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3ality Digital keynotes IBC conference with live 3D shoot

Steve Schklair demonstrates live acquisition using 3ality Digital rigs and processors, Grass Valley cameras and Alfacam truck

As the keynote to the IBC2010 conference day devoted to stereoscopic 3D (S3D), Steve Schklair, CEO of 3ality Digital, world leader in advanced technologies to empower creative digital stereoscopic 3D acquisition, is presenting a remarkable demonstration. In a recreation of a real-world live shoot he will use three beam-splitter rigs, including the latest TS-5 lightweight rig operated on a Steadicam mount, with the pictures shown live on the giant screen in the Auditorium.

IBC delegates will gain an insight into the practicalities and challenges of a multi-camera shoot, through the demonstration and Schklair’s live commentary as he talks about and shows the level of control available. This remarkable demonstration is being staged using an Alfacam stereoscopic 3D outside broadcast truck with Grass Valley cameras.

“IBC is the best place in the world to talk about stereoscopic 3D because they embrace the technology, and because it all makes sense if you see it as well as describe it,” said Steve Schklair, CEO of 3ality Digital and a regular IBC conference speaker. “This is a very bold demonstration but, thanks to our friends at Alfacam and Grass Valley, and the determination of the IBC technical team, we will be able to show what makes good – and bad – stereo 3D, removing some of the perceived mystery surrounding the topic and lifting some of the fear from those about to embark on their first productions.”

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The Live 3D Demo will include the TS-5 3ality Rig, Grass Valley LDK Cameras and Kayak Switchers

Gabriel Fehervari, CEO of Alfacam, which is providing the outside broadcast truck, added, “It is in everyone’s best interests to spread the word on how best to shoot for stereo 3D, and the differences between shooting for the cinema and shooting for television. We already work closely with 3ality Digital, and we are delighted to support Steve in this important keynote session.”

“At Grass Valley we are working closely with 3ality Digital, as their approach fits very neatly with ours,” said Jeff Rosica, senior vice president at Grass Valley. “At this stage, stereo 3D is a learning curve for everyone, and it makes sense to use the key tools people are already comfortable with. Alfacam trucks are fitted with Grass Valley mixers and the Concerto router, together with LDK 8000 and LDK 8300 HD cameras – they are a perfect match to use them in conjunction with 3ality Digital rigs and image processors,” Rosica concluded.

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About 3ality Digital

3Ality Digital develops enabling technologies to power live-action stereoscopic 3D (S3D) entertainment from image capture through presentation, independent of viewing environment. 3Ality Digital’s camera platforms, stereo image processing systems and S3D image scaling technologies are quickly earning a reputation as the “gold standard” for the emerging medium and are rapidly being adapted by broadcasters, production companies, studios and consumer electronics manufacturers. 3ality Digital’s systems are optimised to handle the demands of live S3D broadcast, offering such must-haves as fast set-up, perfectly aligned zooms, accurate imagery right from the camera and automation that reduces the number of required production personnel.
3ality Digital technology has powered a number of live-action firsts including U2 3D, the first movie shot completely in live-action S3D; the first live S3D broadcast of an NFL game (Raiders vs. Chargers, December 4th, 2008); the first live S3D sports broadcast available to consumers, including the 2009 BCS Championship Game, BSkyB’s landmark Manchester United vs. Arsenal soccer broadcast and the first network hockey telecast ever produced in S3D (New York Rangers vs. Islanders, March 24th 2010 on MSG); the first S3D commercial broadcast on television (Sobe “Lizard Lake”); and the first episode of a scripted television serried shot in live-action S3D (Chuck vs. The Third Dimension, aired on NBC on February 2nd, 2009).

3ality

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About Alfacam

Alfacam primarily delivers services to TV stations and production houses and with 22 HD production vans the company disposes over the largest HD OB fleet of Europe. Alfacam carries out approximately 2,500 assignments each year, of which more than 80% are realised using HDTV technology. Recent references are all Olympic Games since 2002 (with 19 OB vans in China, 2008), EC’s and WC’s football, Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver (2009), World Cup football in South Africa (2010) and the Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow (2009). Nowadays Alfacam implements 3D recordings of a.o. concerts and sports competitions (cricket, tennis, boxing, football).

Alfacam

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About Grass Valley

With a rich history serving the broadcast and professional video industries, the Grass Valley name is synonymous with innovation, leadership, and performance. With a full range of products and services supporting many of the world's most high-profile television events, Grass Valley offers the most comprehensive portfolio of flexible and cost-effective digital technologies and systems available. Customers deploying Grass Valley solutions include most of the world's leading broadcast and teleproduction facilities, independent video professionals, as well as emerging content creators and distributors providing broadband, telecommunications, and transmission services. When you’re watching news, sports, or entertainment programming, whether on a TV, the Web, or a mobile phone, you’re watching Grass Valley at work.

Grass Valley

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