Ang Lee Has Tapped Peter Morgan (RUSH) To Write His 3D Ali - Frasier Film

Perfect! Universal has tapped Peter Morgan (RUSH, FROST/NIXON, THE QUEEN) to write Ang Lee's next untitled project which centers on the rivalry between boxers Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in the 1960-70s. Morgan is ideal to pen the project with his ability to squeeze out a compelling movie from real life rivals, like he did with James Hunt vs. Niki Lauda in RUSH (race car driving) and David Frost vs. Richard Nixon (political interviews).

Ang Lee of course won Oscar for Best Director for LIFE OF PI which astounded audiences with gorgeous cinematography and practically perfect 3D. Lee is also shooting his boxing rivalry movie in native 3D so I am definitely in high anticipation for this production!

Says Morgan: "It’s a look at how brutal the confrontations were between Ali and Frazier. They were marked by how aggressive Ali was towards Frazier out of the ring. He taunted and belittled him. [Ang Lee] wants to work with 3D technology that will make an audience feel as if they’re inside the ring. 

Further, Ang wants to actually use real footage of the original fights and bring in the actors through visual effects - should be a jaw dropping experience! I am thinking about those technically complex scenes in FORREST GUMP that brought Tom Hanks face to face with historical figures, only with modern technology and 3D.

Sounds dramatic and knowing Lee, he will indeed succeed in bringing us into the foray. More when I get it!

Source: Daily Mail

3ality Technica To Help Broadcast The Summer London Olympics!

Cool news regarding 3D and the summer London Olympics! 3ality Technica will be there in force to help the Olympic Broadcasting Services deliver the exciting content providing their equipment and expertise. The confidence meter for an enjoyable broadcast from the historical gathering just went up significantly!

"We volunteered our expertise to OBS and said we will do whatever it takes to help you because this event has to be well done," said Steve Schklair, CEO, 3Ality Technica. "It will hurt the 3D industry if it is not."

"The 3D Olympics needs to be more than technically perfect," he added. "If the 3D feed of the Opening Ceremony, for example, is not more compelling than the 2D feed then people will switch back to the 2D. Our concern is about generating compelling content."

From 3DFocus:

There will be a 3D operations centre in the IBC (International Broadcast Centre) to receive and distribute signals and to produce a dedicated 3D channel broadcasting 16 hours a day for the Games’ duration and a daily highlights programme as part of the 3D channel transmission. More than 230 hours of 3D will be produced in total.

The intention is that 75-80% of the coverage will come from native 3D cameras and 25-20% from 2D converted cameras.

Live coverage is currently planned for the opening and closing ceremonies, athletics, gymnastics and synchronised diving with possible additional live coverage from canoeing and aquatics (swimming, synchronised swimming, diving and water polo).

The ENG crews, armed with Panasonic AG-3DP1 twin-lens camcorder s, will provide feeds for the highlights package for sports including basketball, beach volleyball, boxing, equestrian, judo, cycling and wrestling.
The 3D feed will be offered by the BBC, CCTV (China), Sky Italia, Australia’s Channel Nine, France TV and NBC.

There are now just 100 days to go before the London Olympics games commence. It was also confirmed today that Virgin Media will be carrying Eurosport 3D - a dedicated channel which will broadcast eight hours of live footage and four hours of highlights from the games, starting July 27tth.

Steve is bang on. The Olympics is such a monumental period of time in broadcasting that any hiccup in the 3D presentation would reflect badly from the sheer number of people around the globe watching it. Thanks for stepping up 3ality Technica!


Source: 3DFocus.co.uk

New 3DTV Reality Series: Unsanctioned Cage Fights - Intimate Look at Amateur MMA Fighters

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, USA/ CANNES, FRANCE -- Oct 3, 2011, New 3D TV Reality Series on Unsanctioned Cage Fights takes Intimate Look at Lives of Amateur Mixed Martial Arts Fighters -- 3D TV series available for pre-sale at mipcom in Cannes: http://www.mipworld.com/

Once labeled "human cockfighting" by Senator John McCain, Mixed Martial Arts, AKA "cage fighting", is the extremely popular, nonetheless controversial, full contact sport that combines ancient fighting arts with modern combat techniques. This contemporary hybrid attracts fighters with extremely diverse background and ambitions. Some are in it for the money, some for the glory, some for the girls, some for the thrill of stepping in to a real-life cage match, but all are in it to win.

