Orad provides real-time 3D for Paris v. Marseilles French Championship on Canal+ 3D

Stereoscopic 3D is especially well-suited for sports, as it offers viewers a great degree of immersion into the images. This new experience is enhanced by a 3D graphic overlay that enriches the final result.

This match served as a test for Canal+, being the first step towards the launch of a high-profile 3D television offering which strives for quality rather than quantity. It also provided an opportunity to test the new technology, explains François-Charles Bideaux, manager of the Sports division of Canal+: "This match taught us a lot about mastering 3D techniques in general, to provide 3D images that are comfortable to view, to offer Canal+’s added value as well as a stylistic experience that is different from traditional televised content.”

The 3D overlay, deployed on Orad’s HDVG using 3DPlay, was created by Jean Sebastien Audemard from Hasta Production. This company is experienced with real-time overlays, with particular knowledge of live 3D images. Hasta designed all the stereoscopic 3D elements for the real-time 3D overlays, as well as for the replays that were imported into the mixer. Between the initial project, i.e. creating breathtaking 3D contents, and the final results, there is often a considerable difference due to the constraints of filming: “Any images including live-action contents and CGI must be especially well thought-out. However, shots that were entirely computer-generated allowed us to create impressive pop-out effects, for instance when displaying the team rosters. For regular in-game overlays, we display graphical information at the same depth as the screen,” explains Jean Sébastien Audemard.

“Orad’s tool allowed us to quickly create an adequate overlay in 3D with striking pop-out effects," adds François Charles Bideaux.

Creating the overlay graphics required ten days. Stereoscopic integration can be done very quickly using Orad’s tools. The system calculates both images – left and right – in a smooth and intuitive process.

“The power of Orad’s HDVG platform can fully express itself in stereoscopic 3D,” says Jean Sebastien Audemard.

In addition to overlays, Orad’s HDVG platform allowed to create a virtual jumbotron-like display wall. It was decided to include Picture-in-Picture to present the team’s rosters with a strong pop-out effect. All templates were prepared beforehand and integrated by stereographers, in order for the direction to be flawless.

“We’ve been delighted to work with AMP and Canal+ once again in their innovative reflections, on a live broadcast where the speed and flexibility of Orad’s solution are vital, especially during the stereoscopic integration of overlays,” concludes Guillaume Godet, VP, Sales & Marketing / Orad France & Orad Germany.

About Orad Hi-Tec Systems

Orad Hi-Tec Systems is a world-leading provider of real-time 3D broadcast graphics solutions including news, channel branding, sports production and enhancement, elections and special events, virtual studios, and virtual advertisement. Orad's compelling solutions streamline production workflow, enhance viewer experience, and improve production value. Founded in 1993, Orad is a public company listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (OHT).