News Stories

XPAND Powers the 3D Revolution at IBC 2011 With Multiple 3D System Deployments

9.10.2011

[Press Release]

Reinforcing XPAND 3D’s leadership position as the world’s foremost provider of 3D technology for all viewing environments, XPAND 3D systems will be deployed at several locations at IBC 2011—the largest trade show for professionals engaged in the creation, management and delivery of broadcasting media and entertainment.

At IBC 2011, the XPAND 3D systems will be used in the Forum, Room L and the Production Village for a variety of presentations, forums and seminars. The use of XPAND 3D systems at IBC demonstrates XPAND’s commitment to the content creation and broadcast industries, which are crucial in driving worldwide acceptance of 3D.

“At a show that will feature so many developments in 3D technology, it is only fitting that our XPAND 3D systems be used to provide the most immersive and effective 3D experience possible,” said Ami Dror, Chief Strategy Officer for XPAND 3D. “XPAND’s technology is second to none and we are looking forward to many attendees at IBC seeing it for themselves!” With this new agreement, the companies intend to work in partnership on the development and licensing of radio frequency (RF) system 3D active glasses technology, including RF system protocols between consumer 3D active glasses and 3D displays such as televisions, personal computers, projectors and 3D theaters with XPAND active shutter glasses.

While XPAND maintains a 3D cinema market share of over 50 percent in mainland Europe and 90 percent in Japan, the company is also the global leader in 3D systems for the consumer market. In the past month, XPAND 3D joined some of the world’s most successful 3D television manufacturers in establishing the “Full HD 3D Glasses Initiative” in an effort to develop a new technology standard for consumer active 3D glasses.

Read the original press release here: http://www.dcinematoday.com/dc/pr.aspx?newsID=2482

IBC Conference: where next for live production? (session coverage)

9.9.2011

 

[SVG Europe]

In terms of driving 3D uptake, Long was adamant that merely flooding European electrical stores with 3D TVs isn’t the way ahead. “3D needs to be driven by the public and by broadcasters, rather than by manufacturers putting [TVs] out there.”

… Sony Professional Europe’s Malcolm Robinson, head of live production, recalled Wimbledon 2011 as “a big 3D success.” That said, he did counsel against driving 3D technology purely for technology’s sake. “We need to deliver content to mobile devices, live,” he stated. “The excitement of the event itself, experienced live, is more important than fantastic picture quality.” …

Duncan Humphreys, creative director, Can Communicate, was quick to point out that the high cost of live production is nothing new. “In the past, high-profile live events would be shot on film over multiple cameras at an astronomical cost,” he recalled. However, what live productions can deliver, and deliver in abundance, is numbers. Major live sports and entertainment events are beamed throughout Europe and beyond and for the moment, they remain a key audience driver. Events viewed on television often weave themselves into the very weft of our lives. After all, doesn’t everyone remember ‘where they were when they watched…’

Other links in the live production chain still need be perfected, with the prevailing ‘content silo’ approach needing to be addressed, according to Long.  … “We need to have brand consistency of content, so we can’t have different producers across everything, but we do need to address the costs and resources for addressing different platforms,” he added.

Read the full story here: http://svgeurope.org/2011/09/09/ibc-conference-where-next-for-live-production/

 

< 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.