Be prepared for the universal certainties of launching a 3DTV channel, recommends Chris Lennon of Harris:
Timelines will be unrealistic.
You’ll have no budget.
And you’ll have to get it right.

“We find that there’s no exception among our customers launching 3D channels,” Lennon said at the annual conference of the Society of Motion Picture and TV Engineers this week. “To prepare properly for launching a 3D channel, you need to understand what the requirements are.”

Lennon said the good news is that upgrading from high definition to 3D is not as drastic as getting to HD in the first place.

“When it comes to 3D… first point of our philosophy, is try to maintain the highest quality images you can, as long as you can through the chain,” he said, referring to the dual images of current 3DTV formats. “The second point, even if you don’t have solid plans to launch a 3D channel soon, it’s a good idea to minimize risk,” i.e., buy capable equipment.

Lennon provided a basic overview of what to consider when migrating to 3D, breaking the workflow ecosystem into seven areas: Production, switching and multiviewers, automation and digital asset management, servers, test and measurement, conversion, and transmission. Each step along the chain involves processing dual images.

Graphics are a big consideration in 3D production, including how they’re positioned and integrated, and made available in both 1080i and 720p. Editing 3D video requires tracking the two left- and right-eye images for each frame, and backhaul requires them to be synchronized.

The primary consideration for switchers is 3 Gbps capability. New multiviewers should be able to support 3D, and the ability to view left/right images separately. Master control switchers should be able to slave L/R controls for single switches.

Running a 3D service requires an automation system that can drive two channels in lock step, frame accurately, Lennon said. Asset management should be capable of differentiating 3D from HD content.

Servers should be able to bring in stereoscopic content together and play it out together, with support for independent left-right clips.

Dual-image conversion means inputs for L/R views, and output for side-by-side or over-under 3D distribution formats. Built-in frame sync and processing amplification is recommended.

Test and measurement for 3DTV is a work in progress. Lennon said that quality control hasn’t been given due attention. Similarly to the preceding steps in the workflow, dual images must be considered. Waveform and vector monitors have to handle L/R views.

And finally, transmission and transport of 3DTV signals is currently taking on just a few forms. The most common is the frame-compatible format, which works on high-definition TV architectures. The dual images of 3DTV can be delivered either side-by-side–the most popular methods; or over-under. Horizontal resolution is sacrificed in the first; vertical resolution in the second.

Such are some basic considerations when upgrading a TV facility, even if the business side has no immediate plans to launch 3DTV, Lennon said.

“Can you say, with 100 percent certainty, when you’re going to have to worry about 3D, or if you’re going to have to worry about it?” he said. “Our attitude is educate yourself now. Buying new gear, consider 3D now even if you don’t have concrete launch plans.”

by Deborah D. McAdams

original post: http://www.televisionbroadcast.com/article/108598

Vizrt Ltd., a leading provider of content production tools for the digital media
industry, today announced that it has formalized its strategic collaboration
with Stergen Hi-Tech Ltd., as published at IBC 2010. Stergen is a developer of
2D to stereoscopic 3D video conversion software. Vizrt now offers tight
integration between Stergen stereo 3D conversion software tailored to sports TV
networks, sports leagues and webcasters and its own stereo 3D graphics
portfolio.

With this new agreement, Vizrt will make an equity investment in Stergen of
approximately USD 1.86 million, made up both of a cash payment and marketing
services, in consideration for preferred shares. In addition, the parties have
entered into a teaming agreement with respect to the sale of Stergen's products
by Vizrt. Vizrt will hold approximately 20% of Stergen.

Martin Burkhalter, Vizrt CEO, stated, "We like to formalize our partnerships
through taking a stake when we see technology that fits our objectives of
delivering innovative products that add to our current offering and more
importantly, provide an advantage to our customers in view of future market
developments."

"With more than 28 million 3D capable TVs forecasted to be in homes by 2012,
demand for  technology that enhances broadcasters' ability to tell their stories
through this new technology is already increasing and is set to accelerate.
What also makes the Stergen software so attractive is its ability to convert
existing 2D footage to 3D specs, thereby allowing content owners to increase the
value of their media assets, which links very well with our content management
philosophy."

Dr. Miky Tamir, founder of Stergen, also co-founder of Orad, SportVu, Seambi and
Vumii, stated, "We produce high-fidelity, broadcast-quality 3D with even better
depth perception than video captured by stereo 3D cameras and rigs. Unlike real
3D shooting, we have almost infinite capability to dynamically change the
stereoscopic setting."

Martin Burkhalter added, "Stergen's 2D to 3D stereo conversion tools can
complement live stereo 3D production, as well as offer a compelling alternative
to expensive, logistically complex, live stereo 3D production. It cuts costs
without compromising superior, broadcast quality, which matches Vizrt's strategy
of offering superior products that address the economic realities of our
customers."

Early next year, Stergen plans to introduce a live version of its Highlights
software that converts 2D video to stereo 3D in real-time for delivery to stereo
3D cinemas, mobile devices and home entertainment centers.  Stergen's real-time
conversion software includes Stergen Arena, which connects to a single, live 2D
camera output to produce live stereo 3D video from sports arenas and mobile
video units; and Stergen Studio, for use in broadcast studios or cable head-ends
to convert live, 2D video programs to stereo 3D in real-time.

original post: http://www.newsweb.no/newsweb/search.do?messageId=269398