News Stories

DVB approves 3DTV specifications

1.28.2011

The DVB Technical Module has given its approval to the DVB-3DTV specification.

The Phase 1, frame compatible, system will allow viewers to keep and use their current set-top box, in line with plans put forward by broadcasters including BSkyB and Canal+, though requiring them to purchase a new 3D compatible television display.

Work in the technical module has been led by BSkyB’s David Daniels, and follows the establishment of the first set of commercial requirements that were prepared and agreed last July.

DVB commercial experts are currently discussing a Phase 2 system that may be needed to meet other broadcast requirements, such as having a 2D version of the same programme available as part of the 3D channel. There may also be a need for viewers to be able to adjust picture depth for maximum ‘eye comfort’.

The majority of interest in the Phase 1 system has come from pay-TV broadcasters, in Europe and the United States. Phase 2 is also attracting interest from the free-to-air broadcasters in the US market and some pay-TV operators. Tests of a DVB Phase 2 system are currently taking place in Korea.

“There are circumstances where each of the formats gives viewers the best quality and that’s why we need all of them,” explained David Wood, chair of the DVB’s commercial module.

Speaking at last week’s DTG 3D event, Wood said there were also plans for a Service Compatible option within Phase 1. This involved signaling information on frame cropping and aspect ratio that would instruct the receiver to ‘de-anamorphize’ one of the stereo images and output it as a normal 2D image.

Formal Steering Board approval and publication of the standard is expected towards the end of February.

View the original post here: http://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2011/01/28/dvb-approves-3dtv-specifications/

A review of the 3D in Narnia

12.9.2010

Phil Lelyveld post: As previously posted, this website is dedicated to reviewing the 3D aspects of 3D content.  You decide if both the criteria and their ratings for Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader ( here ) are reasonable and sound.

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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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