News Stories

NComputing multiplexes the PC

1.7.2010

NComputing hopes to simplify the computer multiplex process with its USB-connected virtual desktop.  The Redwood City-based company is debuting the U170, a thin client that plugs into a PC’s USB port so that other users can share the same computer (according to the company, up to nine U170s can be connected to a single PC and “still provide a high-definition multimedia experience for every user”).

U170_Product

For general office applications, “you can run 30 users off one computer, no problem,” said NComputing president Stephen Dukker.  “As processing speeds improve, you only have to replace one computer.  The box – only slightly larger than a deck of cards – is  the third iteration of the technology, simplifying what was available only through an internal card or Ethernet network-based solution.”

“We own 15-20%of the US K-12 desktop market with small business and enterprise companies catching on,” said David Rand, marketing director.  LG has enabled some of its monitors using NComputing’s technology, including those displayed in its massive 100×100 monitor booth display.

The U170 will ship in February (MSRP under $99).

Panasonic announces New TV Services and 3D Plasmas

1.6.2010

YamadaPanasonic adds an extensive range of services to its televisions while also committing to a wide slate of 3D sets in its 2010 lineup.

The company began its announcements with a live HDTV teleconference featuring chairman Yoshi Yamada showing off a new two lens 3D HD camcorder.  They followed up back in Las Vegas with announcements of both the new teleconferencing system and the 3D camcorder along with a new line of VIERA Plasma HDTV sets.  Panasonic added to its 3D efforts with its first full 3D system that includes two pairs of electronic shutter glasses.  And they became the exclusive sponsor of DirecTV’s new HD 3D channels.

panasonic-hd-3d-camcorderAlso announced was the inclusion of Skype Software in the VIERA HDTV lineup and access to Amazon Video on Demand, Bloomberg News, YouTube, Pandora, Twitter and Netflix. Panasonic’s IPTV functionality, VIERA CAST enables USB connectivity, allowing for the addition of a wireless LAN adaptor, keyboard and USB memory.  Its 3DTVs provide full 1080p resolution to both the right and left eye and offers Infinite Black Panel Pro (5,000,000:1 contrast ratio).

Panasonic’s initial Full HD 3D televisions will ship in the spring of 2010 with five models in the VT25 series (50-65 inches).

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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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