Entertainment Technology Center @ USC

[by espneventmedia]

Enduro X Discipline to Make its Debut; Rally Disciplines Move to Downtown Street Circuit

ESPN will kick off its 17^th annual action sports competition to be held in Los Angeles July 28 – 31 and will debut the new discipline of Enduro X, as well as the first-ever rally street circuit running through the downtown area.  In its ninth year in Los Angeles, X Games 17 will feature more than 200 athletes at competition venues and event spaces including STAPLES Center and Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE in an effort to further consolidate events to one area and better enable fans to catch all the X Games action from downtown Los Angeles.

Enduro X will feature both men’s and women’s disciplines, showcasing riders’ talent on an all-terrain obstacle course. Riders will race through sand, mud, logs, rocks and other terrain features in a blend of motocross racing and traditional Enduro, battling not only each other but also the challenging course for their shot at X Games gold.  The new addition will be one of eight Moto X competitions taking place inside STAPLES Center, while the downtown Los Angeles street circuit will offer a unique and exciting setting for the disciplines of Rally Car Racing on Saturday and RallyCross on Sunday.

“Having RallyCross at last year’s X Games was a huge step for the sport, but racing through city streets is how motorsport began,” said three-time X Games rally gold medalist Tanner Foust. “Being in the car, ripping through streets, cranking the handbrake through intersections while door-to-door and jumping next to buildings is going to be truly epic! I can’t wait!”

ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC will combine to telecast 25 hours of live X Games 17 competition. In addition to the 25  original hours in high definition, the Worldwide Leader in Action Sports will also televise 18 hours of X Games action on ESPN 3D. More than 25 hours will also be distributed on ESPN3.com. Outside the United States, X Games 17 will be seen in more than 121 countries and territories to more than 106 million homes, including live telecasts in Africa, Asia, Australia, Brazil, Israel, Mexico, Middle East, New Zealand and South America.

Tickets for X Games 17 will be available for purchase June 23 at all Ticketmaster locations and the box office at STAPLES Center.

Additional information on all X Games 17 events will be forthcoming onwww.xgames.com for fans or on www.espneventmedia.com for media only.

See the original story here:  http://www.espneventmedia.com/PressRelease/EventPressDetails/73/0/0/2314

[By Richard Lawler, senior HD editor, engadget]

ESPN has released some of the broadcast details for Summer X Games 17, scheduled to occur between July 28th – 31st, and it’s increasing from eight hours of 3D coverage last year to a planned 18 hours this time around. Interestingly, the HD schedule has been shortened slightly from 31 hours to 25, but there’s still plenty of sports action to catch, including a new Enduro X motocross competition and a move to the streets of downtown Los Angeles for the Rally racing competitions. Check all the details currently available in the press release after the break, we’re going to go find and wash our Travis Pastrana jersey.

See the original post here:  http://hd.engadget.com/2011/04/29/espn-x-games-17-returns-with-more-than-double-the-3d-coverage-t/

[by Julian Clover, broadband tv news]

Sky 3D is to screen ESPN’s coverage of the FA Cup Final between Manchester City and Stoke City this Saturday, May 14.

It will be the first time that the sports channel’s UK operation has produced its own 3D event, though coverage of ESPN’s Winter X Games 15 was shown on Sky 3D in February. ESPN is planning a 12 hour broadcast around the FA Cup that harks back to the kind of attention the football trophy received in the 1960s and 1970s, when the match would be shown simultaneously on both the BBC and ITV, and was the only domestic match to be shown live all year.

ESPN now shares the rights with ITV, alternating coverage of earlier matches, and sharing the rights to Saturday’s final.

Sky 3D will join ESPN at 12.30 and stay with the match until after the final whistle and presentation.

The commercial free coverage will be available to domestic Sky World HD subscribers and the 1,500 pubs with Sky 3D screens.

See the original post here: http://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2011/04/26/52184/

[Press Release]

Union Square Agency (USSE Corp., Pink OTC Symbol: UCRP) has signed an agreement with DIRECTV to produce a 3D television series titled “Gone Until December.” The series will take viewers on a behind-the-scenes journey through the professional female surfing circuit and the trials and tribulations facing each of the featured athletes, some of whom are the world’s top surfing stars. DIRECTV plans to premiere the series this summer, exclusively on DIRECTV’s 3D channel, n3D(TM), powered by Panasonic.

