Print Page 9/10/2009

PITTSBURGH: Mobile TV production specialist NEP is rolling out its first 3D truck, the company said. Its new Supershooter 3D was created by NEP Broadcasting and Pace, which contributed the Fusion 3D system developed by Vincent Pace and Director James Cameron and used on “U23D,” “Avatar,” the NBA All Star Finals, and “Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour.”

“Like HD years ago, the demand for 3D production is growing industrywide. Everyone is looking for a way to bring the television audience closer, to make them feel like they are part of a live event,” said NEP Broadcasting CEO Debbie Honkus.

SS 3D features a 3D production viewing area, a convergence station, and 3D-capable tape, video and engineering rooms. The truck is wired for eight 3D cameras, two six-channel EVS XT-2 servers, 10 tape machines and an SSL Aysis Air Plus digital audio console.

NEP Broadcasting senior project engineer, Joseph Signorino, said that up to now, 3D technology has been integrated by bits and pieces into 2D trucks.

“While not insurmountable, it does end up requiring extra time and effort, making the overall process difficult and disruptive,” he said, adding that SSD cuts down on the time necessary to prep a 2D truck for 3D.

SS 3D will be christened this weekend at the Ohio State versus University of Southern California college football game for ESPN, and is scheduled to cover several events ranging from concerts to sports.

More coverage of 3DTV from TVB:
September 2, 2009: “Sony Announces 3D Home Initiative”
Sony announced this week that it plans to introduce a consumer-ready 3D TV set next year, as well as build 3D capability into many of its consumer electronics, encompassing music, movies and video games.

July 30, 2009: “3DTV Launch Set for 2010”
BSkyB now plans to launch its 3D channel next year according to British sources. The satellite TV provider successfully delivered 3D content over its hi-def infrastructure earlier this year.

July 22, 2009: “Industry Forging Ahead with 3D Amid Questions”
“Some members fear de facto, non-open standards, for first-generation broadcast 3DTV will result from the technology decisions made by first providers. These are likely to be pay-TV operators, keen to differentiate their platform and consumer proposition. Technology decisions made by these players may not suit the current or future needs of free-to-air broadcasters.”

April 6, 2009: “Live 3DTV Debuts in United Kingdom”
BSkyB successfully transmitted live 3DTV across it’s systems in the United Kingdom. The satellite TV provider telecast a live transmission of a performance by the band Keane from London’s Abbey Road studios Thursday, April 2.

March 9, 2009: “More 3DTV Developments”
BSkyB continues plowing toward 3DTV, with a goal to offer it by the end of the year. Digital Spy reports that the chief Sky engineer said recently the plan was still on track to transmit 3D video content via the system’s existing HD infrastructure and set-top boxes.

January 26, 2009: “Super Bowl Spots Still Up for Sale”
The biggest move among advertisers is doing 3DTV. Pepsi, DreamWorks and NBC are collaborating on an a 3D ad combining a promo for “Monstors vs. Aliens,” a DreamWorks film, SoBe Lifewater and NBC’s “Chuck,” which will be telecast in 3D following the Super Bowl.

More coverage of “Avatar” from across the Web:
“Everything We Know about James Cameron’s Avatar” from Slashfilm
“The 3D Camera Technology Behind James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’” from YouTube
“‘Avatar Hype Continues as Trailer Breaks Apple.com Record,” from MTV.com   Print Page