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	CableLabs Publishes First 3D Content Encoding Specification
3D-News Posted: Thursday, September 2, 2010 (2:31 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
CableLabs® announced that it has published a new specification as a guide for producers, programmers and aggregators of stereoscopic 3D programming. This new specification, called Content Encoding Profiles 3.0 Specification (OC-SP-CEP3.0-I01-100827), can be found on the CableLabs website, http://www.cablelabs.com, under OpenCable™ Specifications - http://www.cablelabs.com/specifications/OC-SP-CEP3.0-I01-100827.pdf This new specification details exact requirements for formatting or "panelizing" the 3D content into a frame-compatible format for use by cable television systems. "This spec release marks a great step in the commercialization of 3D TV because it is the first public specification that fully describes the coding and signaling for these top-and-bottom and side-by-side 3D video formats," said Tony Werner, CTO of Comcast. Michael Kazmier, CTO of Avail-TVN, said: "Ensuring that content from all programming sources and cable systems is prepared in a uniform way will enable a nationwide footprint for 3D programming and enable interoperability with STBs and 3DTVs in the home." "A key part of this specification includes the definitions for signaling 3D content over existing digital video infrastructure that uses either MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 (AVC/H.264) coding," said Jim Occhiuto, Vice President of Technology and Engineering, Showtime Networks. "This signaling is critical for the receiver/decoder to enable automatic format detection and simplified user experiences when going between 2D and 3D programs," he added. "This new CableLabs specification was developed with support from cable operators, programmers and equipment vendors and will be publicly available for any industry to use," said CableLabs President and CEO Paul Liao. The new CEP specification replaces the previous VOD-Content Encoding Profile 2.0 specification that was widely used within the industry. This new specification builds upon the existing 2D coding framework defined by the previous version of this document and will be used as the reference for both 2D and 3D video coding going forward. It represents the first step in a continuing process to define 3D formats for cable television that works with existing equipment and infrastructure. Work continues at CableLabs on the development of standards for the delivery of future 3D delivery systems that will expand the resolution and the quality as new equipment becomes available. Founded in 1988 by members of the cable television industry, Cable Television Laboratories is a non-profit research and development consortium that is dedicated to pursuing new cable telecommunications technologies and to helping its cable operator members integrate those advancements into their business objectives. Cable operators from around the world are members.

	World's first native 2.5K projector launches at IBC 2010
3D-News Posted: Wednesday, September 1, 2010 (18:03 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Visitors to IBC 2010 will see video projector resolution for small to medium-sized edit suites and preview theatres taken to a new level by Norway's projectiondesign®. The company will use the Amsterdam show to give a global debut to the cineo35 2.5k – the world's first compact projector capable of showing images at a native 2560 x 1600 resolution. By offering an uncompressed and unaltered display of 2K data, the cineo35 2.5k gives the fine detail view that 1080p projectors are unable to provide without cropping or scaling the image. Additionally, because of the extra resolution available, the projector can display full 2K in a window and still offer space for editing tools on the same screen. This makes the cineo35 2.5k the perfect projector for small to medium-sized rooms where colour accuracy and performance are the most important criteria. The projector comes with multiple preset calibration profiles as standard, and users can switch quickly between colour spaces and calibration settings. Using projectiondesign's unique RealColor colour management suite, calibration accuracy is guaranteed to be within 0.002 points from any target. To provide the best possible performance, the projection lenses and optics in the cineo35 2.5k have been custom designed for beyond 2.5k resolution. All lenses use special aspherical glass elements and enhanced, low-dispersion glass for increased contrast, improved colour saturation and excellent sharpness, resulting in unsurpassed image clarity and detail. Anders Løkke, Marketing & Communications Manager, projectiondesign, comments: "Up until now, operators of small to medium-sized edit suites and preview rooms had to use large, cumbersome, and noisy projectors if they wanted to display 2K resolution or higher. The cineo35 2.5k offers performance similar to, or better than, any digital cinema projector while weighing a fraction of the amount and measuring only half a metre across. Yet it can still throw an image up to 4m wide and, because it is based on Texas Instruments' DLP® technology, what you see in preview is exactly what the movie-goer will see in a DLP Cinema® environment." The cineo35 2.5k offers four discrete high-bandwidth inputs (two HDMI 1.4, two Dual Link DVI), and offers optional 3G SDI input boards. It also comes with a choice of lens options, and is available in both traditional lamp, as well as an LED version. An stereo 3D version will also be offered in the cineo35 3D. The cineo range of projectors from projectiondesign have been designed specifically to meet the demands of post-production and broadcast. They include the company's proprietary RealColor management suite, which offers a very high granularity of control over all primary and secondary colours and levels, and feature ProNet 2.0, the latest version of projectiondesign's remote asset management and calibration software.

	S3D Calculator now available for purchase
3D-News Posted: Wednesday, September 1, 2010 (18:00 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
S3D Technologies, a company that focuses on offering technological solutions to produce stereo 3D images for the international market, has released the software S3D Calculator. It is now available for purchase through the company website http://www.s3dtechnologies.com The S3D Calculator is a software package developed by S3D Technologies that helps you to find the exact configurations of your stereoscopic parameters, based on the conditions of the set and the desired effects. With a user-friendly interface, the user only has to enter the set parameters (zero parallax distance, the lens you are using etc) and the S3D Calculator will calculate the settings of the interaxial and convergence of both cameras. Now you can concentrate on the scenes you are shooting without getting distracted with complex equations and calculations. The S3D Calculator is the ideal complement to the S3D Rigs, but you can use them with any rig. S3D Technologies will present the S3D Calculator and the new model of the S3D Beam Splitter Rig, which now has all axes motorized, at the next IBC. The price of the S3D Calculator is 250 € and is available for PC and Mac.

	VisuMotion GmbH becomes 3D International Europe GmbH
3D-News Posted: Wednesday, September 1, 2010 (17:57 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Due to the takeover of VisuMotion GmbH, a leading provider of 3D hard- and software, by 3D International Sdn. Bhd., the Thuringian company is renamed 3D International Europe GmbH. The change of name will have no consequences on the clients and associates of VisuMotion GmbH. In fact, it will be assured that the globally operating company, with headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and offices in Jena and Orlando, USA, has a worldwide consistent appearance. Owing to the acquisition through 3D International Sdn. Bhd., whose major shareholder is the Malaysian venture capital company MAVCAP, many auspicious opportunities arise to establish in the international and in particular the Asian markets. The Thuringian company features prominently in the group of companies, since they develop the most important hard- and software products. Since the foundation in 2006, over 100 national and international applications for a patent have been filed and several have been granted. The company presented the latest hard- and software developments at CeBit 2010. Thereby, the company from Jena could establish at the ambitious 3D market. 'We are proud to be a part of the 3D International group', emphasizes Dr. Markus Klippstein, CEO in Jena. 'It is beneficial to rely on the support of our international colleagues, especially in terms of negotiations with worldwide acting clients.' 3D International Europe GmbH is a leading manufacturer and provider of 3D solutions. The diverse solutions contain inter alia: consulting and development services for 3D-display applications linking professional applications to beneficial 3D visualizations, such applications may belong to the fields of industry, science and medicine customization of software 3D standard software to play, create and edit 3D content The software of 3D International, which will further on contain the brand mark 'VisuMotion', is designated to play back existing 3D videos on most of the standard 3D displays. Therefore a high degree of compatibility can be achieved.

	SENSIO teams with Trident Microsystems to offer premium-quality 3D viewing experience in the home
3D-News Posted: Wednesday, September 1, 2010 (17:52 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
SENSIO® Technologies Inc. announced a new collaboration with Trident Microsystems Inc., a leading provider of 3D-capable set-top box and TV semiconductor solutions. Trident's system-on-chip and discrete semiconductor solutions target the digital home entertainment environment, and the company will be integrating SENSIO® 3D technology into its products to reflect industry demand for a high-end 3D viewing experience in the home. First among the Trident products to feature SENSIO technology is the TV550 3D TV SoC, which will be followed by the release of new 3D chips, featuring SENSIO® 3D, for 3DTVs. "Trident is the leader in 3D-TV technology. The upgrade of our FRC co-processors and a front-end SoC with SENSIO® 3D will equip these products to support the highest quality in 3D broadcast and streaming video," said Christos Lagomichos, president of Trident Microsystems. "Our goal is to deliver an immersive visual 3D experience with cost effective implementations and by supporting SENSIO's 3D technology, we can enable our customers to deliver an exceptional multimedia experience in the home." SENSIO® 3D is a unique, proprietary frame-compatible format for high-quality stereoscopic signal processing, easily integrated into TV products. Developed by SENSIO more than ten years ago and deployed in the field for seven years, this mature technology has been used in all commercial live 3D events produced around the world, and is the only proprietary format recognized by the live 3D industry. "Our vision is that 3DTV will one day be in every home, and the expansion of our network of OEM partners is bringing that day closer," said Nicholas Routhier, President at SENSIO. "Industry leaders such as Trident want the best 3D technology for their consumer products, and their choice of SENSIO® 3D is speeding the format's spread across the consumer market." More information about SENSIO, its products, and its technologies is available at http://www.sensio.tv

	Testronic Labs Opens 3D Games Testing Facility
3D-News Posted: Wednesday, September 1, 2010 (17:48 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Testronic Laboratories, a global leader in QA and localisation services for the games, home entertainment, consumer electronics and IT/web industries, has opened a fully-equipped 3D games test lab in their Pinewood Studios, UK facility. State-of-the art 3D equipment has arrived at the facility and the testing team is currently working on a high-profile 3D game for a major client. With Panasonic and Sony TV equipment and a range of amplifiers from Sony, Pioneer and Onkyo all operating in Pinewood, TL is primed to work on more of the current raft of 3D games titles in development across various platforms. Having debuted their 3D Home Entertainment test lab in January of 2010, working on 3D Blu-ray releases for major film studios, the expansion into 3D games was a natural evolution as part of the Testronic Labs strategy to remain vanguard in new technologies and offer the ultimate suite of testing services across the entertainment spectrum. Staff in Pinewood and Poland have been working on the Move and Kinect platforms since they became available from their industry partners, and have already completed their first set of Move titles, quickly establishing expertise in writing efficient test plans for motion controllers. The lab has been established to ensure that games publishers of all shapes and sizes can benefit from outsourced QA and exploit the potential of the new technology – TL has a long pedigree in Blu-ray and 3D film technology, which means that the testers have unique exposure to 3D content on which to train, and become industry experts in writing testplans to verify content along three axes. Having invested in the equipment, training and space to support production of great quality 3D games content, TL believes that it has a unique breadth of expertise to offer games developers and publishers, providing the right services for every type and size of game, in all dimensions. For more information, visit http://www.testroniclabs.com

	IBC Offers Special Screenings of Major 3D Movies
3D-News Posted: Thursday, August 19, 2010 (14:48 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
As part of its commitment to illustrating its cutting edge agenda, IBC is offering special screenings of two major movies in stereoscopic 3D. The viewings, which are open to all IBC visitors, demonstrate both the state of the art in digital movie creativity and the latest projection and sound reproduction capabilities. At the 2009 IBC Awards Ceremony there was a special screening of an extended 16 minute excerpt from Avatar, prior to its release. This year sees the screening of Avatar (Special Edition), featuring a new cut of the movie which contains an additional eight minutes of content over the original release. Avatar (Special Edition) is to be shown on Monday 13 September at 18:30, courtesy of 20th Century Fox International and by kind permission of Lightstorm Entertainment. When the original Toy Story was released in 1995 it was the first digital animation movie for a mass audience, and proved hugely popular. This year the third episode in the series has proved equally popular, not least for its sympathetic use of stereoscopic 3D. On Saturday 11 September, at 18:30 IBC will be screening Toy Story 3, courtesy of Buena Vista International and produced by The Walt Disney Company's Pixar Animation Studios. "IBC has always prided itself on putting the technology and business debates into context by showing the best content in the finest possible environment," explained Phil White, IBC Director of Technology and Events. "We invest in creating the IBC Big Screen as a venue for our conference sessions on digital cinema and 3D, and thanks to our supporters in the movie industry, we can also use it for screenings which illustrate what happens when creative film-makers and the latest technology come together." Both movies will the shown in the IBC Big Screen, with Toy Story 3, showing at 18:30 on Saturday 11 September and Avatar (Special Edition) showing at 18:30 on Monday 13 September.

