News Stories

Sharp to Bring 3D Smartphone to U.S., China, India (Update)

11.18.2010

Sharp has announced its intentions to sell new 3D-display equipped smartphones that don’t require glasses to view them in the United States, China, and India in 2011.

The company is aiming to stimulate international demand for its phones through the move, which will follow the sale of new 3D-display phones in Japan in December. Sharp is also considering expanding to the United States and China an e-reader online software distribution service that is set to start in Japan in conjunction with the sale of its e-reader “Galapagos.”

The company is betting that software distribution services and advanced smartphones will allow it to distinguish itself from its competitors and increase its share in the international smartphone market.

In 2008, Sharp re-entered the Chinese market, and from this month the company is selling smartphones in China and otherwise pouring investment into foreign markets. The company has also been selling mobile phones in the United States through major telecommunications companies there.

“We want to expand our market share with phones that have unique abilities and original services,” said a company spokesperson.

For the domestic market, Sharp is aiming to soon acquire 30 percent or more of the smartphone market share and sell 5 million smartphones a year. Sharp’s online software distribution service is planned to be upgraded to support other Sharp-made smartphones in spring of 2011, and the company is considering distribution to its “Aquos” liquid-crystal televisions in the future as well.

source: http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/news/20101116p2a00m0na011000c.html

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Sharp said it plans to introduce at least one 3D-capable smartphone in the U.S. market next year, following its launch of the handsets in Japan.

The company, which announced the 3D-enabled Galapagos 003SH and 005SH for Japan in early December, said it plans to release one of the models for the U.S. market in 2011.

The company has not yet announced which version will be released and when.

The 3D smartphones both feature 3.8-inch liquid crystal display displays, which let users to snap photos, play games and watch videos — all in 3D. Both devices run on Google’s Android 2.2 operating system and take 3D pictures.

The Galapagos 003SH comes with a 9.6-megapixel CCD camera, 1-gigahertz Snapdragon CPU, 400-megabytes of internal memory, Wi-Fi, GPS and the ability to record 720p high-definition videos, while the Galapagos 005SH has similar specs, but comes with 512-megabytes of internal memory, a 8-megapixel camera, a flip-out keyboard and compact four-way directional pad.

In an increasingly crowded mobile market, smartphones capable of 3D will surely stand out as consumers use their devices for more and more purposes beyond communication.

source: http://www.mobiledia.com/news/76992.html

DirecTV Cooks in 3D

11.18.2010

DirecTV and Scripps Networks are teaming up to produce what’s likely the first cooking show produced in full dual-image 3D. The pair are putting together a 3D version of “Guy’s Big Bite,” the Food Network franchise starring Guy Fieri. The first 3D episode will debut on DirecTV’s n3D channel Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

n3D, DirecTV’s general entertainment 3D channel “powered by Panasonic” will offer six new episodes of “Guy’s Big Bite,” produced specifically for 3D. DirecTV says the shows “will feature mouthwatering signature recipes such as, Andouille and Clam Crostini, Sloppy Joes with Maui Onion Straws, Hoisin Chicken Fold Ups, Braised Pork Shoulder and Garlic Parmesan Crab.” In 3D.

“We’re interested in seeing how viewers react to our content in a 3D environment,” said Lynne Costantini, executive vice president of affiliate sales and marketing for Scripps Networks. “As our distribution partners begin to explore this new format, it’s important for us to be involved and support them….”

DirecTV has carried the 2010 MLB All-Star Game, the 2010 U.S. Open Tennis and ESPN’s coverage of the Summer X Games 16–all in 3D, as well as Guitar Center Sessions with Peter Gabriel and Jane’s Addiction. The service is available via a free software upgrade for DirecTV HD subs who have 3DTV sets. — Deborah D. McAdams

source: http://www.televisionbroadcast.com/article/109494

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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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