News Stories

Consumer Reports App Takes Mystery Out of HDTV Shopping

10.10.2011

[MacNewsWorldwide]

Consumer Reports Mobile Shopper: TVs 2012 , an app from Consumers Union of U.S., is available for US$1.99 at the Mac App Store.

Anyone shopping for a new TV will be well-equipped to deal with the mind-numbing array of options in the market with an app from Consumer Reports made specifically for the HDTV buyer. Despite a few small performance hiccups, its lists, features and stats will help shoppers whittle down their options and hopefully get the most bang for their buck.

As an app, it offers up comparison shopping information for dozens of TVs, including front projection, LCD, plasma and 3D TVs. Users get the expected Consumer Reports feature ratings, as well as Consumer Reports buying recommendations. For newbies (and somewhat informed buyers), Consumer Reports has packaged up an Expert Buying Advice section that clarifies how to get started shopping for a TV (i.e., pointing out that your budget will likely start the process). The app then breaks down the important elements for you, like types, features, brand considerations and shopping tips.

Read the full story here: http://www.macnewsworld.com/story/Consumer-Reports-App-Takes-Mystery-Out-of-HDTV-Shopping-73451.html

New Study Reveals Consumers Have Interest in 3DTVs

10.6.2011

[Philip Lelyveld comment: new story on a study reported earlier.]

[3DTV.com]

A new study was conducted by  that showed consumers are quite interested or captivated with 3D television sets.

According to HDTV Magazine, “Conducted by well-known independent research firm Frank N. Magid Associates for Panasonic during ’s D23 Expo in Anaheim last month, researchers found that a vast majority of consumers believe that 3D TV significantly improves their television viewing experience.”  …

The recent study surveyed more than 500 attendees at Disney’s D23 Expo. Out of attendees who were surveyed, 71% said that 3DTVs’ images and experience is “much better” or “dramatically better” than non-3D TVs. The number is higher of those surveyed who have recognized some, albeit not as dramatic of a difference, between 3D and standard displays. Out of all attendees surveyed, 99% of them said they perceived a  to be at least somewhat better of an experience to a non-3D TV.

They also responded in a variety of ways to direct questions about their experiences with .

“”I wish I had this in my home,” said 50% of those surveyed, while 34% agreed that it “brings things alive in a way I’ve never seen before.” “Fabulous” was the word that 27% agreed with when asked to describe their sense of the 3D TV experience, HDTV Magazine reports.  …

“Unlike HDTV, however, 3D TV is off to a much faster start, with multiple full-time 3D channels available on cable and satellite just one year after the technology’s launch, They include DirecTV’s n3D Powered by Panasonic, Comcast’s Xfinity 3D Channel, ESPN 3D, and Discovery’s 3Net. By contrast, HDTV channels from these major content carriers were not available until at least four years from that technology’s 1998 introduction.”  …

Read the full story here: http://www.3dtv.com/uncategorized/new-study-reveals-consumers-have-interest-in-3dtvs.php

 

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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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