News Stories

NEC Launches New 3D Starter Kit for Schools to Gain Easy Access to 3D Experience

5.13.2012

[Press Release]

NEC Display Solutions Europe has announced a new 3D starter kit for schools. Similar to the very successful first version of the 3D starter kit this complete package includes NEC’s new 3D glasses and market-leading 3D content and software in one handy kit to provide easy access for schools looking to introduce the 3D experience into the classroom.

The 3D content contains seven interactive applications and numerous interactive 3D modules including the exploration of the human heart and of a plant cell. Eight 3D demo videos include illustrative examples covering subjects such as geography, sciences and technology, as well as primary educational content for teaching spelling and mathematics.

The videos are delivered in Top/Bottom format and are now supported by NEC’s U and V Series projectors. This format eliminates the need for a powerful graphic card with 120Hz output. The format conversion from Top/Bottom, 60Hz format to 120Hz frame sequential format, is now made by the projector to further facilitate the use of 3D.

The new 3D glasses included in the 3D starter kit are more lightweight than their predecessors. They are more ergonomic, re-chargeable and have foldable arms for easier storage.

In a recent 3D pilot project across schools in Europe carried out by Texas Instruments with the support of NEC Display Solutions, the use of 3D in lessons delivered significant benefits to the teaching process. These included greater attention from pupils, faster and better understanding and visual stimulation.

The results of the project showed that more pupil engagement was seen in the lessons that incorporated 3D into the teaching, and students widely demonstrated an increased attention span. The use of 3D visibly led to positive changes in pupils’ behaviour and communication patterns and improved classroom interaction with students asking more questions. The knowledge of concepts was greater in the 3D classes and 3D also helped to reduce the time for students to learn new concepts, particularly where a new concept had been introduced through 3D initially.

Ulf Greiner, Product Line Manager Business Projectors at NEC Display Solutions Europe, commented: “The research shows that the use of 3D in the educational space brings more engagement and more achievement amongst pupils and staff. 3D is already a reality in our children’s lives today and introducing 3D into the classroom is a natural progression made accessible through NEC’s new 3D starter kit.”

“Schools and educational establishments wishing to sample 3D as a tool for learning should try the starter kit to experience the benefits themselves.”

The new 3D starter kits are available from end of May 2012 onwards at prices from £55 excl VAT.

See the original post here: http://3droundabout.com/2012/05/7069/nec-launches-new-3d-starter-kit-for-schools-to-gain-easy-access-to-3d-experience.html

< 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.