	Sunny Ocean Studios Enables 84-Inch Display of Sports Events in 3D without Need for Glasses
3D-News Posted: Wednesday, August 18, 2010 (17:31 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Technology supplier, Sunny Ocean Studios, presents a world first at the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore. For the first time, a public video wall with an 84-inch screen will provide 3D entertainment without the need for glasses. On the display, Sunny Ocean Studios will show material it has devised itself and which will allow a 3D experience without additional visual aids. A total of four displays of this kind will be set up during the Youth Games in prominent locations in Singapore. The 3D video walls are based on four synchronised monitors and work with 30 views technology (one image is taken from 30 different perspectives). This technology allows a "glasses-free" 3D experience from several points in the room and is ideally suited for large rooms or public squares. Specially for the Olympic Youth Games, Sunny Ocean Studios has converted conventional 3D films in house into 3D video material that does not need additional aids such as glasses. A large 3D wall was created in conjunction with the engineering school at IDC Asia / Temasek Polytechnic in Singapore. Armin Grasnick, Founder and Managing Director at Sunny Ocean Studios says: "The 3D wall has a diagonal of 3.5 metres and works on the basis of commercially available monitors with 25 frames per seconds (fps)." Grasnick is currently expanding his international network of partners. The first international sales and distribution partnerships are planned to be agreed at the IFA in Berlin at the beginning of September. Sunny Ocean Studios has already launched a world first in the area of "glasses-free" 3D projection at CeBIT 2010. The screen makes it possible to enjoy a 3D experience from 64 different perspectives and was a milestone in technological development for "glasses-free" 3D cinema. The 2x2 3D video walls can be seen in Singapore at VivoCity, Tampines Mall, ION Orchard and Jurong Point.

	6th China International 3D World Forum & Exhibition (C3D World)
3D-News Posted: Wednesday, August 18, 2010 (17:27 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
To further the development of the China 3D market, Insight Media has again partnered with the organizers of the China International 3D World Forum & Exhibition (C3D World) to offer Exhibition space, FORUM attendance, and conference Sponsorships. The 6th China International 3D World Forum & Exhibition (C3D World) will be held November 3-5, 2010, 2010 at the New International Expo Center, Shanghai, China. C3D World is held in conjunction with the International 3D Fair 2010 , which is jointly organized by the China 3D Industry Association (C3D) of China, 3D Fusion Industry Consortium (3DFIC), 3D Display Research Center (3DRC) of Korea, 3D Consortium (3DC) of Japan and 3D@Home Consortium of USA. Last year’s November Shanghai event had over 1,700 exhibitors and 60,000 attendees. New this year is the addition of the 2010 International Workshop on 3D Information Technology (3DIT 2010). "China is a huge and important market," said Insight Media President Chris Chinnock. "I expect it to also aggressively embrace 3D in all shapes and forms. While some 3D solutions will be home grown, many will come from other regions. A trade show focused on 3D in China is a great way to build technology and business relationships that can benefit both parties long term." Exhibiting in China can be challenging, which is why Insight Media has partnered with The C3D World organizers to facilitate international exhibitors at this event. It makes a lot of sense to begin building or expanding relationships and partnerships for what is sure to be a robust 3D Market. The 6th C3D World has two components: C3D World FORUM – the 2-day conference will be held on November 3-4 and will cover China’s 3D governmental policies, 3D display development, 3D content creation, 3D post-production, and much more. Exhibition – Exhibit in the 3D Display Zone, 3D Content Zone, or the 3D Application Zone on the International 3D Fair show floor . The show floor will have a special focus on consumer electronics, providing attendees with the opportunity to experience a wide range of 3D products, including 3D TVs, projectors, game players, scanners, home entertainment systems, and more. In addition, professional 3D products will be exhibited.

	The Entertainment Technology Center @ USC Announces World's Most Complete 3D Content Resource
3D-News Posted: Wednesday, August 18, 2010 (17:20 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
In response to industry and media demand, The Entertainment Technology Center at the University of Southern California (ETC@USC) announced that it has created a living, online resource dedicated to stereoscopic 3D. For the last two years the center's Consumer 3D Experience Lab has housed a world-class collection of 3D displays and demonstration materials, and has been the site of meetings and conferences related to the emerging art, technology, and business of stereoscopic 3D. "The current surge of interest in 3D content and consumer electronics devices has led to a flood of requests to our Lab for information about 3D," said Consumer 3D Experience Project program manager Phil Lelyveld. "With the support of our member companies, we have established an online resource that we hope will become a key source of information for anyone interested in learning about and keeping up with the latest developments in stereoscopic 3D." The resource center called the "Consumer 3D Experience Project" at http://3D.etcenter.org links to current information related to the rapidly evolving 3D entertainment landscape; which includes movies, sports, and video games. The site provides 3D news, information about upcoming events for 3D professionals, content release and broadcast information, links to training and education resources, and a database of information about market research reports. The information, which is available to all, is updated on a daily basis. The site is a great starting point for industry, press, and consumers interested in 3D. "Because of our expertise in 3D, our access to research, and the ETC@USC's Consumer 3D Experience Lab, we are able to not only track the latest news and events on 3D, but also offer up the history and context for 3D moving into the future," said David Wertheimer, executive director and CEO at ETC@USC. "Our new consumer 3D project site is one of the top places to go if you are looking for the latest information and pointers to the wealth of resources available on 3D content." While the information offered by the Consumer 3D Experience Project is accessible to anyone tracking the developments within this area, sponsors of the Entertainment Technology Center are provided with additional exclusive information and analysis. In addition, the ETC@USC works closely with other leading organizations in this field, such as the CEA, Variety, SMPTE, Sports Video Group, the International 3D Society, NAB, etc. to create influential conferences and events about stereoscopic 3D.

	Noise Industries Joins Filmmakers and Videographers at Europe's Largest Industry Networking Event
3D-News Posted: Wednesday, August 18, 2010 (17:17 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Noise Industries, developer of visual effects tools for the post-production and broadcast markets, has announced that they will exhibit at the Amsterdam SuperMeet on Sunday, September 12, 2010. Held simultaneously with the world-renown International Broadcasting Convention (IBC), the Amsterdam SuperMeet is Europe’s premier networking event for creative professionals, drawing a variety of digital content creators, and HD and 3D filmmakers to the show floor. Complimenting the reoccurring IBC theme of 3D content production and delivery, Noise Industries will be on-site to demonstrate their Stereo3D Toolbox™ plug-ins from development partner Dashwood Cinema Solutions, alongside the just-announced FxFactory Pro 2.5 release. "The Amsterdam SuperMeet is the best industry event for creatives to network and learn the latest production and post-production trends. Attendees have the opportunity to talk technology and exchange successful production concepts with their peers," says Niclas Bahn, director of business development, Noise Industries. "2010 was and is the year of 3D. The SuperMeet gives us the chance to highlight the mastering capabilities of our widely successful Stereo 3D plug-in, as well as the new update to FxFactory. Just weeks away, we look forward to the trip overseas and the forthcoming feedback from the European market." Noise Industries will showcase the new FxFactory Pro 2.5, which introduces 8 new visionary filters and transition plug-ins, as well as significant enhancements to the platform’s unique slideshow generator with its sleek new user interface for selecting and arranging images. Noise Industries will also feature new image enhancement and visual effects plug-ins from a variety of FxFactory development partners, including Stereo3D Toolbox and Stereo3D Toolbox LE (Light Edition) from Dashwood Cinema Solutions. Stereo3D Toolbox boasts powerful 3D-cinematography technology, as seen in films like "Avatar" and "Toy Story 3" that continue to drive up box office revenues daily. The Amsterdam SuperMeet will be held on Sunday, September 12, 2010 at The Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky located at Dam 9 1012 JS, Amsterdam from 19:00 - 23:00. Doors open at 16:00. For information about the event, or to purchase tickets, please visit: http://www.supermeet.com/. Developed for Adobe® After Effects®, Apple® Final Cut Pro®, Apple Motion®, and Apple Final Cut Express®, FxFactory’s revolutionary plug-in distribution platform leverages a high precision, hardware-accelerated rendering engine that enables users to push the limits of visual effects creation. FxFactory’s innovative plug-ins span a wide range of effects categories, including: blurs, shines, distortions, glows, transitions, particle effects, color correction, keying, advanced stereoscopic 3D imaging and more. Each plug-in is complimented with a forward-thinking approach to design and an unmatched combination of features and performance: Plug-in Development and Distribution: Unique in the industry, FxFactory provides 3rd parties with a user-friendly development tool to design additional visual effects plug-ins for Apple and Adobe editing and compositing applications. There are currently 11 companies within the FxFactory Development Partner Program, including Aquafadas, Boinx Software, Dashwood Cinema Solutions, PHYX, DVShade, Futurismo Zugakousaku, idustrial revolution, Luca Visual FX, Storek Studio, PHYX Inc., SUGARfx, and Yanobox. Hardware Acceleration: Plug-ins are developed to take advantage of the system’s graphics card, providing unbeatable previewing and rendering performance. Highly Customizable, Contextual User Interface: FxFactory presents users with minimal parameters, and intuitively reacts and displays additional parameters based on the user’s actions. Parameters can be fully expanded allowing any effect element to be manipulated. Integrated Help Desk: Plug-in documentation, support resources and tutorials are accessible with one click from the parameter inspector. Hundreds of Presets: Built-in presets are a timesaving feature, which allow users to explore new looks with minimal effort. Users can easily create their own presets and subsequently replicate the look. FxFactory has a set of free plug-ins to introduce users to the platform. Commercial FxFactory plug-ins start at 29.00 USD and can be purchased via the Noise Industries website (http://www.noiseindustries.com) or through select resellers. Adobe After Effects, Apple Final Cut Studio and Apple Final Cut Express 4 users can test drive hundreds of FxFactory plug-ins by downloading the free trial version from http://www.noiseindustries.com/fxfactory

	Polaroid Eyewear and RealD Sign Global License Agreement for Polaroid Premium 3D Eyewear
3D-News Posted: Wednesday, August 18, 2010 (16:45 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Polaroid Eyewear, a division of Stylemark AG, and RealD Inc., a leading provider of 3D technology for cinema, consumer electronics and professional applications, announced that they have signed a global license agreement to use the RealD brand in conjunction with the launch of a new generation of curved 3D glasses - Polaroid Premium 3D Eyewear. Under the terms of the agreement, Polaroid Eyewear will distribute its RealD certified Polaroid Premium 3D Eyewear line to movie theaters and cinemas, eye care professionals and other retail channels through its global network of subsidiaries and distributors. Polaroid Premium 3D Eyewear will be compatible with all RealD 3D enabled movie theatres around the world. "RealD is excited to partner with a brand like Polaroid that has a heritage in polarizing lens technology," said Joseph Peixoto, President of Worldwide Cinema at RealD. "Polaroid Premium 3D Eyewear promises a range of custom frames with precisely curved lenses so moviegoers can fully experience RealD 3D with an uncompromising field of vision and a pair of glasses to match their personal style." Polaroid Eyewear's launch collection features a range of appealing designs to satisfy demand from all types of movie-goers. And prescription lens wearers are not forgotten, with a range of premium 3D cover styles that fit comfortably over any optical frame. There is even a junior style for the younger audience to enjoy. The collection has been developed under the umbrella of a full 3D vision marketing concept, supporting an easy-to-handle sales system in movie theatre and cinema lobbies, and professional optical and retail channels and will be available soon. All styles feature Polaroid Eyewear's unique 3D formed lenses, differentiating the product from standard 3D cinema glasses provided at theatres and similar products currently available on the market. The product is also fully UV-protective so that a consumer can choose to wear the product outdoors without risk of UV damage. "We are a brand that is all about technical innovation, style and great value for the money" said Andy Suszko, President of Polaroid Eyewear. "This endorsement from RealD recognizes the high quality of our 3D lenses, made possible only by our unique, patented ThermoFusion™ Technology, the same technology used to make our linear polarized lenses for the highly successful sunglass collections we sell worldwide. We are delighted to be associated with RealD and look forward to working closely with them and their other technology partners as 3D pushes into the consumer electronics mainstream."