The sights, sounds and culture of five countries featured on the circuit, which includes Brazil, France, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States, will create an environment for these young women as they react to the physical challenges and the mental stress of traveling worldwide and competing against the best. Viewers will experience the beauty of nature and the drama that unfolds as the competitive instincts of these young women drive them to display true human emotions within their very tight-knit group. Humor, mischievousness and great athletic skills will be on display over the course of a year of competition.

“To be working with DIRECTV, the world’s largest pay TV provider, is very exciting for Union Square Media. Producing this series in 3D will give consumers an opportunity to see authentic television while at the same time viewing in 3D some of the more exotic surfing scenes ever filmed,” said Ed Manetta, senior executive producer.

“This series is going to give DIRECTV 3D fans an exciting look at surf culture and the challenges and successes these female athletes experience every day,” said Chris Long, senior vice president, DIRECTV Entertainment. “Not only will this series offer DIRECTV viewers inspirational stories, but it will also give them an amazing 3D view of a variety of beautiful surfing locations around the world.”

Union Square Media is well versed in extreme sports and producing series from around the world. Award-winning Director, Christopher Scott, of Union Square, will lead the production team as they seek to find the ultimate wave.

DIRECTV offers more 3D programming than any other television provider in the country. n3D(TM), powered by Panasonic (Ch. 103), the nation’s first 24/7 3D network, is available at no additional cost to millions of DIRECTV HD customers. In addition to exclusive 3D coverage of special events such as the 2010 MLB All-Star Game and the 2010 U.S. Open Tennis Championship, the n3D channel also gives customers access to exclusive, original 3D programming such as DIRECTV’s award-winning series Guitar Center Sessions and Guy’s Big Bite in 3D. The 3D programming available both on n3D and DIRECTV CINEMA are all powered by Panasonic. DIRECTV also offers 3net and ESPN 3D as part of its 3D programming platform.

DIRECTV HD customers, who received a free software upgrade that enabled them to access 3D channels on DIRECTV, will need a 3D television set and 3D glasses to view the programming on DIRECTV. For more information on n3D(TM), powered by Panasonic, please visit www.DIRECTV.com/3D .

See the original post here: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/directv-and-union-square-agency-announce-new-3d-television-series-2011-04-13

[by P.J. Bednarski, TVNewsCheck]

At its NAB press conference promoting new products it will be introducing at the show, Sony Electronics first started with some more sober news: It won’t begin production of SR videotape again until early summer.

That was the word from Alex Shapiro, SVP, Sony Professional Solutions of America, who said the company “will manage needs” to provide existing tape so as to keep supply “as close to normal as possible.”

Sony’s plant that provides tape for its HDCAM-SR was heavily damaged in the Japan earthquake in March causing something of a worldwide shortage even as much of the tech world is moving away from tape to digital recording.

Before the presentation Sunday, Shapiro introduced several Japan-based executives attending the convention. Ordinarily, that wouldn’t seem very noteworthy but given the tragedy, the audience gave the men a warm greeting.

Several other tech companies have been asked by reporters if the earthquake will create manufacturing shortages for them. Mostly, it appears, the answer is no.

Otherwise, Sony made news with its introduction of a new 3D camera and Shapiro said the finals of this year’s Wimbledon tennis championships will be shot in 3D by Sony and screened live in theaters.

Sony touted other deals it with Major League Baseball teams, including the Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies and St. Louis Cardinals, to equip their sports complexes with the state-of-the-art HD cameras.

Sony is also teaming with Belo Corp. to rollout its XDNEWS production system to some of that chain’s stations, starting with flagship WFAA Dallas. And Gray Television is using  Sony’s HDXchange content management system at its KXII Sherman, Texas, and will put it into some of its other stations.

See the original post here: http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/2011/04/11/50491/sony-intros-3d-cam-details-tape-shortage

By using the Sky 3D pub finder, supporters could find the nearest venues to Lansdowne Road which are showing the match in such high quality.

[By Laura Butler, www.herald.ie]

Leinster fans who missed out on tickets can feel like they’re pitchside tonight thanks to the first ever 3D broadcast of a rugby match in Ireland.

Sky Ireland were rolling out the innovative new technology for the Heineken Cup quarter-final at the Aviva Stadium this evening.

A crowd of over 50,000 was expected to swarm the refurbished stadium to cheer on the team in their campaign to win back the European crown.