In each episode of this 3D reality series, the audience will meet two opposing MMA fighters 30 days before they fight and follow them through their daily lives, through their training camps, into their homes, and into the cage for a face-off the see who will walk away with the win.

PassmoreLab is an independent production company specializing in both live action and animation, including shorts, television, narrative features and documentaries-- many of which have gone on to win numerous awards at festivals nationwide. The industry’s leading player in 3D film production, PassmoreLab boasts world renowned, state-of-the-art technology to offer a blend of services spanning numerous filmmaking fronts.

Check out the show's Facebook page.

Monday Night Football Coming in 3D on ESPN3D

"Get with the program"

Tim here. That's right, Monday Night Football! This was the most exciting news to come out of the 3D Summit last week. Bryan Burns, Vice President Strategic Business Planning and Development for ESPN, broke the news to us after showing a clip of fan reactions to watching games in 3D on 3DTVs placed in bars. One person said, "My next TV purchase will be a 3DTV. I watch more sports than any other program." This is an eight-year, $15.2 billion, deal made with the National Football League!

This also was announced after a little rumor was started by a press writer that ESPN would be closing their doors. The rumor spread rapidly, but it wasn't true and two days the Monday Night Football announcement came. Mr. Burns pointed out that this was another example of an opportunistic reporter using 3D negativity and bashing to attract readers to their unfounded reporting in order to propel themselves. (Writer's note that several others had made similar comments about the presses negativity throughout the summit.)

Sadly we have to wait for 2014 when ESPN's rights pick up distribution, but that's plenty of time for you to go get your 3DTV! As Mr. Burns put it, "We're not playing defense, but instead we've got the ball and are driving down the field."

Sony and Can Communicate Confirm 3 Year Wimbledon S3DHD Partnership

Can Communicate (CAN) has been confirmed by SONY as technical production partner for the first ever live 3D HD broadcast of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships for the next three years.

The 125th anniversary of the Wimbledon Championships will mark the first time the world's most famous tennis tournament has been broadcast live in high definition 3D; CAN will be responsible for the broadcast of four matches - the men's semi-finals, the women's final and the men's final.

Working closely with SONY and BBC Sport, CAN will use the same 3D workflow that was successfully deployed at the 2010 FIFA World CupTM. With 5 camera positions per match, each position will comprise 2x SONY HDC-P1 cameras with Canon lenses fed into a SONY HD fiber adapter mounted onto Element Technica rigs and configured with SONY MPE-200 processors for convergence and interocular alignment.

The 3D signals generated from the 5 camera positions will be fed to a dedicated 3D outside broadcast facility supplied by our partner, NEP Visions. Pictures will be processed using a complete SONY 3D broadcast solution and encoded for 3D TV broadcast and 3D cinema audiences.

CAN will draw on its extensive experience of filming major sporting events in 3D, which includes the 2010 FIFA World CupTM in South Africa and the 2010 Roland Garros, French Tennis Open. CAN boasts an unrivaled 3D pedigree that also includes the first ever live 3D TV broadcast of an international sporting event, 2008 Six Nations Rugby ‘Calcutta Cup' and other 3D productions including; Reebok Amir Khan launch, Ferrari F1, Virgin F1, Usain Bolt street race in Manchester, German Bundesliga and French football Ligue 1.

CAN's Creative Director, Duncan Humphreys said of the 3 year appointment: “We are very proud to be working with Sony again as the production company for the 3D TV broadcast coverage of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships. The all England Tennis Club and Sony are leaders in their field and deliver the highest level of quality - so it was crucial for them to work with a 3D production partner who could deliver to their standards. We will be working with OB supplier, NEP Visions, using the state of the art ‘Gemini' 1 & 2 trucks and the latest versions of the Sony MPE-200 3D image processor, including the quality control software to deliver a seamless 3D HD transmission of the tennis finals. Although Wimbledon in 3D presents a major challenge, I'm confident that the collective expertise and passion of all those involved will ensure great results from this landmark tournament.”

