The new resource will allow visitors to gain an understanding of the latest broadcast solutions in a relaxed and comfortable setting reflecting the work Sony is doing to ensure that the customer is at the heart of its propositions.

The centre boasts a state-of-the-art 3D broadcast training facility, ensuring that stereographers and camera operators are equipped with the skills required to ensure that live broadcast 3D is a success.

The Centre is equipped to demonstrate the Sony ‘lens to living room’ story. The sizeable training area contains 3D rigs and camera systems allowing users to learn how to capture the best 3D footage while dealing with issues such as changes in lighting, temperature and speed of action. A section of the main lounge is set up as a production gallery, enabling visitors to experience the MPE-200 multi format processor box, which is central to the production of high quality live 3D. Customers are then able to view the output of their work in the lounge area where professional 3D monitors and consumer 3D BRAVIA televisions are set up.

Aside from 3D solutions, visitors will also be able to experience a fully functional TV production gallery including the latest switchers and Sonaps system. A further demonstration area will allow customers to get to grips with the latest software offerings, including XDxchange, Media Backbone and Ensemble. As well as the static broadcast solutions, customers are able to visit the Solutions team, who are responsible for large scale broadcast transformation projects as well as the design, fitting out and testing of Outside Broadcast trucks.

David Bush, Director of Marketing, Sony Professional, commented: “Until now our ability to demonstrate a functional broadcast workflow to customers has been restricted due to the space and equipment requirements. This new Experience Centre will change that, allowing us to work with our customers to understand the issues which they face and working collaboratively to solve them.”

Bush went further: “We know from the Sony 3D Technology Centre in Culver City, USA, that customers are appreciative of being able to experience equipment and improve their skills in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. We hope that our European customers will gain the same benefits, from this, our first Customer Experience Centre in Europe.”

An exciting extension to this Centre is the upgrade taking place in the current Studio+ facility. This area is being transformed into a fully fitted cinema complete with 2K, 4K and 3D projectors. This project is due for completion in January 2011 and will complete the Sony Professional Customer Experience Centre.

For further details on Sony Professional’s training courses visit:www.pro.sony.eu/training

See the full story here: http://www.4rfv.co.uk/industrynews.asp?id=120551

So you thought 3D TV was only for watching football?  New research from the University of Melbourne has used 3D technology to broadcast virtual reality surgical operations via 3DTV.

The technology will enable future surgeons to experience their teachers’ surgical expertise first-hand from the classroom or their own homes through 3D televisions.

Professor Steven O’Leary from the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Melbourne said the new technology would improve surgical training for students.

“The University has shown that early surgical training is improved by the addition of virtual reality to the training program; it is becoming clear that 3D TV is a way of getting the message across to young surgeons around the county,” he said.

The technology will be trialled today as part of the University of Melbourne’s Institute for a Broadband-Enabled Society (IBES) proof of concept demonstration of a new broadcast platform.

The platform – developed in partnership with Ericsson and using their existing commercial-grade Internet Protocol (IPTV) system that provides a premium television service over a managed network – could enable the University to deliver educational content such as 3D learning applications and lectures into the home.

To demonstrate how such educational services can be delivered over a high-speed broadband network IBES researchers, supported by Ericsson, have developed a prototype of “Uni TV”.

IBES researcher, Associate Professor Gregor Kennedy said high-speed broadband opens up significant opportunities for the development of new educational applications.

“We see the use of immersive 3D environments as a leading edge approach to surgical education in the 21st Century regardless of their location,”he said.

Broadband Strategy Manager for Ericsson Colin Goodwin, said that by giving people the live experience of using Uni TV people will suddenly understand how the NBN will help deliver academic and continuing education across Australia.

See the full story here: http://www.itwire.com/it-industry-news/development/43913-new-3d-tech-leaps-into-the-classroom