News Stories

LG Launch New 3D TV Packages / UK Virgin and BT offer 3D content

5.9.2011

LG have announced the launch of two Cinema 3D monitors, designed to deliver clearer 3D images and reduce eye strain for viewers. The monitors are available now in Korea and are set to go on sale globally in early June. The drawbacks faced by 3d TV packages so far have been problems relating to viewing angles, and flickering images.

These problems are expected to be ironed out by the new LG products, which are using new technology to combat viewing difficulties. The LG D41P and D42P both utilize Film Patterned Retarder technology to reduce the flickering effect and improve the visual experience of 3D for the viewer. The technology works by showing left and right images through different patterns in a circular polarizer, and uses the precise film which can distinguish the left and right images to show a different image on each eye. It is an improvement on previous technologies, with the new developments meaning that the LG monitors are much brighter than conventional 3D TVs, with no flickering or ghosting of images.

The new monitors will come to the UK market at a time when several of the top providers of subscription TV channels are branching into 3D entertainment. Virgin, BT and Sky are all now offering 3D programming as part of some of their service packages. BT began offering 3D films in November 2010, however its range of 3D programming is limited. For customers making the decision of Sky vs BT, the range of entertainment in 3D offered by Sky is superior. Sky also hosts the UK’s first entirely 3D channel, however with the development of 3D technology and the proven popularity BT is likely to increase its range very soon. Virgin Media also offer 3D entertainment, and have recently signed a deal with Disney and Paramount to present their films in 3D on its On Demand service.

Customers will be able to access them at no extra cost, making the Virgin vs Sky choice more interesting. Virgin up until this point have lagged behind Sky on 3D provision, instead focusing on the provision of non-linear content for their customers to access online. Virgin is keen to avoid being left behind by other companies, and Alex Habdank, director of on demand television and strategy at Virgin Media has said: “We’re thrilled to be adding this exciting range of new movies to our 3D video on demand service from two of the biggest studios Paramount Pictures and Disney.”

See the original post here:  http://www.press-release-service.co.uk/lg-launch-new-3d-tv-packages-19686-PRS-Press-release

Capital Networks Releases Stereoscopic 3D Version of Audience Software Platform

5.7.2011

[Press Release]

Capital Networks Limited, a leading global provider of Cable TV, Broadcasting and dynamic digital signage content creation and management software, has released Audience 4.1.

Audience 4.1 supports Stereoscopic 3D, broadcast quality HD video and was designed primarily with Cable, IPTV, Satellite and high end retail markets in mind.

Jim Vair, Vice President of Business Development at Capital Networks commented: “Along with some powerful upgrades to the video and rendering capabilities of our software, we’re especially pleased to announce the release of Audience 4.1 at a time when the 3D market is just starting to pick up steam. We feel our ability to ingest, manage and play out stereoscopic 3D content, along with the power to update that content in real time, puts us well ahead of the pack in this emerging market.”

This latest 3D capable version comes 5 months after the public release of Audience 4.0 in December, 2010 and builds on the advanced 3D features introduced in version 4.0. The Audience 4 series provides a powerful, flexible HD solution for high quality content to cable companies, broadcasters, IPTV operators and organizations operating dynamic digital signage networks.

Other key new features in the Audience 4 series include:

•  Support for Windows 7

•  3D perspective zones, 3D objects, 3D transitions

•  Enhanced video file support – Including SD and HD, MPEG4 and MPEG2

•  Advanced, enterprise level scheduling across thousands of screens

•  Broadcast quality MNG animations builder – ideal for companies that don’t have animators on staff but want animation within a show

•  Full alpha channel flash support

 

For further information, please contact Jim Vair, Vice President Business Development.
T: 905 946-1122 ext 231.

About Capital Networks Limited
Capital Networks Limited is a privately held company based in Markham, Ontario, Canada. Established in 1991, Capital Networks is a respected leader in the supply and support of advanced multimedia systems to communications companies engaged in cable television operation, broadcasting, direct-to-home and place-based media. Capital Networks has sold Audience™ software through authorized resellers into a variety of market segments including Digital Signage, Cable TV, Education, Corporate and Municipal applications in 36 countries. Clients include: OLGC – Ontario, York Region Police – Ontario, United States Air Force, United States Marine Corps, N.A.I.T. – Alberta, Pan Pacific Hotels – Singapore, Cablevision – New York, Rogers Cable TV – Toronto, Cox Communications, and many others.

See the original press release here:  http://www.capitalnetworks.com/news04052011.html

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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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