	Fuji FinePix REAL 3D Digital Camera W3
3D-News Posted: Tuesday, August 17, 2010 (3:20 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
The new FinePix REAL 3D W3 digital camera will be available in September. You can pre-order your camera right here! With the REAL 3D W3's HDMI 1.4 connection, 3D content from the W3 may be played back on any HDMI 1.4-compliant 3D television by simply connecting the appropriate HDMI to a mini-HDMI 1.4 cable, which is sold separately. The W3 features high-definition 720P movie capture and playback, as well as a new 3½" high-resolution autostereoscopic widescreen display, perfect for viewing and reviewing your shots on the fly, with no glasses required. In addition to its 3D capabilities, the W3 is also a very capable 2D camera. The W3's special Advanced 2D mode takes advantage of the W3's dual-CCD/dual-lens system. Each press of the shutter button will yield two images – choose from a wide-angle and zoom shot, or two different color modes, even two different ISO settings. Dual 10M CCD system Dual Fujinon 3X zoom lens system (35-105mm) 3.5" wide VGA high-resolution 460K 3D-LCD (3D viewing without glasses) HDMI 1.4 (standard connection to 3D-TV) 3D high-definition movie (720p) Captures images and movies in both 2D and 3D Advanced 2D modes shoot two separate simultaneously 2D images – wide-angle/zoom, color modes and sensitivity Advanced 3D modes – interval shutter and individual shutter Automatic and manual parallax adjustment allows the user to fine tune the 3D effect 1600 ISO high sensitivity Face detection (in 2D mode) Dual-shot mode – take two pictures with one shutter press – one with flash and one without Multi-frame playback with micro-thumbnail So far, it is unknown whether the W3 will replace the W1 (http://www.stereoscopy.com/cameras/fuji-w1.html), or whether the W1 will remain available.

	BRB To Present At Mip Jr, Mipcom First Episodes Of Zookaboo
3D-News Posted: Wednesday, August 11, 2010 (20:09 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
BRB Internacional will show at MIP JR and MIPCOM in Cannes, France, the initial episodes of Zookaboo, the new production from the the Catalonian studio Screen 21 3D and first-ever European 3D stereoscopic cartoon series. The public TV channel Televisió de Catalunya has just recently signed on to co-produce this orginal series, starring a hundred or so exceptionally entertaining guessing games featuring different animals hidden in a very curious little box. Zookaboo, which will be available for broadcast at the end of this year, is also being co-produced by the French company Image In, and it is backed by the the ICIC –Institut Català de les Indústries Culturals-. It's a bird… It's a bear… It's ZOOKABOO! A playful lively box and 104 lighthearted animals collaborate to bring you the funniest animated guessing game. Is this big, big trunk familiar? What about that black and white patterned fur? Where did you see before those crawling movements? Through a hundred or so entertaining guessing games combining animation and real images, Zookaboo (104 x 2') creates a dynamic narrative via 3D that positively invites audience interaction. Step by step, hint by hint, the box will give the clues to find out which animal is hiding inside the box: ZOOKABOO! Basically, the Zookaboo series is a modern, fun-filled game for kids between the ages of 3 and 6 and for their parents. Zookaboo also has great potential beyond the TV series – in videogames and other product licensing categories, such as publishing and collectibles. In the words of Carlos Biern, BRB Director of Co-Productions and Worldwide Distribution: "With Zookaboo, a whole universe of possibilities opens up, that of interactive family entertainment, starting with simply being able to enjoy 3D Hi-Def at home."

	IRIDAS Announces Industry's First Stereoscopic Native Workflow for New ARRI ALEXA Cameras
3D-News Posted: Tuesday, August 10, 2010 (5:13 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
IRIDAS announced the industry's first stereoscopic native workflow optimized for the ARRI ALEXA. Tapping IRIDAS' DualStream NX stereoscopic review technology, integrated within IRIDAS' SpeedGrade and FrameCycler 2010 family, users are now able to instantly review ALEXA stereo footage in the field and experience real-time geometry alignment and color match in a true stereoscopic timeline. This new development represents a significant opportunity for IRIDAS customers considering the ALEXA - or currently using ALEXA - for their 3D/stereoscopic production workflow requirements, and is testament to the 3D production advancements inherent to IRIDAS' DualStream NX technology. "It's no surprise that the demand for 3D content - from Hollywood blockbuster movies to immersive television documentaries - is becoming a major driving force in our industry today. However, while the demand for content is there, access to effective, efficient and affordable technologies to create that content has been elusive," said Lin Sebastian Kayser, CEO of IRIDAS. "This feature represents the culmination of years of engineering and stereoscopic development expertise that has enabled a 3D production workflow that works flawlessly with the equipment our customers most want to work with, like the innovative new ALEXA cameras." "In many ways, our new ALEXA cameras are a technological breakthrough and are redefining the limits of motion picture capture and real time workflows," comments Adrian Widera, Strategic and Business Development, ARRI. "One of the ways we achieve our vision is by working with a network of partners who we know can extend the ALEXA experience, ultimately delivering a complete, powerful digital production workflow. IRIDAS is a proven partner and provides a complement to enhance the real time stereoscopic production workflow that is in such high demand from our customers." The IRIDAS DualStream NX real time 3D production toolset enables a seamless, instant stereo workflow for the ALEXA, which translates to significant workflow efficiencies so critical in today's time and budget constrained production environments. Here is a snapshot of how it works: ALEXA shoots ProRes 4444 12 bit files to Sony SxS cards; IRIDAS SpeedGrade and FrameCycler 2010 solutions decode two streams of ALEXA ProRes 4444 material in real time, which means they are available for instant playback and review; As a result of the advancements in IRIDAS DualStream NX technology, users can instantly review these stereo streams and, with the push of a button, geometrically align and color match in a true stereoscopic timeline. This is a first in the industry. Material can be rendered for offline dailies or directly edited in Final Cut Pro and Avid systems, then conformed from EDLs for final color grading and depth grading; For users working with other workflows, ProRes 4444 files can also be transcoded to frame formats, including DPX, in full 12-bit bit depth. For those in need of batch transcoding, IRIDAS MetaRender is tightly integrated with SpeedGrade and FrameCycler products, with its UI built into both products for a seamless extension of the workflow. IRIDAS has been on the forefront of stereoscopic review since it first developed its groundbreaking DualStream technology in 2003. Now in its 4th generation, IRIDAS has refined its innovative stereoscopic 3D toolset to meet the requirements of today's burgeoning production, post production and 2D-to-3D conversion market opportunities. IRIDAS' DualStream NX technology includes advanced features for work on stereoscopic movies and is based on the native stereo timeline already integrated into all IRIDAS products. DualStream NX adds sophisticated tools to automatically correct geometric misalignment and eliminate color differences between left and right eye streams - this is a breakthrough and a first in the 3D production market. DualStream NX adds even more value for users as it also includes a full suite of creative S3D tools, such as keyframeable parallax adjustments, floating window and a complete stereoscopic color grading feature set. Additionally, DualStream includes comprehensive S3D workflow functions, such as stereo conform and automatic and manual handling of left/right eye assignments. The IRIDAS SpeedGrade and FrameCycler 2010 family of 3D production solutions are available immediately. For more information, visit http://www.iridas.com

	Innovative advertising medium with 3D effects without special glasses now in Multikino
3D-News Posted: Monday, August 9, 2010 (16:56 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Multikino in cooperation with Animade introduces a brand new and innovative form of 3D advertisement which can be viewed in 3D without the need of special glasses. 3D kiosks using the 42" Landscape 3D Displays are already placed on selected Multikino cinema halls. Various types of 3D content will be presented on those monitors. The 3D Digital Signage Network was launched on July 9th, 2010 - the D-date of the cult 3D Shrek premiere in Poland. Animade decided to utilize auto stereoscopic 3D displays developed and patented by the German company Tridelity Display Solution GmbH – a leading manufacturer of auto stereoscopic 3D displays. Tridelity provides the best auto stereoscopic solution currently available on the market, allowing the viewing of 3D effects by large audiences without any special 3D glasses. The cable TV company "New generation television – N" is one of the first clients using this new advertising vehicle in Multikino and will present 3D commercials promoting their new product. 3D Digital Signage will attract many more observers due to the fact that no glasses have to be used in order to view the videos. Michael Russo, CEO Tridelity GmbH says: "Tridelity 3D Multi-Viewer displays catch the attention of at least four times more viewers compared to traditional 2D Digital Signage". It has been said a lot recently about 3D HDTV monitors, however it is not possible to use them in advertising, because they require the usage of special glasses. "It is hard to imagine that passersby would stop and put on special glasses just to watch 3D commercials. "It is practicable impossible." – says Wawrzyniec Walczak from Animade - "Modern 3D monitors without glasses solve this problem and offer 3D effects and images to many viewers at the same time, revolutionizing the market of Digital Signage". Solutions allowing to present 3D commercials without special glasses give unique opportunity and possibilities to clients. 3D commercials developed in this technology are extremely strong "eye-catchers", grabbing the attention of viewers, due to impressive "pop-out" effects of elements jumping out of the screen.

