SMPTE Tackles Home 3D

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.
Is the 3D television experience at home just a fantasy? The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers doesn’t think so, and it’s establishing a task force to define the parameters of a stereoscopic 3D mastering standard for home viewing systems.

The 3D Home Display Formats Task Force, aims to by set the stage for a standard for such programming, regardless of the delivery channel.

The inaugural meeting of the task force is open to entertainment technology professionals interested in participating in the effort, subject to available space. SMPTE membership not required. It will be hosted Aug. 19 by the Entertainment Technology Center at the University of Southern California, near downtown Los Angeles.

“Digital technologies have not only paved the way for high quality 3D in the theaters, they have also opened the door to 3-D in the home,” said SMPTE Engineering Vice President Wendy Aylsworth. “In order to take advantage of this new opportunity, we need to guarantee consumers that they will be able to view the 3D content they purchase and provide them with 3D home solutions for all pocketbooks.”

After six months, the committee will produce a report that defines the issues and challenges, minimum standards, evaluation criteria and more, which will serve as a working document for SMPTE 3-D standards efforts to follow.