About Can Communicate
CAN Communicate (CAN) is a leading producer of 3D HD content. With 5 years of experience and investment in 3D filming and post production, CAN has emerged as one of Europe's leading producers of Stereoscopic 3D content. CAN's work has included a number of firsts, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ 3D broadcasts, the longest continuous live 3D broadcast in Europe at the 2010 Roland Garros French Open Tennis Championships, and the first live 3D transmission in Russia of a prestigious gala event at the renowned Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg. In 2010 CAN co-produced 7 hours of 3D programming for Channel 4's ‘3D Season' which included; ‘The Queen in 3D', ‘Derren Brown's 3D Magic Spectacular' and ‘T4 Live'. Demand for 3D programming is far outstripping supply and this looks set to continue. CAN provide 3D expertise, creative solutions and technical innovation to produce 3D content of the highest quality. www.cancommunicate.com

CBS And CAMERON–PACE Group Win Sports Emmy For US Open Tennis Championship In 3D

Very cool award! Congratulations Vince and James!! Emphasis below is mine...

The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Recognizes CBS Sports and CAMERON – PACE Group with “The George Wensel Technical Achievement Award” for the 2010 US Open Tennis Championship in 3D

BURBANK, CA, May 6, 2011 – CAMERON – PACE Group announces it won a Sports Emmy Award with CBS Sports at the 32nd Annual Sports Emmy Awards held at Lincoln Center in New York City on Monday, May 2, 2011.

CAMERON – PACE Group (formerly PACE) was the innovative company responsible for designing and supplying six FUSION 3D camera systems including three 2D/3D integrated camera rigs, Shadow D powered with Shadow Vision system technology and the fully integrated, on-location live broadcast mobile unit, FUSION Mobile 1 Unit™ for CBS Sports’ 2010 US Open Tennis Championship. This live 3D sports broadcast marked the first time in history that the US Open Tennis Championship was captured in 3D and the first ever live 3D broadcast utilizing CAMERON – PACE Group’s 2D/3D integrated camera rig, Shadow D. Both companies were awarded under “The George Wensel Technical Achievement Award” category which recognizes technical innovation that is extraordinary and enhances the broadcast for the viewer for the US Open Tennis Championships - 3D at US Open Tennis Championships production.

“We are honored to be recognized with CBS Sports for the US Open Sports Emmy,” said Vince Pace, Co-Chairman and CEO of CAMERON - PACE Group. “The future of 3D sports hinges on the integration of critical camera positions. Utilizing the Shadow D System we were able to give the viewer a courtside seat without any additional operators, seat kills or camera positions; a win/win for all.”

With live 3D sports production continuing to rise, CAMERON - PACE Group saw the opportunity to revolutionize the 2D and 3D live sports production capture process with the design of an integrated 2D/3D camera rig, known as Shadow D and the development of the Shadow Vision system technology. The Shadow D rig stacks a 3D camera next to a longer 2D camera lens and allows one camera operator to control and drive both cameras with one set of controls, capturing 2D and 3D images simultaneously. This allows 2D camera operators to capture 3D without learning new production techniques, reduces 3D production costs and solves the conflict of 2D and 3D camera placement around a sports venue.

"It's great that our technology is being recognized," said James Cameron, Co-Chairman of CAMERON - PACE Group. "The Shadow D allows the use of shared camera positions and operators. It's all about creating a business model that works, that makes 3D cost effective for broadcasters."

CAMERON – PACE Group first unveiled the Shadow D rig at the 2010 NAB Show. Since then the Shadow D rig has been utilized for various live 3D sports productions including the CBS Sports’ 2011 Masters Golf Tournament, CBS Sports’ 2010 US Open Tennis Championship, ESPN’s 2010 ESPN Masters Golf Tournament, ESPN’s 2010 Summer X Games and HBO Sports’ 2010 Boxing. At this year’s NAB Show, Vince Pace and James Cameron showed a 3D clip from CBS Sports’ 2011 Masters Golf Tournament during their opening keynote speech in Las Vegas, Nevada.

About CAMERON - PACE Group:
CAMERON - PACE Group is advancing the future of 3D across all media channels by making the most advanced products, support solutions and creative tools available and accessible to networks, studios, broadcasters, filmmakers and creative teams around the globe. The company is singularly dedicated to building upon the strong foundation of innovative technology developed by its visionary co-founders, James Cameron, Vince Pace and Patrick Campbell, and leveraging its unmatched 3D expertise to help content producers realize 3D's full potential as a creative and powerful storytelling medium and remove any barriers that prevent global audiences from experiencing the most compelling, engaging and high quality 3D entertainment possible. CAMERON - PACE Group was founded in 2011 by Vince Pace and James Cameron. The company is headquartered in Burbank, CA.

For more information, please visit www.cameronpace.com

Exclusive Interview: James Cameron & Vince Pace On New Business: Cameron - Pace Group. Details On ARRI Collaboration!