	SENSIO partnerships come to fruition – extensive range of market-leading products for premium-quality 3D broadcasting showcased at IBC 2010
3D-News Posted: Friday, August 6, 2010 (16:45 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
SENSIO Technologies Inc. announced that a range of market-leading products, integrating SENSIO® 3D technology and enabling the delivery of premium-quality 3D content the length of the broadcast supply chain, will be demonstrated at IBC 2010. The acclaimed technology - shortlisted for a 2010 CSI Award in the category of Best 3D TV Technology or Project - can be seen at the stands and in the products of Miranda Technologies (8.B80) and International Datacasting Corporation (1.C29). A demonstration of SENSIO® 3D with Teranex Systems (13.C46) can also be seen at their stand, and Gennum Corporation will be giving an exclusive demonstration to select invitees. IBC attendees will be able to judge for themselves how SENSIO® 3D renders the best-quality 3D at any bitrate, high or low, making it a format relied upon by equipment manufacturers for broadcast applications, from the contribution feed to the final distribution. "The world’s largest manufacturers of broadcast and media products are consistently turning to SENSIO to enable their products for delivery of the highest-quality 3D," said Nicholas Routhier, President and CEO. "In addition, content-producers worldwide are trusting us to ensure an immersive high-impact 3D experience for their audiences. SENSIO is extremely proud to have been able to secure the confidence of FIFA and be instrumental in the successful delivery of the FIFA World Cup 2010™ in live 3D to cinemas around the world. We are also very happy to have been able to participate in the team that enabled ESPN to pioneer live 3D sports broadcasts and be shortlisted for the IBC 2010 Innovation Awards. On-demand 3D, such as live sporting or cultural events, represents an important future revenue stream for content-producers, and SENSIO is committed to supporting the development of this market, technologically, and commercially with our SENSIO® 3D Live Global Network of cinema operators."

	Dramatic 3D Graphics Used to Support the Launch of the Industry's First 3D Network
3D-News Posted: Friday, August 6, 2010 (15:39 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
With A Twist Studio has produced television's first-ever broadcast graphics package in stereoscopic 3D for ESPN and its newly-launched 3D network—also an industry first. The new graphics, which center on a sleek three-dimensional rendering of the ESPN logo enclosed in a polished metal cube, made its debut during the recent broadcast of World Cup Soccer. The package includes a series of abstract 3D animations of the logo traveling through space as well as other 3D graphic elements that will be used to support programming on the new network. ESPN plans 3D broadcasts of a variety of sporting events, including the 2011 BCS National Championship Game, college basketball and football contests, and the Summer X Games. With A Twist Studio was selected for the project due to its past work for ESPN and its experience in working with stereoscopic imagery for such films as "G-Force" and "Alice in Wonderland." "We understand both from a creative and from a technical view what works and what doesn't in 3D," said With A Twist creative director David Burton, "and we know how to maximize the experience for viewers." The studio worked with ESPN creative teams in Bristol, Connecticut and Los Angeles in designing animation sequences that aim to inspire excitement for the new medium. "3D has a different design vocabulary than the design that's been done for 2-D television for 50 years. It's a different experience," Burton notes. "Stereoscopic television is also a different experience from stereoscopic films—and the design has to compensate for that difference." The relative difference in size between a movie screen and a television affects the kinds of 3D effects that work. Additionally, the brief time-span of broadcast animations—15 seconds or less—requires 3D effects to be scaled accordingly. "You have just seconds to convey an idea," explains With A Twist CG Supervisor Brandon Bartlett. "Still, the eye needs time to process what it's seeing in 3D—that's easy to do in film, but it's a lot trickier in television because of the short time frame." While the graphics are meant to convey the all-new experience of TV in three dimensions, they are also meant to reflect the personality of the world's premier sports network. "ESPN, as a brand, stands for action and intensity," Burton observes. "All of its graphics are high energy. With the 3D graphics, we had to deliver an exciting stereoscopic experience while remaining true to the brand. It's still ESPN, but it's taking the next step…into broadcast 3D."

	S3D Technologies and SGO form a strategic partnership to provide complete stereoscopic 3D solutions
3D-News Posted: Tuesday, August 3, 2010 (15:16 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
S3D Technologies LLC, US-based research and development technology company that develops solutions for stereoscopic 3D production, is announced that they have established a strategic partnership with SGO to provide complete stereoscopic 3D solutions. SGO is a leading European developer of high-end solutions for the post production and broadcast industries and has been distributing and providing system integration and developing solutions for the film and media industries since 1993. Mistika, SGO's high-end DI post production system offers a complete solution and industry-leading performance for post production across all genres from advertising, film and TV productions in 2D and stereoscopic 3D. "We have an excellent relationship with S3D Technologies and both our companies share a mutual incentive to deliver exceptional service to our customers, which is achievable by working together. This is a very positive step and we look forward to working in partnership with them at IBC this year and in the future." Miguel Angel Doncel, CEO, SGO confirms. "Our goal is to develop and provide 3D content creators with the most user-friendly tools available in the market. As a global organisation, we continuously strive to deliver the highest quality possible and are deeply committed in supporting SGO as well. With both of our companies leading in their specific areas of expertise, the partnership with SGO provides our respective customers with a complete stereoscopic 3D solution." States Carolina Barco, Managing Director, S3D Technologies. S3D Technologies will have a presence at IBC this year at SGO’s stand 6.A11 in Hall 6, at the at the RAI which takes place from 10 – 14 September 2010 in Amsterdam. They will mainly be showcasing the new S3D Beam Splitter Rig and S3D Calculator, which will demonstrate how the rig’s design and function significantly facilitate a fast, reliable and stable stereo 3D production process. The S3D Calculator is a software package developed by S3D to complement their rigs and connects from PC, Mac or iPhone to calculate stereoscopic parameters during a shoot. SGO is unveiling Mistika Version 5, Mistika Live and will showcase LightSpace CMS together with an exciting plethora of new stereoscopic 3D tools, cutting-edge colour grading capabilities, 2D compositing functionality and other key developments at IBC 2010. Mistika is a flexible high-end post production and live on-set system capable of SD, HD, 2K, 4K, stereoscopic 3D with real-time Red camera and other data workflows. It seamlessly integrates timeline-based editing, conforming, infinite-layer compositing, colour grading and image restoration all in one complete system with various toolsets working together in the timeline.

	Vishay's Infrared Receivers for Synchronization of 3D TV Active Glasses Feature 25 kHz Carrier Frequency
3D-News Posted: Monday, August 2, 2010 (17:01 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. is broadening its optoelectronics portfolio with the release of two infrared receivers developed specifically for the LCD shutter glasses used with 3D-ready TV sets. The surface-mount TSOP75D25 and TSOP35D25 IR receivers are designed to be assembled into active 3D glasses, where they receive infrared signals from the TV set and ensure the glasses' LCD shutters open and close in proper synchronization to create the 3D effect. The receivers are designed to operate on a carrier frequency of 25 kHz, which is lower than that used by standard remote control systems and thus helps avoid possible interference from TV and set-top box remote controls. Because TV remote control emitters and receivers operate at a wavelength of 940 nm, the TSOP75D25 and TSOP35D25 are designed to receive the 3D synchronization signals from an 830 nm or 850 nm emitter, further avoiding the possibility of interference. Like all of Vishay's IR receivers, the TSOP75D25 and TSOP35D25 feature industry-leading suppression of optical noise from compact fluorescent lights, LCD backlights, and plasma panels. The TSOP75D25 and TSOP35D25 pack a photodiode, amplifier, automatic gain control, band pass filter, demodulator, and control IC into a single tiny package which helps minimize the weight of 3D glasses, while their ultra-low current consumption maximizes the battery life. Because the TSOP75D25 and TSOP35D25 operate at a carrier frequency of 25 kHz with a signal pattern featuring a minimum burst length of 6 cycles, a very high signal-to-noise ratio is achieved. Finally, because these new IR receivers receive modulated synchronization signals versus baseband signals, a single emitter can be used in the TV to achieve transmit distance of more than 26 meters. The TSOP75D25 and TSOP35D25 are surface mount devices that can be mounted in a side or top view. They both have a viewing angle of 50 deg., which allows for significant head movement without signal loss. The TSOP75D25 measures 2.3 mm x 3.0 mm x 6.8 mm and has dual lenses while the TSOP35D25 measures 4.0 mm x 5.3 mm x 7.5 mm and has a single lens. Samples of the new TSOP75D2 and TSOP35D2 are available now. Production orders have a lead time of six to eight weeks. Pricing for U.S. delivery in small quantities is $1.00.

	Fusion-io Supercharges Stereoscopic 3D Film Production, Eliminates Hollywood Bottlenecks with Revolutionary New Memory Technology
3D-News Posted: Sunday, August 1, 2010 (6:58 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Fusion-io, pioneer of a new memory tier of flash-based solid-state (ioMemory) technology, revealed its work with some of Hollywood's premiere entertainment companies. To bring a spectacular new breed of visual entertainment to the big screen, Fusion-io products have now been used in the production of several stereoscopic 3D movies, including Alice in Wonderland, Avatar, How to Train a Dragon and Clash of the Titans – with many more Fusion Powered blockbusters coming soon in a theater near you. Stereoscopic 3D film production requires frequent reviews of real-time, full quality playback with double the throughput of regular movies, putting immense stress on current film pipelines and often crippling studios' production pipelines. With Fusion-io's new tier of high speed persistent memory, studios can now play back and write data at the same time, meaning artists can start review sessions of their work as soon as they have enough shots copied. Fusion-io technology also makes it possible for directors and artists to conduct mini-reviews between major sessions, ensuring that creative teams don't sit idle while waiting for feedback on their progress. Previously, this time-consuming process forced artists to transfer data and review among multiple workstations. Before the advent of Fusion's ioMemory technology, this process could cost studios several weeks of production time. By significantly speeding workflow and review sessions, Fusion-io eliminates hours of labor needed to sequence data for playback and defragmenting hard drives, while completely eliminating the risk posed by RAID crashes and data recovery. In addition, the implementation of ioMemory technology is much more simple and streamlined than the alternative of adding RAID arrays. Studios can now eliminate this cumbersome legacy infrastructure, and instead deploy Fusion's easily implemented and monitored solution to significantly reduce IT overhead, improve data security and accelerate production. With ioMemory technology, the power of a high-performance SAN can be realized in every production workstation. Utilizing Fusion-io, Prime Focus, a global leader in entertainment services, completed its S3D conversion of Warner Bros.' Clash of the Titans in just under eight weeks. Prime Focus' timeframe for the project represents a significant breakthrough as standard stereoscopic conversion projects typically take six months or longer. "Fusion's ioDrives really helped us meet a tough deadline. With typical VFX projects, we complete about 20-30 shots per day. The ioDrives scaled our data load capabilities by about 20 times. This improved our productivity about two- to fourfold," said Sean Konrad, Project Manager for Stereoscopic Conversion. "Using Fusion-io drives, each review session covered far more shots and we could continue cycling work in between sessions. We don't have to worry anymore about defragmenting disks, rebuilding RAIDs or swapping out disks. We are buying many more ioDrives to implement throughout our different locations." "No other company today provides the entertainment industry with the lightning-fast access to data that Fusion-io offers, making it possible to radically accelerate film production and save studios valuable time and effort in bringing their products to market," said Vincent Brisebois, Director of Hollywood Alliances for Fusion-io. "We look forward to working with Prime Focus and other studios to help reinvent the cinematic experience for 21st Century audiences." To learn more about Fusion-io and how Prime Focus used ioMemory technology to radically accelerate its production time, go to http://www.fusionio.com

	Stereoscopic 3D Company 3DMI Joins MBIC
3D-News Posted: Sunday, August 1, 2010 (6:55 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
The Miller Business Innovation Center (MBIC) announced that 3D Motion Imagery (3DMI) is now a client of the Center. 3DMI found that the combination of quality space and the access to Center resources made the decision to locate at the Center an easy one. 3DMI joins twelve other companies who are currently clients of the Center. "I am excited about the location, amenities, support and services provided to our company by the Center" said Peter Fuszard, President of 3DMI. "The consulting help we have already received during the acceptance process has been invaluable to our company and we expect that the many services offered by the Center and the College will enhance our chances of success in our market." "We are excited to work with 3DMI, a leader in the 3D stock footage marketplace," said Glenn Stewart, Entrepreneur In Residence at the MBIC. "They represent the type of company that the Center is looking for as a client." 3DMI is a leader in the creation and marketing of stereoscopic 3D footage. The 3D market is rapidly growing due to the success of 3D in movies and on television. At present, there is little original content of high quality 3D stock footage that can be used by the creators to develop outstanding presentations, movies, games and TV programming. 3DMI intends to fill this rapidly growing need. 3D stock footage content is used widely by display manufacturers, web and broadcast advertising agencies, video on demand providers and feature film producers, as well as in broadcast television, home video, corporate media and gaming. 3DMI is managed by a team of experienced creative and business professionals who have been involved in motion pictures, content production, advertising and broadcast television. The principals are founder Peter Fuszard, an Emmy Award-winning director and cameraman; Paula Lumbard, founder of pioneering stock footage companies Film Bank and FootageBankHD, and former member of an Emmy Award-winning special effects team; and John Corser, an Academy Award-nominated producer of commercials, promotional films, music videos, feature films, television productions and educational films who is also founder of FilmUtah. The 3DMI board of directors includes Jim Baker, new media entrepreneur and founder/CEO of a number of award-winning technology companies, and former VP Services at digital video systems pioneer Media 100 Inc. About the MBIC: The Miller Business Innovation Center is an incubation facility operated by the Salt Lake Community College for small businesses. Along with office space, the Center provides significant additional services including computers, telephone service, conference room availability, media center, research library and most importantly, significant mentoring from the Center staff. It has achieved success by creating opportunities for Utah’s self sustaining small businesses that create new jobs, thus enhancing Utah’s economic development.

