News Stories

SUPER MARIO 3D LAND TAKES OVER

2.10.2012

[3DTV.com]

There’s no doubt that the U.S. is still quite provincial compared to other countries in how the citizens think of other countries.  This is not a slight at Americans, just a note to point out that there are other places where gamers are just as enthusiastic. The United Kingdom being one of those places.
Nintendo will be taking London’s Westfield Stratford Centre (yes that’s how you spell the word over there) and turning it into a combination e-shop, video game parlor and open air event. The purpose? To call attention to NIntendo portable games but also 3DS titles in particular — which is why Super Mario Land gets a big play, but is not being usurped by the likes of Cave Story 3D, Mario Kart 7 or Tekken 3D or Resident Evil. In fact, being that overseas gamers tend to be a lot savvier than their US counterparts, one almost expects them to have been consulted (via focus groups, email, newsletters, social media, etc.) beforehand as to how Nintendo should be running the show.  …
Now all of this might seem just a prelude to the 2012 Olympics, as NIntendo will have a presence there through their character line, but there’s a need to constantly remind gamers who have purchased the 3DS, as well as those not yet inclined to do so, that the glasses-free 3D system is out there. As we’ve always said, 3D is something you need to “see,” not hear about. And you need to see it in “3D,” not online at YouTube or elsewhere as the same kind of 2D image like for a DS or PS3 or Xbox 360 game trailer.  …

Google Heads Up Display Glasses: Sightings Rumored, Arrival Soon?

2.10.2012

[Philip Lelyveld comment: Vuzix had made glasses like this for a year.  Google’s main differentiators will be marketing power and integration with a data stream.]

[IB Times]

Google-obsessed blog 9to5google.com has posted that they’ve received some secret information from deep within the Internet giant’s inner sanctum regarding the development of their most futuristic product to date: Head’s Up Display (HUD) glasses. …

The display will, however, provide up-to-date information based on the wearer’s preferences, location and Google’s database of information. This means that the glasses will most likely connect to the Internet and have built-in GPS, and possibly connect directly with your smartphone.  …

The NY Times interviewed Michael Liebhold, a senior researcher who specializes in the development of wearable computers at the Institute for the Future in Palo Alto, Calif., who predicted that a new generation of technology currently being developed by Silicon Valley will begin to blur the line between reality and the virtual world. He thinks glasses (and eventually contact lenses) with built in screens will become the norm in the next ten years. …

Read the full story here: http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/294680/20120207/google-hud-glasses-goggles-heads-up-display.htm

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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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