Hey guys - have a special treat for you! I had the opportunity to interview James Cameron and Vince Pace via phone from their NAB appearance to announce their new business, the Cameron - Pace Group (CPG).

I shared the discussion with two other reporters but their audio was so low that I had to unfortunately cut out their questions entirely. They asked questions about 3D sports and high definition so I included the relevant answer portions from Cameron and Pace which was loud and clear. Of course my questions came through with no issue at all.

The biggest thing I got out of the discussion was that the Cameron - Pace Group will be stepping up to the plate to push a "gold standard" for the 3D industry to aim to match going forward. They are not the only ones. I will have more on that in a new post coming soon.

It's always a pleasure to speak with these guys who clearly have an ample finger on the pulse of S3D and are driving forces of the modern S3D changeover. I have also included several clips from their NAB presentation that I'm sure you will find enjoyable!

Here is what transpired during the interview - feel free to skip to the parts of your interest, but I invite you to listen to the whole thing:

1:20 - "Gold Standard" 3D: Ensuring the public gets the best 3D possible. Probably the single most important aspect of this announcement for me.

6:40 - Higher Frame Rate Discussion

10:35 - Higher Resolution: Essentially it should be listed as a second tier priority after higher frame rates and for very elegant reasons as outlined by Cameron.

12:18 - New Technologies In Play For Upcoming Projects: Cameron talks about their new system utilizing the ARRI ALEXA M camera, which is a 5.5 lb sensor block that is designed for S3D use. Pace talks about their new automation software suite that helps automate many aspects of shooting in 3D, thus reducing production time, costs at both set and bringing experts in.

14:52 - 3D Sports Discussion

Have a listen:




Further, I invite you to watch some clips provided to me highlighting Cameron and Pace at the NAB Show in Las Vegas that is happening right now. ENJOY!












Stay tuned for more on the Hollywood "Gold Standard" for S3D!!

ESPN Commits To S3DHD Broadcast Of The 2011 NBA FInals!!

I am a bit biased: I love 3D. I love basketball (I am 6'6" after all). Put the two together and I am suitably enjoying myself!

ESPN 3D has announced that they will be covering the 2011 NBA Finals in stereoscopic 3D!

Here's the official press release (emphasis is mine):
NBA Finals Televised for First Time in 3D

ESPN 3D, in its first year of distribution, will expand its NBA offerings to include The Finals – the pinnacle of the NBA season – this June, marking the first time the championship-crowning event will be presented in 3D. ESPN 3D televised the first NBA game in 3D when the Miami Heat visited the New York Knicks on December 17, 2010. Since December, ESPN 3D has shown six NBA games in addition to other programming.

ESPN 3D's upcoming NBA schedule (schedule subject to change):
Fri, Feb 25 8 p.m. Oklahoma City at Orlando
Fri, Mar 4 7 p.m. Chicago at Orlando
Wed, Mar 16 8 p.m. Oklahoma City at Miami
Fri, Apr 1 8 p.m. Boston at Atlanta
TBD TBD NBA Playoffs (First Round) – Game 1
TBD TBD NBA Playoffs (First Round) – Game 4
TBD TBD NBA Playoffs (Conference Semifinals) – Game 2
TBD TBD Western Conference Finals – Game 1
TBD TBD Western Conference Finals – Game 2
TBD TBD Western Conference Finals – Game 4
Thurs, Jun 2 9 p.m. Finals (Game 1)
Sun, Jun 5 8 p.m. Finals (Game 2)
Tues, Jun 7 9 p.m. Finals (Game 3)
Thurs, Jun 9 9 p.m. Finals (Game 4)
Sun, Jun 12 8 p.m. Finals (Game 5)
Tues, Jun 14 9 p.m. Finals (Game 6)
Thurs, Jun 16 9 p.m. Finals (Game 7)

Beginning Monday, Feb. 14, ESPN 3D began showing 3D content 24-hours a day. In its first year, ESPN 3D will telecast more than 100 live events.

About ESPN 3D
ESPN was the first to announce in the United States an exclusive 3D network in January 2010 which was the culmination of more than three years of testing 3D television. ESPN produced many 3D domestic telecasts in 2010, including: college football and basketball, the State Farm Home Run Derby, the Masters, the Harlem Globetrotters and NBA games. ESPN 3D first produced the USC vs. Ohio State college football game in September 2009 which became the starting point for the network. ESPN has developed best practices for utilizing and producing 3D technology in live game applications. In addition, ESPN utilizes cutting-edge technology located at the ESPN Innovation Lab in Orlando at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex at Walt Disney World to continue to develop innovative production enhancements. ESPN 3D is available in the United States to approximately 62.5 million households and has carriage agreements with AT&T U-Verse, Comcast, DIRECTV and Time Warner Cable. It will launch in 2011 on Verizon FiOS TV. Sony was named the first official sponsor of the network in January 2010.

