News Stories

Broadcasters Weigh In On 3D

2.17.2010

The broadcasters panel at the HPA Tech Retreat started with updates from representatives from various organizations, which discussed their use of the spectrum for multicasting, Mobile TV and other alternative delivery platforms.

But with no mention of the stereo format, an audience member finally asked the question: “What about 3D?”

Thomas Bause of NBC Uni said that he agreed with David Woods’ earlier presentation “Are You Guys Nuts?,” which suggested that there is still a lot to investigate. Bause added that NBC Uni has not yet determined its 3D strategy.

Fox exec Richard Friedel commented on production, saying that Fox will produce the All-Star Game in 3D this year.

CBS’ Bob Siedel suggested that delivery standards are an issue. He added that CBS is testing the waters, contributing 2D content that will be converted to 3D for DirecTV’s stereo offering.

Jerry Butler reported that PBS is “having some preliminary conversations about 3D. … We want to look into the side effects on viewers.”

Dolby Presents 3D Demo

2.17.2010

Dolby is showing a technology preview of an encoding and real-time decoding system for frame compatible Full HD 3D. The Dolby system is being developed to use 7.5 Mbps, and is aimed at low bit rate applications such as cable, satellite and online.

Dolby is thinking about a migration path, noting that this would work with current H. 264 set top boxes at half res, then could be upgraded at a later date for Full HD.

The Dolby system uses AVC, and it was suggested that for terrestrial broadcasting, it could be put into an MPEG2 transport stream and then would need a suitable decoder.

The HPA demonstration showed 1920×1080 24fps content.

< PREVIOUS ARTICLES NEXT ARTICLES >

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.

Oops, something went wrong.