News Stories

DIY autostereoscopic 3D for just $5

1.26.2011

Most companies charge a premium for 3D, but here’s an inexpensive DIY alternative for just $5. All you need are transparency film, a regular 1,200dpi printer, and a monitor that’s 24 inches or smaller. The idea is to print your own 3D filter (aka parallax barrier), which is cut to size and overlaid on a regular screen for glasses-free 3D playback. Software-wise, users will need to install iZ3D’s 3D driver (with a 30-day free trial) and activate the interleaved mode under the vertical setting. Note that this will set you back $40 if you decide to keep it after the trial period.

Be aware that the vertical resolution is halved utilizing this approach, while the 3D depth and viewing angles are probably inferior compared with active-shutter 3DTVs. Still, it’s a weekend project that’s worth trying out thanks to its affordability. Check out the above video and click here for full instructions.

(Phil Lelyveld addendum) A 7 minute explanation of what parallax barrier is and how this $5 solution works is here.  The full tutorial for creating this $5 solution is here; look for the Mon Jan 24, 2011 9:53 am post.

The original story is here: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20029530-1.html?tag=mncol;2n

Sony announces Bloggie Touch and Bloggie 3D

1.18.2011

Sony has announced the Bloggie Touch, for release on February 25, 2011 and the Bloggie 3D, for release in April 2011.

These two new models are the second generation in the Bloggie series, designed to make it easy to capture full high-definition videos and still photos, and upload them to YouTube and other social media sites. These models are simple and user-friendly, and feature new, special-purpose software, called Bloggie.

“The Bloggie Touch is really easy to use. It has one button for operating it. When you press that button, recording starts. And when you press the button on the bottom, the USB connector slides out, so you can easily save the video on your PC. Uploading is easy, too.”

The 3D Bloggie model has two lenses and two Exmor 5.1-megapixel CMOS sensors. The two lenses and two image sensors enable 3D HD video and 3D still photography.

To capture 3D video, this camera uses the side-by-side approach, where the two signal frames for the right and left eyes are compressed by half in the horizontal direction and placed side-by-side.

“As YouTube supports 3D, users can upload their Bloggie 3D videos to YouTube, and watch them easily using red and blue glasses.”

The recommended retail prices are 25,000 yen (approximately $300)  for the Bloggie Touch and 30,000 yen (approximately $365) for the Bloggie 3D.

Original post here: http://www.diginfo.tv/2011/01/17/11-0003-r-en.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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