	NextComputing Unveils Portable Stereoscopic 3D Workflow Solution for RED at Siggraph 2010
3D-News Posted: Wednesday, July 28, 2010 (16:27 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
NextComputing, makers of high-performance portable and small footprint computers, showcases a new solution for managing stereoscopic 3D footage from RED cameras. Running ASSIMILATE™ SCRATCH CINE with the NVIDIA® Quadro® FX 3800 SDI by PNY and dual RED Rocket™ accelerator cards, this system is designed for managing all aspects of the data workflow for stereoscopic RED production on set. Built around NextComputing’s recently announced NextDimension Evo Plus HD portable workstation, this turnkey product will be shown in the PNY Technologies booth (#819) at SIGGRAPH 2010, July 27-29 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Audience demand for stereoscopic 3D content has grown dramatically in the last 12 months, and is expected to climb considerably. However, significant challenges remain in producing this content cost-effectively. Digital workflows, in particular those based on the RED camera, are an ideal solution, but tools must be in place at the earliest stages of the process to ensure that the camera footage is managed properly. By teaming with ASSIMILATE and PNY Technologies, NextComputing has developed a solution that allows stereoscopic productions shot on RED to achieve a full post-production data management and processing workflow on set. Users can ingest, review, color correct, generate dailies, and offload to any disk-based or tape-based media in one system, without ever leaving the film set. This is all made possible by a blending of leading-edge technologies: Portable Workstation – NextComputing’s NextDimension Evo Plus HD is a compact and powerful portable computer with built-in HD display. Powered by the latest 6-core Intel® Xeon® processors, this powerhouse machine is capable of handling all of the necessary hardware and software to process stereoscopic 3D RED data, while being small and light enough for a single person to transport on and off the set. Professional Graphics and HD-SDI Output – The NVIDIA Quadro FX 3800 SDI by PNY provides digital display capabilities, as well as real-time HD-SDI playback and scaling of stereo RED clips to any SDI monitor. Based on the NVIDIA CUDA™ architecture, the Quadro FX 3800 also provides additional performance enhancements for SCRATCH CINE. RED Hardware Acceleration – The RED Rocket accelerator card is made by RED Digital Cinema to provide real-time hardware-based deBayering and playback for any RED camera format, as well as dramatically accelerated transcoding to other formats such as Apple™ QuickTime™ for dailies or off-line editing. By packing two of these accelerator cards in a system, users can achieve real-time stereoscopic 3D playback and editing. Digital Process Software – SCRATCH CINE v5.0 from ASSIMILATE is the software that pulls this all together. SCRATCH CINE provides a number of critical workflow features including full-resolution, real-time playback of RED 4K .R3D files, creation of tape- or file-based dailies with no importing or conversion, one-light color grading, color and shot management, and metadata burn-ins.

	Mechdyne Enhances Collaboration in Immersive 3D Displays
3D-News Posted: Wednesday, July 28, 2010 (16:03 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Mechdyne Corporation announced the availability of technology that makes it possible to produce two distinct user perspectives from a single 3D digital projector. With the new ACE Dual-View™ technology two people working in an immersive stereoscopic environment see a different view of 3D images and, since both viewers are separately motion-tracked, the images they see as they explore and interact are unique to their view. This enables more natural discussion when viewing virtual prototypes or navigating virtual scenes. Furthermore, Mechdyne's software will allow for each user to see the other user's position and orientation relative to the virtual world and the objects it contains. The first customer for an ACE (Advanced Collaborative Environment) Dual-View capable system is a U.S. University, which will use the new technology in conjunction with a CAVE™ designed and integrated by Mechdyne. In nearly all 3D immersive display systems used today, the computer-generated imagery is closely tied to a single, motion-tracked user whose viewpoint and movements dictate what other viewers see. Previous attempts at creating distinct images for different users in the same virtual work space relied on multiple projectors, with higher attendant costs and complexity associated with synchronization of the projectors and related issues. Examples of potential applications and end-user benefits of an ACE Dual-View capable system include: Engineering review, such as the design of an automobile interior within a CAVE system. Two designers can view the simulation from different positions within the virtual image. One view might be from the driver's perspective, while the second would be from the front or even rear passenger seat. Surgical simulations in which an experienced practitioner may be observing or instructing a student in new techniques. Simulation participants might face each other across a virtual surgery table (horizontal 3D system), with both seeing a visually correct image of the operation as it takes place. "The breakthrough in development of Mechdyne's ACE Dual-View technology is a method of driving one high-end DLP projector at higher refresh rates than standard systems to produce two distinct pairs of left and right eye images, synchronizing the different images for viewing with two separate pairs of electronic 3D glasses and integrating the imaging system with motion tracking," said Kurt Hoffmeister, vice president of R&D at Mechdyne. "We are very excited about the potential for this technology to benefit a wide range of our customers in scientific and commercial fields." Mechdyne implemented its ACE Dual-View technology on its HD ROVR™ visualization system, using a Digital Projection Titan 3D 1080p projector, optical motion tracking system, and Mechdyne vGeo™ software. A video demonstration is available on Mechdyne's YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/MechdyneCorporation The ACE Dual-View technology can be incorporated into any of Mechdyne's projection-based 3D visual environments, including CAVE and FLEX immersive displays, single and multi-projector PowerWalls, PLEX, portable ROVR systems and custom display configurations. Mechdyne can also specify and configure the optimal graphics computing system for the required display and data. Mechdyne's CAVELib, Conduit and vGeo software are all compatible with Dual-View technology, motion tracking systems and immersive displays allowing Mechdyne to deliver a true turn-key, two-user immersive visualization environment.

	Panasonic Announces Development of World's First Interchangeable 3D Lens for LUMIX G Micro System
3D-News Posted: Wednesday, July 28, 2010 (6:37 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Continuing its record of 3D technology leadership, Panasonic today announced the development of the world's first digital interchangeable twin-lens, making it possible to shoot 3D with an interchangeable lens system camera. As a new member of Panasonic's powerful lineup of interchangeable lenses as part of the LUMIX G Micro System, the twin-lens will allow high-quality shooting in 3D. Panasonic plans to release this new lens for sale before the end of the year. "This year will be remembered as the 'First Year of 3D Era' and Panasonic has already taken the lead by launching 3D-capable VIERA™ televisions and Blu-ray™ 3D Disc Players," said Darin Pepple, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "With Panasonic's development of a twin-lens capable of 3D shooting, the company is providing consumers with a way to capture their own 3D content, which they can then enjoy watching in the comforts of their own home. Panasonic is dedicated to evolving the 3D ecosystem, letting consumers create and display lifelike 3D images in their homes." Currently, 3D shooting with an interchangeable lens system camera is possible only by using panorama systems or by combining two lenses and two CCDs. However, these systems are not ideal and have difficulty capturing moving objects. Panasonic's new 3D lens for the LUMIX G Micro System features two optical systems installed within the diameter of the lens mount, creating stereo images from the left and right lenses that are then processed with a 3D image processing system. Thanks to Panasonic's advanced technologies in optical technology, image processing systems, and lens barrel design, the 3D lens will be compact in size. This new compact 3D-capable interchangeable lens will be easy to handle and allow instant 3D shooting, without distortion or time lag between left and right images – even when shooting moving objects.

	NVIDIA 3D Vision Pro Ushers in a New Dimension in Visualization
3D-News Posted: Wednesday, July 28, 2010 (5:39 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
NVIDIA (Booth #717 at SIGGRAPH Los Angeles) announced NVIDIA® 3D Vision™ Pro, a new 3D stereoscopic solution empowering engineers, designers, architects and computational chemists who work with complex 3D designs to see their work in greater detail. 3D Vision Pro solutions brings true stereo 3D back to the desktop with support for LCD panels and offers a practical way to provide a rich, reliable 3D viewing experience for large scale visualization environments like video walls and collaborative virtual environments (CAVEs). Incorporating active shutter glasses and an innovative radio frequency (RF) communication system, 3D Vision Pro solutions delivers the highest quality stereoscopic experience and supports a wide range of use cases: Individuals can experience 3D on LCD panels at their Quadro powered desktop and mobile workstations Small groups can view 3D on single or multiple projectors, and Larger groups can experience 3D on power walls or in theaters driven by NVIDIA Scalable Visualization Solutions (SVS) 3D Vision™ Pro provides long range connections, up to 150 feet, with no cross talk, blind spots, or other transmission issues between multiple systems. As a professional stereoscopic solution, status information is transmitted from the glasses back to the host for effective IT management. "With the ability to provide valuable insights into complex data, 3D stereo has become one of the core elements of the modern workstation," said Jeff Brown, general manager, Professional Solutions Group, NVIDIA. "Together, 3D Vision Pro and Quadro solutions bring the highest quality and most immersive 3D experience to enterprise environments." Digital content creation (DCC) artists, product designers, and physicians can see their 'world' in 3D, with perspectives that are significantly richer than traditional two-dimensional views. Physicians, for example, can now view volumetric scans like ultrasound in 3D. Businesses looking to provide large scale visualizations such as popular video walls now have a reliable, enabling technology to deliver that kind of experience. "NVIDIA is clearly a leader in the field of 3D visualization and has been working on Stereoscopic 3D technology since 1999. With their launch of a professional 3D solution, this technology can easily move beyond the entertainment viewing experience for individual consumers," said Dr. Jon Peddie, president of Jon Peddie Research. "By providing large scale visualization capabilities and remote management capabilities, NVIDIA is pioneering 3D technology for the enterprise, opening the door for professional users and large scale visualization system integrators to utilize 3D in ways not thought of before." Key features of NVIDIA 3D Vision™ Pro stereoscopic solutions include: Active shutter glasses technology that delivers a true progressive image, which preserves the highest quality texture detail and text; Rechargeable batteries with 20 hours of continuous operation; Wide range of panel and projector support, and; A wide range of professional application support. Professional applications for NVIDIA 3D Vision Pro already available Companies such as Siemens Healthcare, Agilent, Cineform, and RTT are already embracing NVIDIA 3D Vision Pro technology as an essential element of new solutions they've recently announced: Siemens Healthcare is now shipping its syngo.fourSight Workplace Imaging Management Solution for Obstetrics. It provides off-system 3D/4D volume manipulation and 2D image and clip review for a variety of Siemens' most powerful ultrasound platforms, assisting in communication with doctors, surgeons, and patients. It may also improve paternal-fetal bonding, and aid in treatment or pre- and post-natal surgical planning. "Our syngo.fourSight Workplace software, combined with new NVIDIA 3D Vision Pro technology and the latest NVIDIA Quadro professional graphics solutions, makes this an even more compelling image management tool for enhanced patient throughput and department workflow in obstetrical ultrasound," said Barbara Del Prince, worldwide segment manager for OB/GYN, Siemens Healthcare. "Doctors, hospitals and imaging centers now have the most powerful, comprehensive and innovative 3D imaging solution toolset available for volume image manipulation." Pricing and Availability NVIDIA 3D Vision™ Pro stereoscopic solutions will be available in October directly from NVIDIA and from authorized resellers such as PNY Technologies at MSRPs of $349 (USD) for the glasses, and $399 (USD) for the RF transmitter hub. For more information on NVIDIA 3D Vision Pro, visit http://www.nvidia.com/object/3d-vision-professional-users.html

