production as a Service (VPaaS) face increasing demands for scalable, cost-effective, and flexible infrastructure to meet complex workflows. Cerio’s software-defined composable infrastructure, particularly its M&E Package, is uniquely positioned to empower these companies to deliver premium content faster and more efficiently. Here’s why Cerio is the perfect fit for M&E service providers. 

Unmatched Flexibility with Composable Infrastructure 

Cerio’s Accelerated Computing Platform redefines how infrastructure supports M&E workflows by enabling dynamic resource allocation. Unlike traditional fixed GPU configurations, Cerio allows service providers to mix and match GPUs, DPUs, and other accelerators in real time, tailoring systems to specific tasks like rendering, motion tracking, or AI-augmented editing. For instance, a VPaaS provider can compose eight RTX 6000 GPUs for a high-intensity rendering job in DaVinci Resolve or Autodesk Maya (or others) and then reallocate those same GPUs for a virtual production set using Unreal Engine, and then reallocate GPU’s to Virtual Artists all without changes to the BIOS, operating system, or drivers. This flexibility eliminates overprovisioning and ensures optimal resource utilization, reducing infrastructure costs by up to 50% while boosting GPU productivity by up to 4x. 

For RaaS and VPaaS companies, this means delivering customized solutions to clients without the need for dedicated hardware for each project, enabling seamless scaling from small editing suites to large-scale LED volume walls. 

Seamless Integration with ST 2110 for Virtual Production 

Cerio’s upgraded Volume Wall, with support for SMPTE ST 2110, is a game-changer for VPaaS providers. This industry-standard protocol enables ultra-low-latency, IP-based video production workflows, allowing real-time data sharing between Unreal Engine instances. For example, Cerio’s lab setup with a single Dell R6525 server and four RTX5000 Ada GPUs supports 16 individual screens with minimal latency, and plans are in place to scale to 32 screens for larger LED volumes (via a single server). This capability is critical for virtual production stages, enabling them to scale real-time rendering and synchronization across the number of displays necessary for immersive storytelling.  

By integrating NVIDIA BlueField DPUs, Cerio ensures high-throughput networking and hardware acceleration, making it ideal for collaborative, distributed virtual production workflows. VPaaS providers can offer clients cutting-edge solutions that reduce latency and enhance creative iteration, setting them apart in a competitive market. 

Cost Efficiency and Sustainability 

Traditional GPU infrastructure often leads to idle resources, overheating, and costly upgrades, creating unsustainable expenses for service providers. Cerio’s composable infrastructure eliminates these challenges by disaggregating GPUs from servers, allowing any workstation to become GPU-powered on demand. This approach extends hardware lifespan, reduces power and cooling needs, and minimizes rack space, making it a sustainable choice for RaaS and VPaaS companies. 

For example, a RaaS provider can compose resources for a rendering task in minutes, then reallocate those same GPUs for a different client’s AI-driven VFX workflow, avoiding stranded assets and maximizing ROI. Cerio’s ability to work with off-the-shelf hardware further lowers costs, as providers can use standard PCIe-compliant chassis and devices without specialized equipment. 

Scalability for Diverse Workflows 

The M&E industry demands infrastructure that can scale effortlessly across diverse environments, from mobile stages to fully equipped data centers. Cerio’s M&E Package supports this need by enabling providers to deploy resources anywhere, whether for a small-scale editing project or a complex virtual production set. The platform’s PCIe-compliant architecture ensures compatibility with any workstation, server, or GPU class, allowing service providers to adapt to varying client requirements without costly reconfigurations. 

For VPaaS companies, this scalability is critical for handling large-scale projects like LED volume walls or real-time VFX editing, where infrastructure must support high-fidelity rendering and synchronization across multiple displays. Cerio’s ability to scale up to 256 GPUs in a single cluster ensures that even the most demanding workflows are handled efficiently. 

Future-Proofing with AI and Real-Time Innovation 

As AI and machine learning become integral to M&E workflows, Cerio’s platform is designed to support these advancements. RaaS providers can leverage Cerio to offer AI-augmented rendering services, such as automated color grading or visual effects, while VPaaS companies can integrate AI for real-time motion tracking and scene augmentation. The platform’s support for mixed accelerators, including GPUs and TPUs, ensures that providers can adopt next-generation technologies without overhauling their infrastructure. 

Additionally, Cerio’s software-defined approach allows providers to stay ahead of industry trends, such as the projected 50% adoption of virtual production methods by film studios by 2026. By offering a platform that evolves with technological advancements, Cerio ensures that RaaS and VPaaS companies remain competitive in a rapidly changing market. 

Enhanced Client Experience and Market Differentiation 

For service providers, delivering a superior client experience is paramount. Cerio’s platform enables RaaS and VPaaS companies to offer tailored, high-performance solutions that meet specific client needs, from photorealistic rendering to immersive virtual sets. The ability to compose systems in minutes and deploy them across diverse environments reduces turnaround times, allowing providers to take on more projects and enhance client satisfaction. 

Moreover, Cerio’s support for industry-standard protocols like ST 2110 and its compatibility with tools like Unreal Engine position providers as leaders in innovation. By offering services powered by Cerio, companies can differentiate themselves in a crowded market, attracting clients who demand cutting-edge, cost-effective solutions. 

Conclusion 

Cerio’s software-defined composable infrastructure is a transformative solution for M&E Rendering as a Service and Virtual Production as a Service companies. Its flexibility, cost efficiency, scalability, and support for real-time and AI-driven workflows empower providers to deliver premium content faster and more sustainably. By leveraging Cerio’s M&E Package, service providers can eliminate the limitations of traditional infrastructure, reduce costs, and offer innovative solutions that meet the evolving demands of the M&E industry. Whether it’s powering LED volume walls or accelerating rendering pipelines, Cerio is the ideal partner for driving success in the next era of media production.