It is the first time for a rugby event to be shown in 3D, an added bonus for those watching the game in the surrounding pubs.

Mark Deering, Director of Sky Ireland, told the Herald how delighted he is to introduce the revolutionary technology to Irish screens.

“HD pictures provided an enhancement to our rugby coverage but 3D is a whole new perspective that captures the dynamic of the sport in a very dramatic way. We hope that our viewers will enjoy the first ever rugby match on Irish soil to be broadcast in 3D.”

In a rerun of the 2009 Heineken Cup final, Leinster were set to do battle against the Leicester Tigers in their bid to reach the semi-final.

By using the Sky 3D pub finder, supporters could find the nearest venues to Lansdowne Road which are showing the match in such high quality.

See the original post here: http://www.herald.ie/national-news/get-in-on-action-with-firstever-3d-broadcast-of-match-here-2614816.html

[Press Release]

Sony has selected Arqiva as their technology partner for the live global 3D distribution of the 2011 Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships to worldwide cinemas. This will be the first time this famous tournament has been transmitted live to cinemas or seen in stunning high-definition 3D, and so it represents an innovative and unique viewing opportunity for tennis enthusiasts all around the world. Four key matches will be transmitted – the men’s semi-finals, the women’s final and the men’s final.

Working closely with Sony and their theatrical distribution partners Supervision Media, Arqiva will provide the complete global transmission chain via Arqiva’s Digital Cinema Satellite Distribution System including SNG, teleport services and satellite capacity. Arqiva’s Digital Cinema platform on IS-905 will electronically distribute Sony’s feed to European cinemas with multiple international satellites used to reach 3D capable cinemas around the globe.

George Eyles, Head of Digital Cinema at Arqiva Broadcast & Media, said: “We have an excellent working relationship with both Sony and Supervision and are delighted that they have asked us to distribute this famous sporting event in such an innovative and high-tech medium. We will provide considerable input into the many technical aspects of the transmissions, drawing on our previous experience of delivering 3D cinema events including the 2010 Rugby Six Nations, 2010 Football World Cup and the world’s first live 3D Opera. Our digital cinema platform on IS-905 is well established for European HD and 3D cinema distribution while our integrated international network delivers the necessary global reach for a truly international sporting event.”

David McIntosh, Director of Digital Cinema for Sony Europe, added: “Arqiva’s international infrastructure offers us the flexibility and reliability we need to bring this prestigious sporting event to appreciative audiences all around the world. They have proven expertise of successfully delivering major sporting events in 3D so we will be drawing extensively on their experience and knowledge to ensure that cinemas around the world can show the matches in the highest possible quality and with maximum confidence.  Sony’s 3D broadcast experience, combined with Arqiva’s track record  in 3D distribution and Sony Digital Cinema 4K projection of ‘easy on the eye’ superior 3D, will ensure we bring the best 3D experience to fans in cinemas.”

Daniel Webber, Managing Director, SuperVision Media, commented: “Having worked with Arqiva on previous international events we are delighted that they will be providing the distribution elements of these important transmissions. With a huge anticipated take-up by cinemas spread right across the world, it’s vital to have a technology partner who understands and can professionally handle all the regional variations in equipment and standards – Arqiva is that company.”

See the original press release here:  http://www.allvoices.com/s/event-8644557/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5wcm5ld3N3aXJlLmNvbS9uZXdzLXJlbGVhc2VzL2FycWl2YS1wYXJ0bmVycy13aXRoLXNvbnktdG8tZGVsaXZlci0zZC13aW1ibGVkb24tdGVubmlzLXRvLXdvcmxkd2lkZS1jaW5lbWFzLTExOTAxNjM5NC5odG1s

[by Deborah D. McAdams, tvtechnology.com]

Verizon’s FiOS TV will offer ESPN 3D as part of a package or separately for $9.99 a month, the network said today. FiOS plans to launch ESPN 3D on April 5 to coincide with stereoscopic coverage of the Masters golf tourney and National Basketball Association playoffs. ESPN 3D will be available to FiOS customers who subscribe to the services Ultimate HD package, or individually for $9.99 a month.

Verizon announced its 3D plans for FiOS a year ago, a week after Cablevision carried the first live stereoscopic telecast in the United States. Comcast then announced live distribution of 3D to its hi-def subscribers with stereoscopic coverage of the Masters. Cox also carried the event. ESPN 3D launched last June 11 on DirecTV, to accommodate the FIFA World Cup soccer events. Verizon launched regular 3D service on FiOS last November with on-demand movie titles delivered by Avail-TVN.