	S3D Technologies to showcase Beam Splitter Rig and S3D Calculator at IBC 2010, which deliver a smooth transition in stereo 3D productions
3D-News Posted: Monday, July 26, 2010 (17:46 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Following the American firm's success at NAB earlier this year, S3D Technologies announced that they will have a presence at IBC at the SGO booth, 6.A11, Hall 6, at the RAI which takes place from 10 – 14 September 2010 in Amsterdam. S3D Technologies will mainly be showcasing the new S3D Beam Splitter Rig, which will demonstrate how the rig's design and functionality significantly facilitate a fast, reliable and stable 3D production process. The S3D Beam Splitter Rig allows close-up scenes to be shot with great precision and is compatible with film cameras such as the Arricam 235, LT, digital cameras such as Red One, Sony HD CAM, Arri Digital and others, such as the PMW EX3. The S3D Calculator is a software package developed by S3D to complement their rigs and connects from PC, Mac or iPhone to calculate stereoscopic parameters during a shoot and will also be demonstrated at IBC this year at the SGO stand. Based in Los Angeles, S3D focuses mainly on the research and development of technology for stereoscopic 3D film productions targeted mainly at broadcasters, rental equipment companies and content producers. Other S3D products include the S3D Side by Side Rig, which is ideal for long distance scenes, and also compatible with film and digital cameras. S3D's CGI Maya Plug-ins & 3DS Max ensures an optimal result with total control over stereoscopic parameters. The S3D Plug-in also imports and exports the parameters used in a stereoscopic live action shot as metadata, which allows for the integration of virtual images into real-time stereoscopic images. The fact that S3D's products eliver highly advanced features, places them streets ahead in the stereoscopic 3D production arena. One of the main highlights is the automatic alignment, which saves on set-up times and enables the user to adjust the alignment from remote distances. Another clear advantage is that the convergence of both cameras is motor-controlled with the closest convergence point at 0m, which ensures a significant reduction of keystone distortion. The maximum IO (Inter-axial Intra-ocular) distance, at which the operator can set up the two cameras is 150mm. All rig movements are also motorised with a proprietary remote control system, which securely controls the camera lenses with precision and speed. S3D Technologies originated with the strategic partnership of two savvy and passionate entrepreneurs, Carolina Barco and Carina Portillo, both with extensive backgrounds as highly technical and accomplished film and television producers. Having acquired vast experience in the US and Europe, Carolina had already decided back in 2005 to explore the possibilities of producing stereoscopic content and was well-informed about emerging technological changes in the industry. Challenges facing Carolina at that time, included not having access to reliable tools and technology to create stereoscopic content, however this only motivated her to set up her own company and establish S3D Technologies. "Our goal is to develop and provide 3D content creators with the most user-friendly software and hardware tools available in the market today. As a global organisation, we continuously strive to deliver the highest quality possible and are deeply committed to supporting production houses in their endeavour to implement 3D solutions." states Carolina Barco, Managing Director, S3D Technologies. "Focusing on Research and Development with an eye on the international market enables S3D to be at the forefront of technology." Confirms Carina Portillo, Joint Managing Director, S3D Technologies.

	Korea's Largest Theatre Chain CJ CGV Standardizes on MasterImage Digital 3D Cinema Systems
3D-News Posted: Monday, July 26, 2010 (17:40 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
3D technology company MasterImage 3D, LLC announced that CJ CGV, the largest theatre chain in Korea, recently converted 58 additional screens to 3D with MasterImage digital 3D cinema systems. In addition to supplying systems for all of CJ CGV's 160 3D theatres, MasterImage 3D has also installed four systems in Korea's Lotte Cinema in Suncheon. These installations, combined with existing systems at Primus Cinema, Ya Woo Ri Cinemas and more theatres across Korea, bring MasterImage's total to 175 of the country's estimated 250 digital 3D screens -- more than 70% of Korea's total 3D exhibition market share. CGV Manager Sung woo Kang said, "MasterImage 3D's system offers an outstanding value compared to other products on the market, and it is simple to install. Also, with the high resolution picture quality, audiences' responses to the presentation are great." MasterImage 3D has experienced rapid growth in the demand for its digital 3D theatre systems, nearly doubling its worldwide installation in the past eighteen months. Today, the company has installed more than 1,800 systems in 40 countries worldwide (approximately 400 in the US, 770 in Europe and 700 in Asia and the rest of the world). Younghoon Lee, founder, chairman and CEO of MasterImage 3D said, "From our US headquarters and offices in Asia and Europe we are aggressively converting theatre markets all over the world. Exhibitors are recognizing that our ownership-based model and passive-glasses approach offers them a different, and often more attractive business proposition than competitive systems and they're demonstrating that recognition by choosing MasterImage in increasing numbers."

	SENSIO and GEO Semiconductor Expand SENSIO 3D Footprint in Broadcast and Media Equipment
3D-News Posted: Monday, July 26, 2010 (17:39 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
SENSIO® Technologies Inc. announced that GEO Semiconductor has licensed the SENSIO® 3D IP Core for integration into the GEO Realta™ sxT2 (T2) chip used worldwide by manufacturers of leading broadcast and media systems. Building on SENSIO's 3D expertise and the unmatched quality of the company's 3D encoding format, GEO Semiconductor is extending the flexibility, value, and performance of its acclaimed T2 chip within the 3D space. Professional-grade 3D technology delivers rich, immersive experience The Realta is an advanced video and geometry processing IC that deploys a massively parallel array of SIMD processors to implement best-in-class video processing algorithms at full HD (1080p) resolutions in software. "Incorporation of the SENSIO 3D format into the GEO Realta T2 enables our customers to deliver complete broadcast and media solutions capable of providing viewers with the rich, immersive experience only made possible by professional-grade 3D technology," said Madhu Rayabhari, Vice President of Marketing, Business Development and Engineering at GEO Semiconductor. "Our goal is to provide customers with a complete, fully customizable and software-programmable video-processing solution, and SENSIO 3D technology complements other advanced technologies on the chip to make the Realta T2 an extremely compelling choice for high-end broadcast and media products. The ease with which we can integrate the SENSIO 3D Core will facilitate rapid production and release of the top-quality 3D-capable products the market demands." The GEO Realta Platform is the only chipset platform that allows consumers to achieve full compliance with the "HQV (Hollywood Quality Video) powered by Teranex" industry benchmark. The GEO Realta T2 chip is used globally by industry-leading customers. A representative list of these customers can be obtained from the company website at http://www.geosemi.com/about_customers.htm. As GEO Semiconductor continues to sell the Realta T2 chip into higher-end markets, the company will increase its focus on 3D, addressing infrastructure transport, pixel processing, display conversion of two HD streams into one 3D stream, and edge blending for projection-related 3D displays. Ease of integration with high-performance chips provides value-added solution "The integration of our SENSIO 3D IP Core into the GEO Realta T2 chip demonstrates the high value that industry leaders such as GEO Semiconductor see in making SENSIO technology available to their customers," said Nicholas Routhier, President and CEO at SENSIO. "We expect that the addition of SENSIO 3D technology to this very popular GEO chip will add significant momentum to the industry's move toward 3D." More information about SENSIO 3D is available online at http://www.sensio.tv

	RealD Prices Boosted IPO Of 12.5 Mln Shares At $16/Share, Above Range
3D-News Posted: Friday, July 16, 2010 (10:06 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Global licensor of stereoscopic or 3D technologies RealD Inc. announced on July 15th that it has priced its boosted initial public offering of 12.50 million common shares at $16.00 per share, above the estimated offering price range. The Beverly Hills, California-based company said the shares will begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange on Friday under the ticker symbol "RLD". In a regulatory filing on June 29, the company had earlier estimated pricing between $13.00 and $15.00 per share for an offering of 10.75 million shares of common stock. The company originally filed its statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for a $200 million IPO on April 9, 2010. Of the 12.50 million shares being offered in the IPO, RealD is offering 6.0 million shares and selling stockholders are offering 6.50 million shares. RealD will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by selling stockholders. RealD has granted underwriters a 30-day option to buy up to an additional 1.875 million common shares at the IPO price, to cover over-allotments, if any. Shamrock Capital Growth Fund II, L.P. and William D. Budinger, are the principal stockholders of the company, according to the SEC filing. All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group beneficially own 53.87% of company's shares, prior to the offering. RealD intends to use a portion of the net proceeds from this offering to repay $25.1 million of indebtedness under its term loan and revolving credit facilities, which will become due and payable upon the completion of this offering. The company will use the remainder of the proceeds for general corporate purposes, including investments in technology and to acquire complementary businesses and technologies. For the offering, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Piper Jaffray & Co. are acting as joint book-running managers, while William Blair & Co., L.L.C. is acting as co-lead manager, and Stifel, Nicolaus & Co., Inc. and BMO Capital Markets Corp. are acting as co-managers. RealD reported a wider loss of $51.23 million for the full-year ended March 26, 2010, compared to a net loss of $25.46 million reported a year ago. However, annual net revenues soared to $149.84 million from $39.68 million last year. As of June 1, 2010, the total number of Real-enabled Cinema System screens increased to 5,966 from 5,321, and the total number of locations with RealD-enabled screens increased to 3,192 from 3,034 installed in 51 countries. RealD, founded by Michael Lewis and Joshua Greer in 2003, is a leading global licensor of stereoscopic, or 3D, technologies, with an extensive intellectual property portfolio that enables premium 3D viewing experience in the theater, the home and elsewhere. The company licenses its RealD Cinema Systems to motion picture exhibitors that show 3D motion pictures and alternative 3D content.