Yes, I am predicting a Miami Heat vs. Oklahoma City Thunder NBA Final! Mark. My. Words. :-)

WWE Wrestling With Bringing 3D To Their Top Event?

According to Prowrestling, it seems the WWE is considering three dimensions for their Wrestlemania flagship event.

Here's what they had to say: "With the increasing popularity of 3D feature films and 3D televisions becoming more accessible to consumers, WWE has been working on producing its own 3D content. According to a reliable source, WWE is negotiating with Fathom Events to air this year’s WrestleMania 27 pay-per-view in 3D in movie theaters across the United States.

While the idea of WrestleMania 3D sounds great, fans should not get their hopes up just yet - as the two parties have still not yet come to terms on [what else] money distribution.

According to a new report from the Chicago Independent Press, WWE wants 47 percent of PPV revenue for 3D buys, which is standard for WWE PPVs, but Fathom reportedly wants a larger cut. WWE also wants 60-70 percent of revenue from theaters, but Fathom isn’t willing to give that much away.

The negotiations have reportedly stalled and with WrestleMania coming up in just 3 months, the window opportunity for both sides to reach an agreement is closing."

I haven't watching wrestling since The Rock departed for movies, so I don't know how prevalent it is anymore. I know MMA is red hot and they SHOULD be looking at 3D right now! We'll see!!

NHL To Broadcast Hockey Games In 3D! First Up: Toronto vs. Montreal, Dec 11

Well this is very interesting news for all you hockey fans out there! The CBC has announced that it will be showing some 3D hockey games this season and the first slated game is the Toronto Maple Leafs hosting the Montreal Canadiens on December 11. You will need a 3D TV and glasses which will allow you to watch the stunning 3D detail.

No one beats the hockey coverage on CBC. It's not even close. So warm up those satellite dishes.

Panasonic is stepping up by sponsoring the events. I have seen hockey clips in 3D on Panasonic's S3DHD TVs at The 3D Experience and it is stunning. This is a no-brainer really - all sports should continue to expand their 3D broadcasts for that "It's just like I was there" immersion factor.
The second 3D game scheduled is the Heritage Classic when the Calgary Flames host the Montreal Canadiens in an outdoor game at McMahon Stadium on February 20, 2011.

From the CBC: "We are very pleased to partner with Panasonic on this unique and ground-breaking initiative," Scott Moore, executive director for CBC Sports, said in a statement. "Together, we will be bringing an experience to Canadian hockey fans that has never been done before. This is a Canadian first and a very exciting time for television and hockey in Canada."

"Panasonic is at the forefront of 3D innovation, leading the charge on developing technology for both industry professionals and everyday Canadians," said Ian Kilvert, general manager, corporate brand management for Panasonic Canada Inc. "With our expertise and cutting-edge products, it makes sense to partner with the CBC to help bring the first-ever 3D hockey viewing experience into Canadian living rooms."

Gotta love it! That completes the sweep of major sporting leagues in North America into the fold with the NHL, NBA, MLB, NFL, NCAA, PGA and NASCAR all having presented events in 3D. Even the World Cup has been shown in three dimensions. Now to even out the quality to the highest standards and increase the number of games shown. Live 3D sports is upon us!!

SKY Ready To Net 3DTV Viewers In The UK Starting In October!

3DTV owners in the UK rejoice! Starting October 1, you will be able to enjoy Ryder Cup Golf and movies such as MONSTERS VS. ALIENS on your new SKY+HD channel. After in the field testing at more than 1500 locations, SKY is ready for primetime.

As Christmas approaches, other 3D movies will be available including ALICE IN WONDERLAND and HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE.

Further to golf, a variety of 3D sporting events will be on the channel including Premier League football.

The service will work on most 3DTVs including units from Sony, Samsung, LG and Panasonic.

I am elated that the UK are getting their 3D in the home so quickly! SKY seems to be doing things right so it should be a pleasure to watch. If you are in the UK and getting this service, let me know! I will pass along your thoughts to our readers.

