Sony Professional Systems Group Creates New Chapter in High-Quality 3D Program Production

Amsterdam, September 2010 - Sony has been continuously exploring 3D production. At this year's IBC show, Sony demonstrated a number of new and improved products in flexible, end-to-end 3D live production solutions. Sony Professional Systems Group has demonstrated several different combinations of 3D workflows for each 3D project needs in order to tailor them to the highest quality 3D acquisition and production solutions. Sony also demonstrated its first 3D shoulder-shoulder camcorder prototype, HFDA-200 fiber optic adapter, optional MPE-200 multi-screen system option software (for 2D to 3D conversion), innovative screen integration Application software, and 3D video effects units for the MVS-8000 Switcher Series, as well as 24-inch and 42-inch 3D monitor prototypes.

Sony's new 3D workflow product is the first prototype of a 3D shoulder-mounted camcorder. It is carefully designed to provide the superior mobility and flexibility required for on-site use, as well as high-quality 3D production capabilities. As it is still in the development stage, the prototype displayed at IBC.

Sony's technology has achieved brilliant success in this year's World Cup and has provided 25-game live 3D live broadcasts for the global audience. The key part of the entire broadcast process is the MPE-200 multi-format picture processor. This processor can produce high-quality 3D pictures in real time, so that the camera group maintains the best focus position during the entire event. Sony will also present the upgrade software MPES-3D01 V1.20 for the MPE-200 multi-image processing system at this year's IBC show, which was specially developed based on feedback collected from South Africa. The software is scheduled to be available in October. It adds dedicated auto-combination capabilities for camera configuration and setup, as well as a variety of other operating features that should be developed by users.

Sony's MPE-200 multi-image processing system can load a variety of software packages for use in a variety of broadcast environments. At the current IBC, Sony also introduced three new software packages for the MPE-200.

The first is the MPES-2D3D1, an application software that can perform 2D to 3D conversion of screens. It is planned to be launched at the end of 2010. It is an ideal production tool when it is necessary to make 3D pictures from a camera position but it is impossible to install a 3D camera set. For example, cameras installed on the goal net and performing helicopter aerial photography require a smaller volume and quality, and therefore cannot mount a camera cluster. The MPE-200 converts 2D images captured by these cameras into high-quality 3D images.

Second, Sony also demonstrated the latest picture-combining technology at IBC. The technology will be launched in the spring of 2011 and will combine the images captured by three closely located cameras into one panoramic image. Combining the picture streams from each fixed camera creates a complete picture. Using this software, the operator can create a virtual camera and position it based on the activity on the screen, enabling broadcasters to see wherever they are on the screen. This software technology can also be programmed based on additional depth information, such as in a football field, to facilitate the visual effects of 3D scenes.

Thirdly, in the production of live shows, the ability of graphic tiles is very important. Sony will use the MVS switcher series to make it a reality. At this year's IBC, Sony demonstrated innovative video processing software for use with the MVS-8000 video production switcher family. The MPES-FX01 software package for the MPE-200 multi-image processing system, when used with the MVS-8000 Series Switcher, allows 2D and 3D pictures to be tiled in 3D video in real time.

The MVS-8000 switcher is a key part of Sony's end-to-end 3D solution. In the production of this World Cup show, it has been proved that it can fully compete in world-class football matches. At this IBC, we exhibited the latest product - the MVS-8000X switcher. It can be switched to handle 3D images directly from the camera, and also supports 1080/50p format production. As the latest signal of the successful MVS series, the MVS-8000X will be an important part of the 3D production workflow.

In order to simplify the cable connection, Sony also introduced the HDFA-200 fiber optic transmission adapter, which can use a SMPTE standard fiber optic connection to transmit two HD camera frames to a dedicated 3G camera control unit. This connection can transmit video, intercom, control signals and power, allowing full operation of both cameras. The HDFA-200 system has been specifically designed for use with Sony's HDC-P1 and controls the camera group via an RCP. The HDFA-200 provides the performance required for a 3D live production camera system.

In addition to the pure workflow, 3D stereographers also need to see the perfect representation of each pixel of the captured picture. The Sony 3D professional monitor used in the production of the World Cup competition program will also be fully launched from October. The professional 3D monitor was developed on the basis of the high-class LMD-51W series. The exhibition introduced 24-inch and 42-inch models. Both monitors offer new 3D display performance and multiple input options, including 3G SDI, HD-SDI (field sequence, parallel, dual-stream, left-right channels) and DVI line by line. In addition, Sony's unique lightweight and comfortable BKM-30G 3D glasses are optimized for use with 3D monitors.

Andy Hotten, head of Sony's professional system group, said: “In the past years, Sony has learned a lot of experience. Our successful experience in World Cup football tells us that we have to provide end-to-end, mature 3D live productions The ability to flow. Now we plan to take a new step and share these experiences and technologies with our industry peers."

There is no doubt that more and more sports events will be produced in 3D format. Sony will continue to innovate and provide solutions and full support for the implementation of this technology. In order to realize this promise, Sony will open a 3D wonderful exhibition center at its European headquarters in Basingstoke, United Kingdom. The center will open in the fall of 2010 and will provide training and assistance for broadcast companies in the implementation of 3D technologies.

Hotten said: "Our training center will provide a rare opportunity for producers and broadcasters to use Sony's technology and experience to make their own 3D productions. We look forward to the opening day of the center and will also be Those trained technicians are proud.”