News Stories

Sony Adds 2D-to-3D Conversion to 3DTVs, Blu-ray Players

1.8.2011

On its Bravia LCD HDTV line, Sony is highlighting its 3D-capable KDL-HX820 series with 1080p resolution; 46- and 55-inch models are available. This series uses Sony’s X-Reality PRO Engine, a two-chip digital processor.

In all, the 2011 Bravia line includes 16 new 3D-capable and 22 Internet-connected models.

New this year, Sony is incorporating 2D-to-3D technology in 3D models, though how these conversion features — appearing in a growing number of 3DTVs — would be utilized remains a question.

Bravia models include Internet connectivity, enabling access to movies, video and music services through the Bravia Internet Video platform.

Like the Bravia line, Sony’s new Blu-ray Disc player, the BDP-S780, can convert 2D content to 3D. The player also incorporates Sony’s IP content noise reduction technology and precision cinema HS upscaling technologies, aimed at improving SD and enhancing web quality video, while Sony’s Super Bit Mapping technology aims to smooth color reproduction. The player features built-in Wi-Fi wireless with Wi-Fi Protected Setup, as well as an Ethernet jack.

Sony is also demonstrating its Internet TV powered by Google TV that was introduced this past October (see related post about Sony’s Google TV).

Boxee shows iPad App and Promotes Deals with CBS, VUDU, Iomega

1.8.2011

Boxee announced a deal with CBS to stream TV episodes through its player, providing Boxee users the ability to purchase full CBS episodes starting later this year. The agreement will not allow users to view CBS content automatically; they will need to purchase individual programs in order to view the stream.

Regardless of where one stands on the cord-cutting debate, the CBS deal is evidence that over-the-top services are being taken more seriously by the broadcast networks.

Additionally, Boxee is promoting its upcoming iPad app at the show, and its partnership with Wal-Mart online streaming service VUDU to run 3D videos. Earlier, Iomega announced Iomega TV with Boxee + Storage, which can stream online content and also play back from local and network storage devices (Iomega TV with Boxee will start at $229.99; with 1TB storage, $299.99; and with 2TB storage, $349.99).

Boxee CEO and co-founder Avner Ronen said, “We already announced new device partners, Iomega which is building a Boxee-based NAS and ViewSonic which is building a Boxee-based HDTV, but these devices also need access to content, which is why we are excited to announce that we have a new partnership with CBS, America’s most watched broadcast network, and we have extended our partnership with VUDU to also include 3D titles.”

The free iPad app is much like Boxee on a Mac or Apple TV, enabling users to find and share online video on the iPad (Cult of Mac has a video demo). The company expects a Q2 arrival.

On the Boxee company blog, Ronen explains that the iPad app, “enables you to access videos from your Watch Later list as well as from your Feed (stuff shared from Facebook/Twitter), and staying true to Boxee roots also enables you to stream videos directly to the iPad from your PC/Mac (without requiring you to sync).”

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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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