Source: BBC

3D Sports Set To Explode On June 11!!

Have you got your S3DHD TV yet? Well in case you haven't and you are wondering what kind of broadcast content will be available before you buy, try this on for size: The 2010 FIFA World Cup Soccer games will start airing in 40 million homes on June 11 in stunning 3D through ESPN 3D. The insanely popular tournament will be aired through Comcast, DirecTV and other distribution channels.

Not only will the sports be in S3D, but so will the commercials! ESPN is ONLY taking 3D commercials for the games and Sony has already agreed to be one of the first to air a 3D commercial for their products.

As far as the World Cup goes, ESPN 3D has actually increased the number of events being covered from 85 to about 100.

So if you want to see the games in 3D - check out the various solutions available at your nearest electronics store. I was in BestBuy yesterday and loved their Samsung set up which was showing MONSTERS VS. ALIENS. Solutions are also available through Amazon.com.

Yankees - Mariners Games And All Star Game To Be Aired In 3D This Year!

Jim here. If you are in the New York (DirecTV) or Seattle (FSN Northwest) areas, have a new S3DHD TV and love baseball, mark July 10 and 11 on your calendar! The YES Network is producing back to back MLB games in 3D between the Yankees and the Mariners.

Further, Fox Sports and DirecTV will be carrying the MLB All-Star Game in 3D with ESPN covering the home run derby in 3D.

Ed Delaney, YES’s vice president for operations, agreed that 3-D had worked best so far when the cameras were lowest and closest to the action. But, he said, he was pleased that the Anaheim rehearsal showed that the distant center-field camera “showed the depth of the guy on second, the pitcher and the batter.” He said the traditional high home-plate camera would have to shoot through netting, which he did not think would be a serious distraction.

Great news for you new S3DHD TV owners! The more 3D sporting events the better and after having The Masters and an NHL hockey game broadcast in 3D recently, it is great to see it being applied to multiple sports.

Source: NYTimes

Recent Sony 4K Projector Installations Pushing Not Only 3D Movies, But 3D Sports, Concerts and Gaming!

Jim here. Here is an update on how Sony is doing with their 4K digital projector installations and associated RealD 3D deployments. Muvico Theaters, Uptown Entertainment and Wildwood theaters have installed the systems and couldn't be more thrilled. Each are looking for premium entertainment experiences for their customers and it seems that Sony has fit the need. And as you'll read, it is not only about the movies:

Muvico Theaters (whose motto is "Drink, Dine and Watch") now has 89 screens outfitted with Sony 4K projectors, of which 17 are RealD enabled for 3D. Further, Muvico has partnered with Sony for alternative content programs which I have been a huge advocate of since day one - especially for S3D). We are talking in-theater gaming with Sony's PlayStation and special live broadcast events like concerts. Muvico Theaters has reserved seating for patrons 21 years and older with complementary popcorn, and a restaurant / bar to utilize during your night out.

Uptown Entertainment (owned by the Ilitch family of Little Caesar's and Detroit Tigers fame) has moved to Sony 4K on an initial 19 screens of which several will be upgraded to Real D 3D. Again they are not only into movies, but also sporting events or music concerts.

Wildwood Theaters is going Sony 4K digital almost across the board, albeit with a smaller number of screens. 20 of their 26 screens are now Sony 4K of which 4 will be RealD 3D.

Sony has what's called their Digital Cinema Solutions and Services group that will work with theater owners on the integration, installation, maintenance and service support for its 4K conversion, providing the exhibitor with a complete turn-key solution for converting to digital technology. The solution covers not only movies, but the all important alternative programming discussed earlier.

Sony 4K projectors offer 8.8 million pixels and are the industry leaders for digital projection from what I have seen. The difference between 2K and 4K is staggering and you really do need the extra resolution for 3D movies and events. You can tell the difference immediately.

Alternative programming should allow theater owners to reduce screen downtime dramatically. With creative local managers, these facilities should be raking in revenue morning, afternoon and night.

Digital projection is the future of cinema and Sony has a heckuva offering. I will have more notable developments in the digital 3D projection world as they happen.

The French Open Will Be Shown In 3D! In Europe Anyway...

Jim here. Panasonic is partnering with France's Federation Franchaise de Tennis, Eurosport and Orange to provide The French Open in glorious 3D. Specifically center court games.

The 3D action will take place between May 23 and June 6, 2010 on Panasonic S3DHD TVs in selected retail outlets. France will enjoy much more coverage at the retail level and if you happen to live there, Orange will be broadcasting the 3D event to their own TV channel.

