Flushing, N.Y. — CBS and DirecTV were set to play 3D doubles this Labor Day weekend at tennis’ U.S. Open, with a little sponsorship and technical assistance from Panasonic.
At a press conference in the main players interview room (graced by large photos of Jimmy Connors, now an analyst for Tennis Channel, Chris Evert and the ubiquitous John McEnroe) under Arthur Ashe Stadium last week, Panasonic executives talked about the expanding 3D world, including a new partnership with Bexel that will increase the pool of professional 3D equipment. Bexel now has six 3D camera rigs equipped with Panasonic cameras for rent.
In addition to pitching 3D camcorders and home-theater systems, the executives talked up a “3D Innovation Center” Panasonic will open this fall at its U.S. headquarters in Secaucus, N.J., where, working with other members of the product and content communities, they will look to establish best practices that can “optimize workflow, reduce costs and enhance business outcomes” in the burgeoning 3D “ecosystem.”
Eisuke Tsuyuzaki, chief technology officer of Panasonic Corp. of North America, said Panasonic’s 3D technology is now being used on a weekly basis to shoot new productions for DirecTV’s n3D channel, a point verified by DirecTV senior vice president Steven Roberts.
Tsuyuzaki also introduced CBS Sports executive vice president of engineering, operations and production services Ken Aagard, as “the James Cameron of sports.”
That prompted Aagaard, who will be leading CBS’s 3D production efforts from the Open, including the final weekend of the Grand Slam tournament, to quip: “Thank you Eisuke. The James Cameron of HD 3D … Now, I can tell my wife we can get a bigger house.”
Aagaard also talked up the importance of the opportunities for the TV sports community in general and CBS — which presented last year’s NCAA Men’s Basketbal Final Four in 3D to select movie theaters — in particular to continue to experiment with different competitions in the format.
He pointed out that previous 3D telecasts emanated from larger venues than the relatively “confined area” at center court in Arthur Ashe Stadium, where CBS and PACE will be shooting the enhanced tennis telecasts.
At the Open event last Wednesday, attendees got to check out Avatar and other 3D content, including shots from around the grounds at the National Tennis Center in Panasonic’s 3D Experience room, adjoining Louis Armstrong Stadium. Come the weekend, Panasonic plasmas therein were set to serve DirecTV n3D images of the Open.
By Mike Reynolds , Todd Spangler and John Eggerton — Multichannel News, 9/6/2010 12:01:00 AM
link to original post at http://www.multichannel.com/article/456735-CBS_DirecTV_Got_Their_Game_On_In_3D_At_Tennis_U_S_Open.php