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N3D DirecTV 3D Channel

6.30.2010

N3D, the US’ first 24/7 all 3D channel, launches on DirecTV.

n3D™ powered by Panasonic Features a Variety of 3D Sports and Entertainment

NEW YORK, NY (July 1, 2010) – DIRECTV, the world’s most popular video service and Panasonic, a world leader in 3D TV technology, ushered in a new service and Panasonic, a world leader in 3D TV technology, ushered in a new age in the rapid growth of 3D entertainment for the home with the launch today of three 3D channels, including n3D™ powered by Panasonic – a linear channel dedicated exclusively to 3D programming and viewable on 3D television sets including Panasonic’s line of award-winning VIERA Full HD 3D TVs.

n3D™ powered by Panasonic, is now available at no additional cost to millions of DIRECTV HD customers on channel 103. Throughout the month of July, n3D customers will have access to exclusive, original 3D programming such as Guitar Center Sessions with Peter Gabriel and Jane’s Addiction, as well as additional titles such as, Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia, Wild Safari: A South African Adventure and N Wave Picture’s S.O.S Planet, African Adventure: Safari in the Okavango and Encounter in the Third Dimension.

n3D will also offer special events such as this weekend’s running of the NASCAR Coke Zero 400, the local broadcast of the Yankees-Mariners series on July 10-11 and DIRECTV’s exclusive, national broadcast of FOX Sports 2010 MLB All-Star Game in 3D on July 13.

In addition to n3D, DIRECTV is also launching DIRECTV Cinema™ in 3D on channel 104, which is currently offering IMAX titles Deep Sea 3D and Under the Sea 3D and n3D On Demand on channel 105, which is currently delivering replays of ESPN’s 3D coverage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup matches. DIRECTV also launched ESPN 3D on channel 106 on June 11.

“The ability to bring high-quality 3D programming into the home is a huge advancement in the evolution of television,” said Derek Chang, executive vice president of Content Strategy and Development for DIRECTV. “Our innovative technology has allowed us to lead the industry in HD and we are continuing on that same path by establishing ourselves as the premier destination for the best 3D viewing experience available. We are proud to be partnering with Panasonic and are excited to deliver this new dimension of television to millions of DIRECTV HD customers across the country.”

“This is a major milestone in the young history of 3D home entertainment and Panasonic is very proud to work with DIRECTV to bring consumers this new TV channel dedicated exclusively to 3D programming,” said Joseph M. Taylor, Chairman & CEO, Panasonic Corporation of North America.  “We have launched our VIERA 3D TVs and Blu-ray 3D Player, and they have been very well received by consumers, but we know the key to the success of 3D for the home is the availability of content. The arrival of n3D powered by Panasonic underscores the fact that consumers will have access to a rapidly growing range of 3D TV programming including live major sports and entertainment events, as well as movies on 3D Blu-ray

SMPTE International Conference on Stereoscopic 3D for Media and Entertainment

6.30.2010

July 13-14, 2010

Marriot Marquis, New York City

The International Conference on Stereoscopic 3D Media and Entertainment is the only scientific event focused solely on the critical technologies required for widespread and sustained 3D adoption. From acquisition and conversion to transmission and display technologies, this event will provide crucial information to the media and entertainment industry – including CTOs and chief engineers – as it makes long-term investments in 3D. Come listen to and network with the scientists, engineers, and researchers who helped lay today’s 3D foundation – and are inventing the 3D technologies of the future – as they present more than two dozen papers.

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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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