SMPTE Pushing 3D at Upcoming Conference

The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers is making 3D technology a main focus at its Annual Conference & Expo next week in Hollywood, Calif.

Numerous SMPTE-hosted technical sessions and panel discussions on 3D-related issues are planned during the Oct. 27-29 event being held at the Hollywood Renaissance Hotel. These will be led by industry technical experts from such companies as Dolby Laboratories, Fox Networks, DTS and RealD.

“The technology for these multi-view 3D displays is in its early stages of development and there are a number of interesting technical challenges being solved,” said Matt Cowan, a 3D expert and chief scientific officer at RealD.

Cowan is slated to lead a conference session to examine standardization activities and also to address whether special glasses will always be necessary for viewing 3D images.

Other aspects of 3D production and distribution will also be treated, including distribution 3D and multiview 3D content to the home, overcoming challenges faced in the acquisition of 3D content from live even venues and the standardization of theatrical screen brightness for 3D presentations.

The SMPTE 2009 Conference and Expo will also host a variety of content and technology exhibits, an awards presentation program and a special reception and screening sponsored by Warner Bros.