Including the FiOS footprint, ESPN 3D is now available to more than 63 million homes. The network says it’s “on track to feature nearly 100 events in its first year.”

The Masters begins Wednesday, April 6 at 3 p.m. Eastern with the Par 3 contest and wraps Saturday, April 16 with the final round. The NBA playoff coverage starts with Game 1 of the final round on Saturday, April 23, and concludes with the Conference Finals Wednesday, May 25.

See the original post here: http://tvtechnology.com/article/115854

[by Julian Clover, www.broadbandtvnews.com]

Canal+ is to make its first public broadcast in Sweden using the 3D format. The pay-TV channel has secured the rights to the Spanish league derby between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid on March 19. It will be made available to retail subscribers, though it will also be available to view to domestic households with the necessary equipment.

The transmission is being supported by the TV manufacturer Panasonic and the O’Leary pub chain. “If one combines the excitement of a live football derby with the sensation of 3D and the atmosphere in the pub, I think you manage to get the ultimate sports and TV experience. In connection with that we launch 3D to our customers we kill the drums and take advantage of our unique rights to also send the match to the pubs and taverns, “says Mats Almgren, CEO of distributor Canal Digital.

Although Canal Digital has been testing the 3D format since the spring of 2010, it is effectively playing catch-up with its DTH rival Viasat, which has already screened a number of sports in 3D.

See the original story here: http://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2011/03/15/canal-digital-sweden-puts-3d-into-pubs/

Is 3D TV worth it? I guess that depends.

Do you have $1,500 of expendable cash and feel the need to be on the cutting edge of technology?

Currently there just isn’t that much content available for consumers that buy 3D TV but if you’re a sports junkie it might be worth considering. ESPN, the Worldwide Leader in Sports, is also the worldwide leader in sports technology, and they’re getting out in front of the 3D curve.

I was able to attend the Big East tournament, check out the process of producing a live event in 3D and interview lead producer of ESPN3D, Josh Hoffman.

The biggest problem facing the 3D sports broadcast has to do with the technology. If you’ve ever seen a 3D broadcast then you’ve seen a 3D image that just didn’t quite look right.

“When you’re working an HD show, if the camera shot isn’t just right, it’s still pretty good,” Hoffman said. “In 3D, either things are perfect or bad. There is a much smaller margin of error.”

Sometimes it’s as if the image isn’t completely aligned and appears a bit blurred.

But the technology and production has come a long way and that’s in part due to how they trained to produce for 3D. After heading out to Los Angeles to meet with the Pace, the leader in 3D technology, and studying diagrams on how the technology works, the ESPN crew headed back to Bristol to put their knowledge into action.

“We brought in our trucks in and set up eight cameras on a football field in Connecticut and brought in a semi-pro football team for 2 days and just had them run plays and looked at different ways to cover it,” Hoffman said.

Through this exercise they learned what angles worked and didn’t and what made the best use out of 3D. They then implemented these lessons in the fall during the college football season and continue to set the blueprint for how to broadcast in the cutting edge format.

“It needs to be both different and a better experience than HD,” Hoffman said. “But it also needs to deliver the content and all the information and everything about the game.”

It’s a balancing act that they are still working on. Sports viewers are used to certain angles and the game itself is first and foremost. The 3D technology is meant to enhance the experience, not completely change it.

With any sort of new technology, there are bound to be some logistical issues. Obviously, HD broadcasts aren’t going anywhere in the near future and that means ESPN must set up both HD and 3D cameras.

That can prove to be difficult in arenas not built for a second setup.

“A lot of the places we’d like to have cameras are places that would block seats,” Hoffman said. “That’s one of the limiting factors is how do you not block people in the house but find places that make sense for us.”

There is one benefit for those who adopt to the technology early.

Since 3D TV is in its infancy, so is advertising in the new format. That means the broadcasts have less commercials than that of HD meaning more content for those few on the cutting edge of technology.

Personally, I plan on waiting until the price point drops and more importantly, more content becomes available.

But just like HDTV, sports will pave the way for 3D and with ESPN behind the new technology, it’s only a matter of time before most living rooms in the country have a few pairs of 3D glasses laying around.

See the original story here: http://sujuiceonline.com/2011/03/11/espn-3d-syracuse-orange/