Sony streamlines 3D with revolutionary applications

As part of its commitment to 3D broadcast technology, and with the power of the MPE-200 processor at its heart, Sony has recently presented at IBC 2010 a series of improvements and add-ons for its flexible live 3D production solution. Sony Professional has exhibited different 3D workflow models to demonstrate that each project designed for three dimensions needs a tailored solution that guarantees maximum quality throughout the process.

Sony continues its commitment to 3D by presenting numerous solutions at IBC 2010 aimed at facilitating stereoscopic production. Among other novelties, it highlights its first prototype of a 3D shoulder camcorder, the HFDA-200 fiber optic adapter, new software options for the revolutionary MPE-200 equipment, which will allow converting 2D format into 3D, an innovative image joining application and a video effects equipment with 3D capacity for the MVS-8000 family.

IBC también ha servido de escenario para la presentación de Vegas 10, la última versión del conocido software de edición, que proporcionará funciones de ingesta y edición para imágenes en tres dimensiones. Los visitantes que han acudido al stand de IBC, han tenido la oportunidad de ver los monitores 3D de Sony profesional en modelos de 24” y 42” pulgadas.

The latest addition to Sony's 3D solutions portfolio is its first prototype shoulder camcorder for 3D productions. It is designed to offer more mobility and flexibility for recording outside the studio while ensuring high quality 3D content. This prototype, still in the development phase, was seen for the first time at the Sony stand at IBC.
The World Cup football project allowed us to see how Sony technology made it possible to transmit live, and with extraordinary success, 3D images of 25 matches to audiences around the world.

MPE-200, at the heart of stereoscopic flow

A fundamental component in this entire stereoscopic flow is the MPE-200 multi-format image processor. This processor enables the production of high-quality three-dimensional images in real time, maintaining perfect alignment of the cameras at any zoom position throughout the entire event. After analyzing feedback from South Africa and other live broadcasts, Sony has shown at IBC the latest updates to the MPES-3D01, V1.20 software used with the MPE-200. This new software, scheduled for release in October, will add new automatic alignment functions for camera settings, as well as other operational improvements requested by users.

The Sony MPE-200 processor is capable of working with numerous software packages, allowing it to be used in a multitude of broadcast environments. Sony has taken advantage of its presence at IBC to present three new software packages that can be installed on the MPE-200.

En primer lugar, una aplicación que permitirá convertir imágenes 2D al formato tridimensional. Este paquete, MPES-2D3D1, que estará disponible antes de que finalice el año, resultará perfecto para generar imágenes 3D desde posiciones de cámara donde es imposible montar plataformas 3D. Por ejemplo, cámaras situadas en la portería del campo de juego o imágenes captadas desde un helicóptero, donde las limitaciones de espacio y peso impiden instalar estas plataformas. El procesador MPE-200 utiliza las imágenes 2D procedentes de estas cámaras y las convierte en vídeo 3D de alta calidad.

Secondly, Sony has unveiled its new image joining software at this fair. This application, scheduled for release in spring 2011, uses three adjacent cameras to generate a panoramic image. The information sent by the cameras is combined to form a single complete image. In this way, the operator can create a virtual camera and place it depending on the action that wants to be shown on the screen by simply placing some marks on the area with the help of a joystick. This allows you to provide views of any point of interest that occurs in the scene. This software can also be programmed by adding depth data, for example from a football stadium, to create an artificial 3D view of the scene.

Thirdly, the ability to overlay graphics is essential in live productions, and Sony is making this easier with the addition of a new product to its MVS range. Sony has also showcased a new application for use with the MVS-8000 video processor and family of mixers. Using this MPES-FX01 software package for the MPE-200, in combination with an MVS-8000 series switcher, allows 2D and 3D graphics to be overlaid onto 3D video images in real time.

MVS-8000 Mixer

The MVS-8000 mixer is also a fundamental component in Sony's 3D offerings. Its use in the broadcasts of the World Cup has demonstrated the value of the product in the most important football event in the world. At IBC the latest member of the family could be seen: the MVS-8000X. This switcher can handle 3D images directly from the camera and also supports productions in 1080/50p format. As the latest model in the popular MVS range, it is set to become an essential part of 3D production workflows.
To make cable routing easier, Sony has also introduced the HDFA-200 fiber optic transmission adapter. This adapter will make it possible to transmit the image of two HD cameras through a single SMPTE link to a specific third generation CCU. Thanks to the video, intercom and control signals, as well as the transmission of power through this link, the system operation of both cameras is guaranteed. Thanks to the HDFA-200 system, which is specifically designed to work with the Sony HDC-P1, a single RCP is capable of controlling the camera junction. In this way, the HDFA-200 provides a dedicated camera system for live 3D production.

Beyond other workflow aspects, the 3D stereographer needs to be able to see an exact reproduction of the captured images. Also used in the production of the World Cup, Sony's professional 3D monitors will be available as production equipment from October. The professional 3D monitors are based on the high-end LMD 51W series chassis, which offers exceptional image quality, and will be sold in 24” and 42” models. The 3D monitors will offer new 3D display capabilities and a wide range of inputs, including 3G SDI; HD-SDI (field sequence; contiguous; left and right dual transmission channels), as well as DVI line interleaving (line-to-line). Additionally, the extraordinarily light and comfortable BKM-30G 3D glasses have been optimized for professional use with 3D monitors.

Andy Hotten, Group Manager, Sony Professional. He noted that "at Sony we have learned a lot over the past year. Our experience and success at the World Cup demonstrate our ability to offer a complete and sophisticated live 3D production workflow, and now we can go one step further and share our experience and knowledge with the industry."

There is no doubt that the number of events produced in 3D will increase and Sony will continue to innovate and provide solutions to support and drive the adoption of this technology. As part of this commitment, Sony will open a 3D center of excellence at its European headquarters in Basingstoke, UK. This center will provide training and assistance to broadcast professionals and companies wishing to produce in 3D and will open in autumn 2010.

“Nuestro centro de formación ofrecerá a especialistas en producción y empresas de broadcast la posibilidad de elaborar su propio contenido 3D a través de la tecnología y las competencias que hemos desarrollado y probado en entornos reales. Estamos impacientes por abrir sus puertas y nos sentiremos orgullosos de nuestros futuros graduados”, concluyó Hotten.