News Stories

Sony's 3D Library lets Aussies borrow products free of charge

2.10.2012

[engadget]

Sony’s push for three dimensional entertainment has inspired it to launch a series of product-loaning machines in the land of Oz. These “3D Library” kiosks, as the manufacturer is simply dubbing ’em, will let Aussies checkout a variety of Sony’s 3D-capable products at no cost and for up to three days. Folks itching to create some 3D content for free can choose from the Handycam HDR-TD10, NEX C3 and Bloggiecameras. And, as if hardware wasn’t enough, you’ll be surprised to hear the company’s also throwing in its own flicks and PlayStation games as part of its loaner campaign. The program is underway now, so all you Australians willing to take Sony up on its offer can hit up the PR below to find the nearest freeloading location.

See the original post here: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/09/sony-launches-3d-library-loan-program-in-australia/

 

PRESS RELEASE

Sony opens 3D Library in Sony Centre stores across Australia

Experience and trial Sony 3D cameras and content, free of charge

From today, Australian 3D TV owners can loan 3D digital imaging products, 3D movies and 3D games from a Sony 3D Library in any Sony Centre store in Australia. The chance to experience different types of 3D content at home on any brand of 3D TV, the Sony 3D Library offers products for a three-day loan period free of charge.

The first program of its kind, the creation of the Sony 3D Library comes off the back of Sony research, which demonstrates an Australian appetite for 3D technology with more than one third keen to create personal 3D content. In addition, more than 70% of current 3D TV owners admit that creating their own 3D films and images is “extremely appealing”.

“Sony is leading the industry in its support of 3D technology – from creating 3D cameras and TVs to the establishment of the 3D Technology Centre in Hollywood. We’re still only discovering what’s going to be possible with 3D now and in the future, including the ability for people to make their own home movies in 3D.

“The Sony 3D Library is there to help people make the most of their 3D TV by offering any 3D TV owner the opportunity to create 3D memories they can touch and the chance to trial a 3D product before buying it. Personal footage is the latest content that can be experienced in 3D, as well as 3D movies and 3D games,” said Neil Stow, Retail Marketing Manager, Sony Centre.

The loan program will launch in 12 national Sony Centres from 8 February and will provide a range of Sony 3D products, set to expand over time, which currently includes:

3D Handycam HDR-TD10 camcorder
Alpha NEX C3 camera, with 3D Sweep Panorama function
Cyber-shot WX7S still camera, with 3D Sweep Panorama function
3D Bloggie camera
3D Sony Pictures films
3D PlayStation games

Alongside the Sony 3D Library, Sony has produced a 3D short film project, called 24:3D. Directed by Tom Gleeson and Glenn Fraser, the film explores life in Australia over a 24 hour period and crowd sourced talent to showcase real life events. Designed to inspire Australians about what they can capture for themselves in 3D, 24:3D has been filmed using a 3D Handycam camcorder from Sony. The film will be available to view in store at Sony Centre.
To find the nearest Sony 3D Library at Sony Centre, visit www.sonycentres.com.au

Cineplex Entertainment to Add 100 RealD 3D Systems

2.10.2012

[Philip Lelyveld comment: I post stories like this intermittently just so you know that the 3D theatrical rollout continues.]

[MediaCasterMagazine]

Cineplex is adding 100 3D capable systems to its chain of theatres across Canada

There’s currently about 400 3D systems from RealD installed across Cineplex’ circuit, and with the new installations, some 40 per cent of the circuit will be 3D capable.  …

Cineplex is the largest motion picture exhibitor in Canada and owns, leases or has a joint- venture interest in 130 theatres with 1,352 screens serving approximately 70 million guests annually. Headquartered in Toronto, the company operates the following top tier brands: Cineplex Odeon, Galaxy, Famous Players, Colossus, Coliseum, SilverCity, Cinema City and Scotiabank Theatres.   …

Read the full story here: http://www.mediacastermagazine.com/news/cineplex-entertainment-to-add-100-reald-3d-systems/1000890695/

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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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