News Stories

February PRIME Symposium Marks End of Three-Year Research Project [All facets of 3D workflow]

3.18.2011

[by www.digitalcinemareport.com staff]

Last month’s symposium Production and Projection Techniques for Immersive Media – sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology – marked the conclusion of a three-year research project.

During that period the 10 members of the PRIME consortium – companies and research institutes – developed technologies for all facets of the 3D workflow. The applications for their inventions range from the capture, production, and post-production of stereoscopic content all the way to viewing it on 3D displays and cinema screens.

At the PRIME symposium, Dr. Andreas Goerdeler of the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology stressed the enormous practical value of the technologies developed in connection with the research project.

“The results of the PRIME project show that Germany is at the forefront of this field with new innovations,” he said. “The consortium’s members have already begun utilizing many of the outstanding PRIME achievements for 3D production and playback. The German companies participating in PRIME are superbly positioned to compete globally in the 3D field.”
Kinoton was one of the presenters at the event. The company says it has succeeded in improving the lighting system for 3D projection solutions so as to compensate for the light losses that are an inherent problem of stereoscopic digital cinema.

In addition, Kinoton says it has made major headway in 3D projection with two digital cinema projectors (3D2P) and in integrating 3D technology in digital cinema projection systems. To round out its contribution to the PRIME project, Kinoton says it has also optimized the operation of 3D projection systems and created a sophisticated remote diagnostics system.

See the original post here: http://www.digitalcinemareport.com/node/2286

CEA Seeks Proposals to Standardize 3D Active Eyewear Glasses

3.10.2011

[CEA press release, 3/8/11]

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® today announced the launch of a new standards process for 3D glasses. CEA, the nation’s largest technology trade association, represents more than 2,000 technology manufacturers, retailers, service providers and installers. CEA seeks proposals for standardizing 3D active eyewear that uses an infrared (IR) synchronized interface from consumer electronics (CE) manufacturers. Interested participants are encouraged to join the 3D Technologies Working Group, R4WG16.

“The expanding presence of 3DTV in the home makes the need for interoperable 3D glasses more urgent than ever,” said Brian Markwalter, CEA vice president of research and standards. “As the hub of technology industry innovation, CEA is the logical host for such a crucial effort. Industry participation will help meet consumer demand and expectations regarding 3D interoperability in the home.”

R4WG16 requests that interested parties in the CE industry download the formal Active Eyewear Standards IR Sync Request for Proposal (RFP), and return it to Alayne Bell at abell@CE.org by 5 p.m. EST, March 31, 2011. You may download the RFP at www.CE.org/Standards/1401.asp.

To join the 3D Technologies Working Group, R4WG16, please contact Alayne Bell at abell@CE.org or 703-907-5267.

After proposals have been submitted, R4WG16 will select the proposals that will become the basis for standardization. Creating a standard for 3D active eyewear glasses can help break down consumer barriers to purchasing 3DTVs, and increase the expansion of 3D into the home.

CEA leads technology manufacturers in fostering CE industry growth by developing industry standards and technical specifications that enable new products to come to market and encourage interoperability with existing devices. CEA maintains an unmatched reputation as a credible and flexible standards making body and has earned ANSI accreditation. Through more than 70 committees, subcommittees and working groups, the CEA Technology and Standards program provides a unique and efficient forum where technical professionals throughout the industry develop a unified technology roadmap and address technical issues critical to CE industry growth. For information about CEA Technology and Standards, visit CE.org/standards, or visit CE.org/Standards/1447.asp to join or start a new standards effort.

See the original post here: http://www.ce.org/Press/CurrentNews/press_release_detail.asp?id=12067

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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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