Eurosport is assisting by taking the Orange S3D feed and delivering it to 3000 retail stores in 58 European countries outside of France on Panasonic's VT20 S3DHD Plasma TVs.

I am impressed with the collaboration of these large corporations in delivering the goods. Everyone loves a good tennis match and I think 3D is a perfect way to show it off. Would have love to have seen Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe battle it out again this way! Hmmm... Converting classic sports moments in 3D? :-) Let's get on it!

And get that French Open 3D broadcast over to North America!

Tiger Woods And The Masters Will Be On April 7-11: Find Out How To See It In 3D!

Jim here. Maybe you have heard that The Masters will be broadcast live on Comcast in stereoscopic 3D and wondered how will you be able to see it? Let's get to the bottom of it!

SFGate has a nice article on how to get up and running:
If you are one of the few thousand people who have an HDTV with 3D capability, you will be able to access a specific channel devoted to the event in 3-D. It will also be available on Video On Demand.

The Par 3 Tournament will be broadcast live on Wednesday, April 7 from 3-5 p.m. ET. Holes 14, 16, and 18, with rotating coverage of holes 10-13 and 17, will air live from 4-6 p.m. ET on Thursday and Friday, and 5-8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Bonus: no commercials will air during these broadcasts.

Holding off on buying anything 3D? Several Best Buy and Sony stores will be showing the Masters footage on their 3D TV samples. You can also record it on your HD-DVR, and watch when you purchase a 3D TV.

If you have a computer with 3D capability (you need to buy a 3D-enabled computer monitor), visit Masters.com to watch. A 3D monitor (and glasses) is sufficient for watching, but you have to download a plug-in and watch. It will be available on Masters.com.

I am lucky enough to have a 3D Vision setup and the Samsung 2233RZ 120Hz monitor so I will be definitely checking it out! Let me know if you are watching it in 3D on a S3DHD TV - I am curious about your end user experience...

The Masters Will Be Swinging Into Homes This April!!

Jim here. Wow. S3D sports is really starting to explode! Next up is golf and the PGA Masters tournament in 3D April 7 to 11.

There will be plenty of firsts in this broadcast namely: The first live next-generation 3D broadcast of a major sporting event on TV, the first live simulcast of a next-gen 3D event online, and the industry's first live multi-camera next-gen 3D production.

From Comcast's blog: To make the experience possible, Comcast will use our fiber network to carry a 3D production feed provided to the Comcast Media Center where we will package it for distribution to our systems and the Masters website. Sony and IBM are playing critical roles in working with us and the Masters to make this 3D broadcast available to consumers.

As our industry experiments with new ways to deliver live 3D content to the home, consumer electronics manufacturers like Sony, Panasonic and Samsung are beginning to make 3D-enabled TV sets available at retail. If you're one of those early adopters who had to get your hands on an HDTV set in the late 1990s and like to try every new device first, then this is your chance to watch the next big thing. You will also be able to play the live 3D stream at www.masters.com on your PC, using a 3D media player, 3D monitor and 3D glasses. Traditional Masters Tournament coverage will continue to be available in HD on CBS and ESPN with highlights On Demand and online.

What are you waiting for? Get one of these S3DHD TVs and soak this stuff up in the comfort of your own home! :-) Any word of Tiger playing in that tourny?

Original photo courtesy of Getty Images

Great Feedback From Live S3D Football Yesterday!!

Jim here. Looks like there is some great word of mouth happening about yesterday's football match between Manchester United and Arsenal!

Manchester United beat Arsenal 3-1.

UK fans had this to say (via Mirror.co.uk): Lifelong Arsenal fan Alan Howe, 66, who watched the game at a pub in the capital, said: "I have HD at home and I thought nothing could get better than that. But this certainly is. It's mind-boggling."

United fan Josie Haigh, 28, a solicitor from Huddersfield,West Yorks, said: "It's amazing. The close-up shots are really good. It feels like you are being sucked into the screen."

Ben Smart, 27, a Man U supporter from Leeds, said: "What a game. It feels even better to win in 3D."

The identity of the nine pubs in London, Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Dublin where the game was shown in 3D had been kept top secret so that they weren't swamped by fans.

Sky (with 3D services from 3ality Digital) says 3D home sets will be on the market in the next six months. Companies hope to sell sets costing between £700 and £1,000 ($1100 and $1600).

