Technicolor will be featuring the system at their booth during CES

——————–

Technicolor has launched its 3D certification program branded “Technicolor Certifi3D.” It’s geared toward broadcasters and network service providers with the goal of delivering quality and comfortable 3D experiences to end consumers.

Technicolor Certifi3D was created to ensure that 3D material meets minimum quality requirements before it is delivered to consumers. As part of the service, Technicolor evaluates each shot against a set of objective criteria for stereographic reproduction, including a 15-point quality checklist to identify common errors in production which result in suboptimal 3D content. The company will also offer training programs to broadcasters and content creators to help them migrate their production and post-production techniques from traditional television to the three-dimensional medium.

Behind the technology that serves as the foundation for the Technicolor Certifi3D service is an advanced 3D analysis software tool that was developed by Technicolor’s Research and Innovation team. Utilizing the left and right source masters, the software builds a 3D model in real time giving an accurate pixel count for objects that are too close or too far away from the viewer that would result in discomfort. It also automatically detects and flags conflicts with the edges of the TV screen, another significant source of discomfort for 3D in the home.

“Our 3D certification platform allows our stereo technicians to quickly and precisely diagnose many of the issues that create viewer fatigue and discomfort,” said Pierre (Pete) Routhier, Technicolor’s VP for 3D product strategy and business development. “Our goal in launching the Certifi3D program was to take a proactive approach in support of the industry to ensure a consistent and quality end consumer 3D experience in the home.”

Full story here: http://www.von.com/news/2010/12/technicolor-debuts-3d-certification-program.aspx

(Phil Lelyveld comment: Also see this related story from August 10, 2010, THX announces a 3D Content Certification Program )

[Phil Lelyveld comment: Key quotes from the beginning of the report are below.  After the intro section, the bulk of the document is a good 3D technology primer.  The full report is here.]

The value of 3D to the audience

“The EBU believes that public service broadcasters (PSBs) must take a pragmatic approach to 3D

services and they should be aware of the value of an event or programme to its audience when

making decisions about producing and broadcasting in 3D.”

…

Content

“Making 3D that is OK on all screen sizes may be just that; OK but not stunning. This means that 3D

content produced for the cinema requires post-processing to work adequately on consumer sized

displays (and vice-versa). Not following this guideline will generally lead to unsatisfactory results.”

…

3D and Health Issues

“Poor stereoscopy is responsible for headaches, eye strain and nausea!” [Note: italicized “is” in report.]

…

What can the EBU do to help?

“The EBU technology group will continue to monitor market developments and those in the

production, distribution and consumer domains. In particular, the following areas will be covered:

 3D content availability from the industry at large (Blu-ray, gaming, acquisitions);

 Production technology, training and operational guidelines;

 Distribution and consumer technologies;

 Recommendations to standards bodies;

 Representing PSBs’ positions;

 Monitoring and disseminating information about the physiological effects of 3D viewing.”

…

The full report is here: http://tech.ebu.ch/docs/techreports/tr010.pdf