	Magnetic 3D, IdentityMine and Omnivex Showcase Glasses-Free 3D at Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference
3D-News Posted: Thursday, July 15, 2010 (10:54 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Magnetic 3D is attending Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC) held July 11 – 15 in Washington, D.C. with its partners IdentityMine, a certified Microsoft development partner that specializes in creating interactive user experiences through inventive design using technologies like Microsoft Surface, Windows 7, Silverlight, and WPF, and Omnivex Corporation, Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and provider of enterprise software for digital signage networks. Combining their screens, display technologies and operating systems, the companies have developed an end-to-end solution for showcasing glasses-free 3D content in out-of-home environments. "Given the complexity of producing glasses-free 3D, it takes truly innovative technology and creative minds to develop solutions that work in real world environments," said Tom Zerega, CEO of Magnetic 3D. "Working with Omnivex and IdentityMine, we're proud to be attending WPC to showcase how glasses-free 3D can be created, delivered and displayed to innovate out-of-home advertising and communications." The Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC) is an annual gathering for the Microsoft partner community to learn about Microsoft's roadmap for the upcoming year, network and build connections, share best practices, experience the latest product innovations and learn new skills and techniques. "With the amount of visual competition in our daily lives, getting out-of-home content noticed is more challenging than ever before," said Mark Brown, CEO of IdentityMine. "Displays need to stand out in order to seize consumers' attention, then create a sense of wonder to keep them watching. Glasses-free 3D helps to break through the visual clutter, so we're excited about the innovative solution we've developed in conjunction with Magnetic 3D and Omnivex." "Glasses-free 3D content is a great example of extending our platform to deliver exciting new content," explained Doug Bannister, CEO & Director of Software Development, Omnivex. "Magnetic 3D and IdentityMine were able to easily add support for the new file types and playback technology to display high-quality autostereoscopic 3D content. This process is the ideal solution for displaying gorgeous graphics that literally jump off the screen and grab consumer attention."

	Papers on 3D, digital imaging, image processing, multimedia sought for 'must-attend' IS&T/SPIE Electronic Imaging event
3D-News Posted: Thursday, July 15, 2010 (10:53 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Prospective authors have until 19 July to submit abstracts for the 2011 IS&T/SPIE Electronic Imaging symposium. The event attracts a global audience for presentations on digital imaging systems, 3D imaging, image quality, and image processing. In its 23rd year in 2011, the annual event has become a "must-attend" for all aspects of electronic imaging, including imaging systems, image processing, image quality, and algorithms, noted Symposium Chair Sabine Süsstrunk (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) and Symposium Cochair Majid Rabbani (Eastman Kodak). This year's event will be held at the San Francisco Airport Hyatt Regency in California 23-27 January. Electronic Imaging attendees will be provided transportation and free admittance to the exhibition at SPIE Photonics West, held during the same week at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Conference tracks include: 3D Imaging, Interaction and Measurement Imaging, Visualization, and Perception Image Processing Digital Imaging Sensors and Applications Multimedia Processing and Applications Visual Information Processing and Communication. A new conference on Parallel Processing for Imaging Applications is being introduced, chaired by John Owens (Univ. of California, Davis), I-Jong Lin (Hewlett-Packard Labs), and Yu-Jin Zhang (Tsinghua Univ). In addition to the strong program of annual conferences, two biennial conferences are returning: 3D Imaging Metrology, chaired by Angelo Beraldin (National Research Council Canada), Geraldine Cheok (NIST - National Institute of Standards and Technology), Mike McCarthy (National Physical Lab), and Ulrich Neuschaefer-Rube (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt); and Real-Time Image and Video Processing, chaired by Nasser Kehtarnavaz (Univ. of Texas, Dallas) and Matthias Carlsohn (Computer Vision and Image Communication at Bremen). A 3D theatre session and a product demonstration session are again planned in conjunction with the conference on Stereoscopic Displays and Applications, chaired by Andrew Woods (Curtin Univ., Centre for Marine Science and Technology), Nicolas Holliman (Durham Univ.), and Neil Dodgson (Univ. of Cambridge). Short Course Chair is Gaurav Sharma (Univ. of Rochester), who on 1 January will become Editor of the Journal of Electronic Imaging. IS&T and SPIE are joint publishers of the journal as well as sponsors of the Electronic Imaging symposium. Conference proceedings papers will be published individually in the SPIE Digital Library as soon as approved after the meeting, and also in collected print and digital volumes and collections.

	SENSIO successful in delivery to 33 countries of first worldwide live 3D event: 2010 FIFA World Cup
3D-News Posted: Wednesday, July 14, 2010 (12:56 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
SENSIO® Technologies Inc. announced that the broadcast to cinemas, live and in 3D, of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ has been a resounding success. From the first kickoff on June 11, SENSIO® 3D technology enabled soccer fans all over the world to view 25 FIFA World Cup matches live, in 3D and on the big screen. Over the 30 days of the championship, over 4,500 screenings of its most popular games took place across the globe in 475 cinemas in 33 countries. "SENSIO has participated in many historical 3D firsts in our ten years of business, but the global delivery aspect of this worldwide event from South Africa is unlike anything else in its scope," said SENSIO® president and CEO Nicholas Routhier. "We're particularly proud to have been able to secure the confidence of FIFA and deliver with such a short turnaround time of two and a half months. It's testimony to the great working relationship we have with our partners, IDC, Cinedigm and Eutelsat, as well as the dedication of the SENSIO® team, and I'd like to thank everyone for their contribution." This pioneering event, which constitutes yet another crucial milestone in the evolution of 3D broadcasting, could not have happened without the existence of the SENSIO 3D Live Global Network™, which already comprises over 700 theatres in 33 countries, and continues to expand. It is also now supported by the SENSIO3DLive.com™ website, which enables the cinema chains and theatre operators of the SENSIO 3D Live Global Network™ to register, free of charge, their live 3D events and give fans a direct link to the appropriate ticketing sites. "The SENSIO 3D Live Global Network™ is an important force in the development of the market and the website is a valuable tool for promoters of live 3D events," said Richard LaBerge, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at SENSIO®. "The success of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ proves that live 3D events constitute a worthwhile market and, through the site, event-producers and their distribution networks can reach audiences on a global scale. From the public's point of view, the site enables fans to find out what live 3D events are being broadcast and where they can view them, all in one place." "Making the most of the burgeoning public interest in this truly immersive experience depends very much on the impact made at the outset," Mr LaBerge continued. "We are already in discussions for delivery of other live 3D events, and content-producers know they can count on SENSIO's visually lossless, reliable, robust, proven 3D solutions, as well as our extensive network of distribution partners, to fully support them in their goal of placing sports, music and entertainment fans at the heart of the action."

	SENSIO at IBC2010
3D-News Posted: Monday, July 12, 2010 (21:18 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
At IBC2010, visitors will have the opportunity to see demonstrations of SENSIO® 3D technology, which is built into the products of SENSIO's partners, including IDC (stand 1.C29). IDC's SFX 4104 satellite receiver has enabled distribution of live 3D events to the SENSIO 3D Live Global Network™ of over 700 screens in 33 countries around the world. Most notably and recently, the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ - the first worldwide live 3D event - was shown in 475 cinemas, thanks to this technology. SENSIO's 3D solutions can also be viewed at the booths of other partners (for example, Gennum, Miranda, Teranex, Grass Valley), allowing IBC attendees to see how the company's products enable broadcast vendors to integrate professional-quality 3D into their own systems. The unique proprietary format is a proven technology that delivers visually lossless compression of stereoscopic (3D) HD video to enable 3D broadcasts over standard 2D infrastructure for presentation in cinemas and for home theatres. Adopted by content producers worldwide, SENSIO's technology is designed to operate smoothly with all existing and future 3D-projection technologies for 2D or 3D viewing, providing a future-proof, cost-effective solution. Compatible with leading HD satellite broadcast and on-demand systems such as pay-per-view, video-on-demand, and IP streaming and download, content encoded in the SENSIO® 3D format is viewable via standard HD set-top boxes (STBs), and on the growing number of 3DTV sets coming to market. SENSIO 3D has also been used for the broadcast of various commercial live 3D events, including the men's final of the French Open tennis tournament, the Bowl Championship Series, ESPN's NCAA (American) football, and NBA All-Star basketball, as well as a performance of Mozart's Don Giovanni from the Rennes opera House in France.

	Sigma Designs Delivers the World Cup in 3D
3D-News Posted: Saturday, July 10, 2010 (0:03 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Sigma Designs, Inc., a provider of System-on-Chip (SoC) used to deliver entertainment and control throughout the home, announced that leading French broadband provider, Free Inc. is delivering 3D broadcasts of World Cup soccer and ongoing 3D broadcast content, using Sigma's SMP8634 Secure Media Processor in its industry-leading Freebox triple-play set-top boxes. Delivered via stereoscopic 3D, this is the very first 3D television broadcast in France and one of the first in Europe. In addition to delivering stereoscopic 3D television, Sigma's leading SMP8634 media processor is also capable of supporting all forms of 3D broadcast. "Innovation is the hallmark of every Sigma product line and the SMP8634 has done an outstanding job of demonstrating this by supporting services like 3D," said David Lynch, vice president and general manager, media processor business unit at Sigma Designs. "Sigma is the most widely deployed high definition IPTV processor in the world. Service providers around the world rely on our SMP line of media processors to get a solid return on their design investment which we, in turn, deliver." Under the new program, subscribers to Free's Very High Speed offering who have also subscribed to Free's CANAL channel will have access to CANAL 3D (channel 18 of the CANAL environment). After the World Cup, CANAL 3D will continue to broadcast 3D television programs on a regular basis including movies, animated films, sports, and more. The channel will gradually enrich its programming as 3D production volume increases. "3D television is a very hot topic in consumer electronics today, but it's also a very recent development. The fact that Free and Sigma Designs were able to implement 3D decoding on a previously deployed installed base of set-tops speaks to the flexibility of the SMP8630 family of media processors," said Lee Ratliff, senior analyst for broadband and digital home at iSuppli. "With this announcement, Sigma has highlighted the importance of deploying a flexible platform capable of comprehending future applications." Availability The entire SMP line of 3D-capable media processors from Sigma Designs, including the SMP8634, is available now. More information on this innovative set of solutions for set-top boxes can be found at http://www.sigmadesigns.com/solutions_subcat.php?id=1

	Dimmy's Award for the first complete interactive Stereo 3D training solution
3D-News Posted: Friday, July 9, 2010 (0:06 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
The world's first stereo 3D training package, Stereo 3D Filmmaking: The Complete Interactive Course, was launched at Dimension 3 on June 1st 2010 and won the award in the 3D Interactive category at the most important stereo 3D festival in the world, Dimension 3 (http://www.dimension3-expo.com/uk/festival.php) It is available for order on http://www.convergence3d.net for a launch price of 299€. Convergence3D.net, the training package's website companion, is quickly becoming the hub of stereo 3D with: - Info Center: knowledge base, equipment, rental companies etc. - Stereo 3D Tools & training - Articles, news, technology watch - Forums, jobs, professional services Co-produced by Parallell Cinema [www.parallellcinema.fr] and Innoventive Software [www.frameforge3d.com], makers of award-winning Frameforge Previz Studio, Stereo 3D Filmmaking: The Complete Interactive Course is the only alternative to expensive, long training sessions to learn stereo 3D effectively today. Contents: 125 minutes of course shot in live-action stereo 3D: we explain a technique, you see the result. Dozens of animated diagrams 4 hours of Expert Insight Series from the famous 3d experts behind Alice in Wonderland, Coraline, Monsters vs Aliens, G-Force and many others 20 progressive and interactive exercises designed in the optically-accurate Stereo 3D Virtual Studio – based on award-winning Frameforge Previz Studio technology used by the Sony 3D Tech Center and many other top S3D companies. The Video-FAQ of Stereo 3D: experts answer the big questions of Stereo 3D The Stereographer’s handbook with a summary of the course The Stereo 3D Shooting Guide for easy reference on set

