News Stories

Belarus trials 3D channel

6.3.2011

[by Chris Dziadul, BroadbandTVNews]

The incumbent Belarusian telco Beltelecom has begun testing a 3D channel, making the service available to subscribers of its HD package.

The package, which already includes Fashion One HD, Mezzo Live HD and HD Life, is part of the company’s IPTV service TV ZALA, which currently has 290,000 subscribers.

Beltelecom has also announced that its broadband internet access service byfly now has 900,000 subscribers.

Read the original post here: http://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2011/06/03/belarus-trials-3d-channel/

E3 2011: Frogger Returns in Frogger 3D for the Nintendo 3DS

6.3.2011

[by Heather Spears, GamerLive.tv]

Frogger is back, hitting the streets on the new Nintendo 3DS. This 30 year old amphibian is used to jumping from place to place but never clear off the screen. The 3DS system allows users favorite frog to jump right out at them with its glasses-free 3D capabilities. Frogger jumps straight into new troubles with all new friends and over 60 new challenges. This famous frog doesn’t stay put for a second, if he’s not crossing busy roads he’s climbing skyscrapers or trying not to be eaten at a busy sushi restaurant. Whatever Frogger is up to in his newest game he is sure to jump right off the screen and straight into your heart.

Frogger 3D adds new twists to classic game play in the latest installment set to be released in the Fall of 2011. The game will attract casual gamers as well as kids. Simple challenges and cute characters will be great for players who are looking for a quick game to hold a simple interest. Kids will be able to connect with Frogger, who will be a new character to them. People, who were fans of the game before, will be happy to see the familiar face on the 3DS. I think the game should hold general attention for a casual audience. Hardcore gamers will probably be looking for more than just the simple challenges Frogger has to offer. It seems like just an arcade game to me, nothing that I would need to play more than just once. Frogger’s new challenges will hold my attention for a quick gaming session but I feel I would not need to buy the game.

Even though I do not have high hopes for this game I still give good old Frogger the respect he deserves. This game should be fun and entertaining at least for a few hours and will be great for kids but I can’t see it making it much past that. Frogger is a classic character trying to make his appearance to a modern gaming world. Some people will love the game some people will search for a game with more to offer then this simple classic.

See the original story here: http://www.gamerlive.tv/article/e3-2011-frogger-returns-frogger-3d-nintendo-3ds

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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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