News Stories

Streambox Releases World’s First Low-Latency Full HD 3D 4:2:2 Encoder at Inter BEE, Tokyo

11.12.2010

Integrated Professional Full 3D HD Encoder Delivers High Quality Video Over IP-based networks.

Streambox, Inc. today announced the release of the world’s first low-latency full resolution 4:2:2 HD 3D 1-RU Encoder/Decoder. The Full HD 3D Encoder/Decoder is built on the company’s award-winning ACT-L3 video compression technology, and includes all advanced video and networking features found in existing Streambox professional video products. The compact 1-RU solution is ideal for industries focusing on professional quality 3D video acquisitions, such as post-production, sports broadcasting, and Government/Military. Streambox Full HD 3D video transport solution will be available to order in December 2010.

“The full-frame HD 3D low-latency video compression enables much higher quality 3D video contribution over IP, while reducing bandwidth and transmission costs,” said Bob Hildeman, chairman and CEO of Streambox. “Now, Streambox allows 3D content to be delivered within pre-existing HD bandwidth infrastructures currently being utilized for 2D. Essentially, if you have a 2D HD workflow, Streambox 3D can be implemented without acquiring additional bandwidth or equipment beyond Streambox 3D transport for Full HD 3D video transmission. The Streambox single device solution with full resolution and 4:2:2 color is the only true 3D contribution system on the market.”

Designed for low-bandwidth Full HD 3D video acquisition and transport, the Streambox 3D Encoder/Decoder enables users to capture and transmit live and file-based 3D video over IP networks. The Streambox Full HD 3D Encoder/Decoder will offer robust forward error correction, and bandwidth shaping technologies to mitigate packet loss, network jitter, and buffering. The encoder captures the full-frame left and full-frame right HD 3D video from the source and compresses it into a single synchronized transport stream or file. The single stream is received and decoded by the HD 3D Decoder as full-left and full-right playout, or has the option for side-by-side monitoring.

Streambox Full HD 3D Transport Key Features:
• Full-frame left and full-frame right 4:2:2 or 4:2:0 HD 3D video
• Capture via 3G-SDI or 2xHD-SDI in 1080i, 1080psf, or 720p
• Full HD 3D output via Dual-HDSDI or single 3G-SDI with Genlock
• 5.1 Embedded Audio
• Sub-second end-to-end Full HD 3D capture to playout with an adjustable latency setting
• Optional multiplexing/de-multiplexing of IP stream over multiple networks
• Integrated FEC with proven transmission performance over IP networks
• Compact 1-RU form factor
• Optional file recording and playback in Full HD 3D

Streambox will demonstrate Streambox HD 3D at Inter BEE in Tokyo and the SVG League Technology Summit in New York. Streambox Full HD 3D will be available for purchase December 2010.

More information about Streambox® ACT-L3™ encoding solutions is available online at www.streambox.com.

source: http://www.streambox.com/community/2010/11/streambox-releases-world’s-first-low-latency-full-hd-3d-422-encoder-at-inter-bee-tokyo/

3D home movie making for less than $175 (previz/machima tool, virtual camera controller, University R&D, short video)

11.12.2010

University of Abertay Dundee researchers, led by computer games technology lecturer Matt Bett,reported the development of a virtual camera system (Motus) for home computer systems that can produce ultra-realistic 3D action on November, 10, 2010.

Inspired by James Cameron’s invention of a new way of filming called Simul-cam for the movie Avatar, the Abertay researchers have linked the power of a virtual camera — where a computer dramatically enhances what a film camera could achieve — using a motion-sensor. This allows completely intuitive, immediately responsive camera actions within any computer-generated world.

Bett said that, “Using a new Sixense electromagnetic motion controller, we can now manipulate a virtual camera in any virtual environment — be it a film, an animation, a computer game, or a simulation tool for teaching”

Project associate Erin Michno, an undergraduate Computer Games Technology student at Abertay University, added: “This tool could completely change the way people interact with computer games, and the way computer-aided learning is delivered to students around the world.”

“Within games, watching and sharing replays of the action is hugely popular. What our development allows is replays to be edited exactly as if they were a film, zooming in, panning the camera, quickly and easily creating a whole movie based on your gaming. For online games enthusiasts, that would dramatically change what’s possible.

“In the classroom and lecture theater, having this level of control for such a small price would allow some things which just aren’t possible — performing virtual operations live on screen, flying through the inside of an engine — in any school and any university

The Abertay researchers built their new system using the Sixense Truemotion Devkit – a more advanced version of motion controller technologies that will be manufactured by Razer. This tool uses electromagnetic sensors to capture the controller’s position to a precise single millimeter accuracy, and unlike other controllers still works even when an object is in the way. It will work on any home PC, and is expected to retail for under £100 ($162) from early 2011.

The system will be on display through the NEoN conference, a key part of this year’s digital arts festival at the University of Abertay Dundee. A patent for the system was applied for in the UK..

Paul Hamaker

source: http://www.examiner.com/science-news-in-birmingham/3d-home-movie-making-for-less-than-175

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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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