	GeoVisionary Helps GSNI Showcase Data
3D-News Posted: Thursday, July 8, 2010 (22:44 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
A complete Virtalis StereoWorks ActiveWall display system and Virtual Reality (VR) suite has been installed at the Geological Survey of Northern of Ireland (GSNI) to run GeoVisionary software. Garth Earls, director of the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland, explained: "We have been fortunate to be able to install GeoVisionary at a time when the development phase was complete. The input provided by the British Geological Survey (BGS) has made it ideal for our needs." GeoVisionary was developed by Virtalis in collaboration with British Geological Survey. Version 1.0 of GeoVisionary is capable of streaming and rendering terabytes of height and photography data, as well as various geographic information layers, such as geology or land use, covering a huge geographical area in real-time. GeoVisionary enables the visualisation of high detail GIS source data and allows other data, such as geoscience, geotechnical, environmental, sub-surface, geochemical and other specialised information, to be overlaid onto it, giving a complete picture. The StereoWorks visualisation system forms the technological core of many of Virtalis' advanced visualisation installations and stereoscopic 3D display systems. As well as providing the perfect environment in which to view GeoVisionary, the systems also support CAD software for real-time stereo design and offer high-resolution digital stereo movie playback at very high bandwidth. The StereoWorks range consists of the latest stereo viewing hardware coupled with the Virtalis' own specialist software suite, StereoTools. GSNI has installed a tracked active stereo, rear-projected system, called ActiveWall, which allows users to interact with their data in real-time without casting shadows. Alex Donald, information delivery, GIS and design at GSNI, is the principal user of the new Virtalis system. "We were very well aware of both GeoVisionary and StereoWorks from using the systems installed at BGS's offices. GeoVisionary enables us to stream very large data sets that can't be viewed on our computers. Therefore, it allows us to showcase our data, especially aerial photos, to diverse groups including local government, industry and students. We have also begun to use GeoVisionary for preliminary field reconnaissance."

	"Avatar" Secrets Revealed at SIGGRAPH 2010
3D-News Posted: Thursday, July 8, 2010 (22:42 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
SIGGRAPH 2010 features multiple Production Sessions that will reveal the secrets of "Avatar", including stereoscopic filmmaking and visual effects. Two visual effects companies that contributed to the making of "Avatar", New Zealand-based Weta Digital and U.S.-based Industrial Light & Magic, will take attendees behind the scenes and give valuable insight into the work that won three Academy Awards® for Best Cinematography, Best Visual Effects, and Best Art Direction. "James Cameron's epic vision of 'Avatar' changed the landscape for filmmaking and production," said Terrence Masson, SIGGRAPH 2010 Conference Chair from Northeastern University. "A movie of this caliber not only has moved our industry forward light years, but it also has the potential to teach us techniques and solutions that we never would have considered." SIGGRAPH Production Sessions are high-level discussions that showcase how computer graphics and interactive techniques are actually designed and implemented. Attendees of all experience levels will benefit. Here are just a few highlights of this year's Production Sessions: Making "Avatar" Joe Letteri and Stephen Rosenbaum, Weta Digital; Richard Baneham, Lightstorm "Avatar" is the first predominately digitally created film, shot and directed as a live action film. Key to the director's vision was having photorealistic, believable digital characters and environments fit seamlessly with live action. To accomplish this, Weta Digital, led by Joe Letteri, developed innovations that enabled the director and actors to work as if they were in a conventional live-action movie, even when filming sequences that were entirely computer-generated. For the audience to connect with the blue-skinned ten-foot-tall "Na'vi", they had to see the actor's soul shine through the character's eyes. This required increased realism in character animation, especially the facial animation. The emotional performances of the characters in "Avatar" are an achievement that have taken digital characters to a new level of believability and have at the same time, enhanced story telling. Character and Environment Lighting Challenges on "Avatar" Kevin Smith, Weta Digital This session summarizes some of the problems encountered during the "Avatar" production process and their solutions. The focus is on maintaining pipeline flexibility and enabling users to concentrate on the art of lighting instead of managing technology. Volume Rendering for "Avatar" Antoine Bouthors and Mark Davies, Weta Digital How Weta Digital achieved efficient, realistic stereo rendering of volumetric elements and their integration with the compositing engine. Compositing "Avatar" Peter Hillman, Erik Winquist, and Matthew Welford, Weta Digital This presentation outlines some of the adaptations that Weta Digital made to its compositing pipeline to deliver "Avatar": simplifying stereo compositing and stereo-image handling, and avoiding the need to render holdout masks to composite render layers. A Physically Based Approach to Virtual Character Deformations Simon Clutterbuck and James Jacobs, Weta Digital James Cameron's "Avatar" required the principal digital characters to be photo-realistic, full-screen, and almost fully naked in hundreds of shots. To accomplish this task, Weta Digital developed a robust character-simulation toolset that delivered the required level of realism. Rendering "Avatar": Spherical Harmonics in Production Nick McKenzie, Martin Hill, and Jon Allitt, Weta Digital This session covers the application of spherical harmonics in a production rendering environment for accelerated final-frame rendering of complex scenes and materials. PantaRay: Directional Occlusion for Fast Cinematic Lighting of Massive Scenes Jacopo Pantaleoni and Timo Aila, NVIDIA Research; David Luebke, NVIDIA Corporation; Luca Fascione, Martin Hill, Weta Digital NVIDIA Research and Weta Digital present the results of a joint research collaboration, and describe the architecture of a novel ray tracing system for precomputing the sparse directional occlusion caches used as a primary lighting technology during the making of "Avatar". "Avatar": Bending Rigid Bodies Brice Criswell, Michael Lentine, and Steve Sauers, Industrial Light & Magic This session describes the tools recently developed at Industrial Light & Magic for automatically modeling surface deformations produced during bending and denting of rigid materials. "Avatar": Modeling a Jungle, From Template to Film Shawn Dunn and Marco Revelant, Weta Digital The vast and epic environments in "Avatar" presented unique technical hurdles. Weta Digital developed tools and procedures to create realistic, high-density 3D environments. This presentation explores the process and tools used in modeling and layout of these very complex environments. Digital Water for "Avatar" Allen Hemberger, Christoph Sprenger, Diego Trazzi, and Sebastian Marino, Weta Digital Detailed description of the full-CG stereographic water pipeline for "Avatar", from innovative fluid simulation through a custom-designed levelset-based post-processing stage to final renders using a modular shading strategy. An Accurate Method for Acquiring High-Resolution Skin-Displacement Maps Gino Acevedo and Eugene D'Eon, Weta Digital An efficient and precise method for acquiring skin-displacement maps is an essential component for creating an accurate appearance model for faces, hands, and skin in general. To view all the Production Sessions that will be presented at SIGGRAPH 2010, visit http://www.siggraph.org/s2010/for_attendees/computer_animation_festival/production_sessions

	iZ3D Drivers Power 3D Gaming on Zalman Monitors
3D-News Posted: Thursday, July 8, 2010 (22:37 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
iZ3D Inc., designer, developer and pioneer of advanced stereoscopic 3D visualization systems and software, announced a new relationship with Zalman, Inc. The goal of the liaison is to provide Zalman display customers with the very best in 3D gaming visualization. The world recognized iZ3D Drivers are now being included in all new Zalman 3D monitors sold on the market today. "The iZ3D Drivers have been widely accepted as the standard for 3D gaming. We have a large community of 3D gamers that utilize our drivers on previous versions of Zalman monitors, so this partnership will help give new gamers a great first impression on the new Zalman 3D solutions," stated Tom Striegler, CEO for iZ3D, Inc. The Zalman 3D format has been implemented into the iZ3D Driver v. 1.10 Final. This version of the driver is included in all new Zalman 3D monitor sales.

	20th Century Fox and James Cameron Announce AVATAR: SPECIAL EDITION Limited Theatrical Engagement, Begins August 27, Exclusively in Digital 3D and IMAX® 3D
3D-News Posted: Thursday, July 8, 2010 (22:33 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
This version of Cameron's history-making and groundbreaking epic will include more than eight minutes of new footage. Since – and largely as of result of - AVATAR's release last December, the number of available digital 3D screens has exploded, and moviegoers who missed experiencing the film in 3D will now have that opportunity. Commented James Cameron: "Audiences repeatedly told me they wanted more of Pandora, and wished they could have stayed there longer. So we're making that possible. AVATAR: SPECIAL EDITION will be exclusively in 3D, and will have eight minutes of never before seen footage, including new creatures and action scenes. Whether you already love the movie, or you've never seen it, with this Special Edition, you'll be seeing it like never before." Commented Fox Filmed Entertainment chairmen and CEOs, Jim Gianopulos and Tom Rothman: “AVATAR: SPECIAL EDITION is especially gratifying, because not only has AVATAR become one of the most beloved films in history, but after its initial theatrical release, we have been inundated with requests to re-release the film in theaters in 3D. Equally important, we're thrilled that Jim Cameron is able to give audiences even more of what they loved about AVATAR.” The Oscar® and Golden Globe® winning epic is the highest grossing film of all time, taking in over $2.7 billion in worldwide box office. It is also the top-selling Blu-ray disc of all time. Director James Cameron takes audiences to a spectacular world beyond imagination, where a reluctant hero embarks on a journey of redemption and discovery as he leads a heroic battle to save a civilization. AVATAR delivers a fully immersive cinematic experience of a new kind, where the revolutionary technology invented to make the film disappears into the emotion of the characters and the epic nature of the story.

	S-3D Gaming Alliance and Top Gaming Companies Join Forces on the Largest Study of What Gamers Want, Over 50 Prizes to Be Won
3D-News Posted: Thursday, July 8, 2010 (22:27 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Leading display manufacturers and game developers are committed to stereoscopic 3D gaming, and a crucial piece of the 3D puzzle is having a firm grasp of what customers want, and which experiences will ultimately sell. The U-Decide Initiative is an industry-wide effort to survey PC and console gamers around the world to find out more about the consumer perspective. The survey opened on July 7th and ends October 1st, 2010. "Panasonic supports this effort to tie consumers to 3D technology. That's why we joined The S-3D Gaming Alliance (S3DGA), and we are adding a Panasonic 3D HDTV as the grand prize. Reviewers say it's the best 3D HDTV out there, and we think gamers will be excited by this," said James Mercs, Managing Director of Panasonic Hollywood Labs. Once the study ends, a drawing for over 50 great prizes will be held. Respondents could win a Panasonic 3D HDTV, a Zalman FullHD 21.5 inch 3D Monitor, quality gaming headsets by Steelseries, and over 40 PC and console games by Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, and Blitz Games Studios. "Electronic Arts is a founding sponsor of U-Decide, and we hope gamers will enjoy the 25 titles we are adding to the drawing for PC and consoles. We anticipate hearing what gamers have to say about stereoscopic 3D gaming, and the products they are most excited about," said Alan Price, Chief Technical Officer for Electronic Arts Canada. The survey is multiple choice and only takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Interested gamers should visit S3DGA's consumer arm Meant to be Seen at http://www.mtbs3d.com and select U-Decide from the top menu. While Meant to be Seen registration is required, it is both free and instantaneous. Game developers and companies interested in helping shape the future of stereoscopic 3D gaming please visit http://www.S3DGA.com for membership details.

Stereoscopy.com 3D-News (ISSN: 1612-6823) is published monthly by Stereoscopy.com, P.O. Box 102634, 70022 Stuttgart, Germany. Editor-in-Chief: Alexander Klein. Worldwide subscriptions to the electronic version of the Stereoscopy.com 3D-News are provided free of charge. Material in this publication is copyrighted © by Stereoscopy.com. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

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