...And fans from Scotland (via news.scotsman.com): James Wright, 34, who travelled across from Falkirk for the match, said: "It's fantastic. With that sort of depth it feels like you're actually there as opposed to watching it on the telly. It gives the impression that the TV is about 500 miles long."

Andrew Christie, 37, also from Falkirk, said: "The close-up, mid-range shots were really effective."

And Deborah Morrison, 24, from Livingston said she could see herself getting really into football matches for the first time after experiencing the beautiful game in 3D. She said: "I've never been that interested in watching the footy but this made the atmosphere really effective."

This is great news indeed! While there was one report of a newspaper not liking it (metro.co.uk), it was very evasive in trying to explain why. I find those reports to be on the "contrary makes news" side of things as clearly patrons loved it (there were no quotes in the Metro piece from customers at all - just the lone reporter). Thanks for the heads up Matthew!

I take this all as a hearty endorsement of the format and venue possibilities! The screens will get larger of course (these screenings were on 47" LG S3DHD TVs - though Sky cannot air in true HD yet in 3D for both eyes). So if you lean more towards theatrical live 3D sports or those shown in pubs, it is not hard to see the parallax... err, parellel between them all - FUN! Stay tuned for more!!

Manchester United Vs. Arsenal... In S3DHD This Sunday In UK Pubs!!

**UPDATE: Jan 30 - The game will be shot with 3ality Digital's camera platforms and image processing software!

Jim here. Wow - this should kick start things! Not only is the BBC's rugby match (England Vs. Wales) being broadcast live to theaters across the UK next weekend, but now there is football! Manchester United and Arsenal will be battling it out via a stereoscopic 3D HD live broadcast of the football match on Sky Sports new S3DHD channel!! The difference is the BBC's rugby will be in theaters and Sky's will be in pubs on S3DHD TVs.

All of the football action is happening this Sunday in the UK with a limited selection of nine pubs outfitted with LG 47" LD920 S3DHD TVs (this is a actually a sneak peak - they won't be released until April). The pubs are located in London, Manchester, Cardiff and Edinburgh. April will see the launch of the S3DHD channel in HUNDREDS of UK pubs.

Further, the Sky 3D S3DHD channel will offer 3D movies, other sports, documentaries and other entertainment later in the year, along with the BBC's S3DHD efforts. It is important to note that the 3D content is available to Sky+HD subscribers for NO extra cost - initially at least. To read a FAQ about the channel, click here.

The pub locations are NOT being announced to control crowds and to allow regular patrons of the pubs to enjoy the game.

Says Sky Spokesman: “Eight specially engineered 3D camera rigs will house 16 of Sky’s high-definition cameras, to provide comprehensive stereoscopic coverage from all angles. The 3D broadcast will be supported by Sky’s dedicated 3D production team and purpose built 3D outside broadcast truck, which will enable live mixing between camera positions, slow motion replays and the use of innovative 3D graphics. There will also be a dedicated commentary team to support the 3D edit.”

As you know, The World Cup will also be shot in S3DHD this summer. And of course ESPN will have a their own S3DHD channel starting in June with their broadcast of the World Cup game between South Africa and Mexico.

My question is: Where is the NFL? Why haven't we heard from these guys yet? Even NBA or MLB action would look awesome in S3D. Hard to name a sport that wouldn't, actually. Now is the time guys to start ramping up for the 2011 SUPER BOWL in S3DHD! It is time for an official announcement :-)

3ality Digital is a sponsor of MarketSaw

England Rugby LIVE IN 3D!! Verses Wales Feb 6 and Ireland Feb 27 In CINEMAS

Jim here. In what O2 is billing as the first live 3D sports broadcast in the UK, the RBS 6 Nations matches of England vs. Wales and Ireland will be available across the country.

The screenings will be shown at Cineworld and Odeon cinemas and ALL VENUES WILL HAVE LICENSED BARS. Take note North American theater chain owners.

Here are the details:

England v Wales, Saturday February 6, 2010
O2 Priority Tickets on sale: 9:00am Mon 25 January
General Sale: 9:00am Fri 29 January

England v Ireland, Saturday February 27, 2010
O2 Priority Tickets on sale: 9:00am Mon 15 February
General Sale: 9:00am Fri 19 February

I have to admit, I am an England fan - but Ireland is strong this year! Wish I could be in the UK on those dates to catch the game. Should be very exciting for the fans!! Have a pint for me will ya? Thanks for the heads up Callum.