News Stories

Microsoft celebrates ‘Halo’ with 3D remake, big PAX exhibit

[Seattle pi]

The original “Halo” was released in November 2001. Now, after five more games, Microsoft is re-releasing the classic title for the Xbox 360, with better graphics, expanded multiplayer and support for 3D televisions. “Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary” will launch on Nov. 15.

This weekend, Microsoft also celebrated the 10-year-old franchise with a big “Halo Fest” at the Penny Arcade Expo in Seattle. The company’s “Halo” unit, 343 Industries, set up a giant exhibition as part of the video-game conference at the Washington State Convention Center.  …

Read the full story here: http://blog.seattlepi.com/microsoft/2011/08/29/microsoft-celebrates-halo-with-3d-remake-big-pax-exhibit/

17% of homes to have 3D ready TVs by 2016

[TechRadar]

Nearly 17 per cent of homes will have a 3D ready television by 2016, although only a third of those homes will actually be using them to access 3D content, according to the latest predictions from Informa.  …

“Public reaction has been mixed – due to both a lack of content but also a simple failure of the public to engage with what is, essentially, a new type of viewing experience,” states Informa. …

“By depicting 3D as the cutting edge of technology, CE manufacturers can use it to attract TV set buyers to replace their sets by convincing them that a compelling 3D environment will eventually be in place, so they should equip themselves for it now.”

Of course, as the report points out, this isn’t just cynicism from the manufacturers but also the fear that their own wares will not sell if rivals have an extra edge – like 3D – even if that isn’t what people are desperate for.

Read the full story here: http://www.techradar.com/news/television/17-of-homes-to-have-3d-ready-tvs-by-2016-1005886

See the Informa webpage describing the study and pricing info below and  here: https://commerce.informatm.com/reports/global-3dtv-2nd-edition.html#pricinginfo

Overview:

    Informa’s 3DTV forecasts and analysis tracks the technology’s progress to date and up to 2016. Early adoption has been driven by its status as a novel technology attractive to early adopters. To move into the mainstream it now has to deliver compelling content combined with a high-quality viewing experience. 3DTV benefits from the backing of many key industry players: set manufacturers, content owners, broadcasters, platforms and operators. These parties have sufficient collective clout to create consumer momentum.

    Several high profile 3D movies have already appeared in the cinema, which has helped to generate consumer awareness and demand. The slate of 3D productions is expanding. The Studios want to transfer this demand to DVD, especially using blu-ray. At the same time, games console manufacturers and publishers are developing 3D games, further pushing overall demand.

    Sport is one of the main genres benefiting from 3D. Associations are always keen to exhibit their sports in new and compelling ways to viewers. There are a huge number of high-profile sporting events which will provide a great showcase for 3D programming.
    3DTV programs and channels can broadcast via most existing HD set top boxes – so benefiting from a large installed base. Set manufacturers also report that the additional 3D component necessary is relatively cheap to install.

Key issues addressed:

  • Track how key industry players are driving 3DTV take up
  • Find out how key sporting events like the World Cup have driven penetration
  • Learn how Operators are promoting their 3D Services
  • Identify investment opportunities in new countries and across platforms
  • Analyse what the impact of falling equipment prices have on 3D penetration
  • Understand the impact and influence of the film industry, DVDs and games on 3DTV

Covers 53 countries and each country includes forecasts:

  • TV households
  • 3DTV active homes
  • Digital TV households
  • DTT households
  • Digital cable TV households
  • Pay DTH households
  • Paying IPTV households

 

< PREVIOUS ARTICLES NEXT ARTICLES >

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.

Oops, something went wrong.