SMPTE to form task force on stereoscopic 3-D home content standard

The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) is establishing a task force to define the parameters of a stereoscopic 3-D mastering standard for content viewed in the home.

Called 3-D Home Display Formats Task Force, the project aims to propel the 3-D home entertainment industry forward by setting the stage for a standard that will enable 3-D feature films and other programming to be played on all fixed devices in the home regardless of the delivery channel.

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

The 3-D Home Display Formats Task Force will explore the standards that need to be set for 3-D content distributed via broadcast, cable, satellite, packaged media and the Internet and played out on televisions, computer screens and other tethered displays. After six months, the committee will produce a report that defines the issues and challenges, minimum standards and evaluation criteria that will serve as a working document for SMPTE 3-D standards efforts to follow.

See SMPTE at IBC Sand 8.F51f, or visit www.smpte.org.