News Stories

BSkyB creates 3D Test Cards for Consumers

12.5.2011

[Advanced Television]

BSkyB has created a 3DTV ‘test card’ to help its subscribers correctly set up their 3D equipment. Featuring ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ host Zoe Ball, the new Three-Dimensional test card comes with a series of high-quality video on-screen instructions, in 3D, showing viewers how to get the most from their kit.

…

Sky’s new 3D test card will come on air in the early morning hours at 24.45 and repeat daily on Sky 3D, channel 528. Sky 3D viewers can record the test card using Sky+ to watch back whenever suits them. The test card will also be available via Sky Anytime and seen online (in 2D) at www.sky.com/3DTestCard

See the original post here: http://advanced-television.com/index.php/2011/12/05/bskyb-sets-up-3d-tv-test-card/

DVB STEERING BOARD APPROVES NEXT STEP FOR 3DTV

10.24.2011

[DVB Press Release]

19 October 2011 – The DVB is pleased to announce that its Steering Board today approved the Commercial Requirements for a second 3DTV delivery system. Termed ‘Service Compatible’, the second system is a solution required by content deliverers that enables the 2D and 3D versions of a programme to be broadcast within the same video signal, so that new 3D televisions and next-generation STBs can receive 3D programmes, while consumers with existing 2D HDTV receivers and set-top boxes can watch the 2D version. This 2D picture will probably be either the left or right image of the ‘stereo pair’.

In February 2011, the DVB Steering Board approved the specification for a first phase 3DTV delivery system. This system was developed for broadcasters and content deliverers needing a system that works with existing HDTV receivers, provided they are used with a 3D display. This approach, termed ‘Frame Compatible’, is now a principal system in use for 3DTV delivery throughout the world.

“Since 2009, the DVB leads the world in working on 3DTV delivery formats. The Frame Compatible system works very well and delivers good quality 3DTV, but there are DVB Members who have other requirements for 3DTV delivery. The DVB exists to serve all its members, and it has therefore examined the options for meeting these extra needs” commented David Wood, Chairman of the DVB Commercial Module for 3DTV.

For convenience, this second approach is termed DVB-3DTV ‘Phase 2a’. The Commercial Requirements will shortly be available as a ‘BlueBook’ on the DVB website. The DVB Technical Module has been asked to complete the preparation of the specification for Phase 2a before the end of summer 2012.

Phase 2a will provide additional opportunities for 3DTV services, complementing the first specification, which is referred to now for convenience as 3DTV Phase 1.

Press Release For Immediate ReleaseDVB Steering Board Approves Next Step For 3DTV

The DVB is also taking into account the requirements of content deliverers wanting to continue the use of a Phase 1 signal, but wish to provide additional information to improve the image quality for those with ‘new’ receivers. This may result is a Phase 2b specification in due time.

The terms ‘Frame Compatible’ and ‘Service Compatible’ follow ITU terminology.

About DVB

Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) is an industry-led consortium of over 233 broadcasters, manufacturers, network operators, software developers, regulatory bodies and others committed to designing global standards for the delivery of digital television and data services. DVB standards cover all aspects of digital television from transmission through interfacing, conditional access and interactivity for digital video, audio and data. The consortium came together in 1993 to create unity in the move towards global standardization, interoperability and future proofing.

DVB dominates the digital broadcasting environment with thousands of broadcast services around the world using DVB’s open standards. There are hundreds of manufacturers offering DVB compliant equipment. To date there are over half a billion DVB receivers shipped worldwide. DVB standards are also widely used for other non- broadcasting applications such as data on the move and high-bandwidth internet over the air. Further information about DVB can be found at: www.dvb.org, www.mhp.org, www.dvbservices.com and www.dvbworld.org.

DVB and DVB sub-brands are registered trademarks.

See the original post here: http://www.dvb.org/news_events/press_releases/press_releases/DVB_pr220-DVB-Steering-Boards-Approves-Next-Step-For-3DTV.pdf

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.