As you know, when MSOs try to deliver 3D, they just send 2 panels of data in the same picture, and rely on the TV to combine the panels into a single 3D image.
The TV has no idea whether the source video is 3D or not. If it is, then you’ll have a 3D image. If not, you’ll have garbage, as this TimeWarnerCable 3D manual on how to watch the Masters makes clear.
My friend Russell @ AETN sent me this article. Interesting points:
http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=190005&site=lr_cable&
Headline says it all. Interesting mainly because this suggests that the organization behind the Masters (Augusta) is actively out there selling rights directly to MSOs, which typically it wouldn’t do. Most “events” would try to sell to a cable network like ESPN and let the cable network manage the relationship with MSOs. It’s possible Comcast made this happen, and then Cox read about it and called up Augusta as well. I’ll speak to a good friend of mine who’s an expert sports to figure this out.
See prior post re: Comcast & The Masters for info on the technology involved. Again, the only piece that talks 3D is the camera, playout, and TV set. The Cable links and cable box in between all talk 2D.
This article also mentions NEP’s SS-3D truck. This is literally a single tractor-trailer that goes around to events to be an on-site production / operations room. SS stands for Super-Shooter, and all of NEP’s other trucks have similarly named trucks, like SS-4, SS-HD, etc. You’ve probably seen them outside sporting events or awards ceremonies tucked away in a far off corner.
This announcement, and watching Avatar, are what made me really interested in 3D technology. Comcast and Augusta are going to broadcast the Masters in 3D. A few interesting points:
- The signal is broadcast over plain old 1080i technology. You can tune in using your non-3D setup, but you’d see 2 panels side by side. It’s up to the TV to merge the panels into a 3d image.
- Augusta is licensing 3D rights separately from the 2D rights, which go to ESPN and CBS. It’ll be interesting to see who provides the commentary / production of the Comcast feed.
- The venue is ideal for 3D, as the ball locations are well defined and predictable, and the crews have time to set up the 3D shots of the greens while the players walk up from their approach shot.
- They claim to broadcast a 3D signal to Masters.com, but I am not sure what equipment you’ll need. I’m on the hunt to sus that out and post it right here, so stay tuned!
Cabana Mobile – My friend Jeremy’s blog on Mobile My friend Marc’s blog on original digital video content Google News Search: 3D