News Stories

Cisco introduces Videoscape Platform

1.10.2011

On Wednesday Cisco introduced its new content management platform Videoscape to address the needs of service providers looking to manage assets across the entire consumer experience. Utilizing Cisco’s expertise in cloud computing, network architecture and client services, Videoscape is an end-to-end solution that ties social networks, advertisers, content providers, unmanaged network/Internet and managed access networks into one cohesive system that allows service providers to seamlessly manage the consumer experience across multiple screens.

Cisco is touting Videoscape as an “open platform” and is working with several major service providers including Telstra, the largest provider of telephone, mobile DSL and cable Internet access in Australia, to enable next-generation video experiences.  This is a massive undertaking that, if successful, could enable a host of new business models and opportunities for content owners.

Cisco has obviously made a concerted effort to incorporate technologies from across its entire organization into the Videoscape platform.  This includes everything from content ingestion utilizing Cisco enabled IP networks, through delivery through cable networks using Cisco set-top boxes.  All of this is wrapped with management tools to track the flow of content, rights and payment.

(Cisco has an interesting online video that illustrates Videoscape.)

‘Speed’ Dial with Socially Enabled Radar Detection

1.9.2011

In an example of the type of “electronic ecosystems” that are brewing here at CES, Chicago-based Cobra Electronics on Tuesday showcased the iRadar, which becomes GPS-enabled by downloading an app that syncs the device to an iPhone or iPod Touch.

In the spring, the app will be upgraded to include a real-time data gathering component. “The iRadar detectors will be able to share information, kind of like Tweeting,” Cobra senior vp marketing Sally Washlow said. “So if I’m driving around and I pick up a radar signal it will upload it to a cloud, and will send it out to other iRadar users.”

The device detects the location of conventional radar as well as red light- and speed cameras. An Android version is scheduled to debut in March.

“The neat thing is, the iRadar detector is $129, whereas most radar detectors with GPS built in cost $400 and up,” Washlow noted.

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Specification for Naming VFX Image Sequences Released

ETC’s VFX Working Group has published a specification for best practices naming image sequences such as plates and comps. File naming is an essential tool for organizing the multitude of frames that are inputs and outputs from the VFX process. Prior to the publication of this specification, each organization had its own naming scheme, requiring custom processes for each partner, which often resulted in confusion and miscommunication.

The new ETC@USC specification focuses primarily on sequences of individual images. The initial use case was VFX plates, typically delivered as OpenEXR or DPX files. However, the team soon realized that the same naming conventions can apply to virtually any image sequence. Consequently, the specification was written to handle a wide array of assets and use cases.

To ensure all requirements are represented, the working group included over 2 dozen participants representing studios, VFX houses, tool creators, creatives and others.  The ETC@USC also worked closely with MovieLabs to ensure that the specification could be integrated as part of their 2030 Vision.

A key design criteria for this specification is compatibility with existing practices.  Chair of the VFX working group, Horst Sarubin of Universal Pictures, said: “Our studio is committed to being at the forefront of designing best industry practices to modernize and simplify workflows, and we believe this white paper succeeded in building a new foundation for tools to transfer files in the most efficient manner.”

This specification is compatible with other initiatives such as the Visual Effects Society (VES) Transfer Specifications. “We wanted to make it as seamless as possible for everyone to adopt this specification,” said working group co-chair and ETC@USC’s Erik Weaver. “To ensure all perspectives were represented we created a team of industry experts familiar with the handling of these materials and collaborated with a number of industry groups.”

“Collaboration between MovieLabs and important industry groups like the ETC is critical to implementing the 2030 Vision,” said Craig Seidel, SVP of MovieLabs. “This specification is a key step in defining the foundations for better software-defined workflows. We look forward to continued partnership with the ETC on implementing other critical elements of the 2030 Vision.”

The specification is available online for anyone to use.

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