EVS boosts the capabilities of its XT[2]+ production servers with new DualPower technology, offering four channel 3D (or 1080p) and 3D SuperMotion configurations. The enhanced capabilities will be available on all standard systems delivered from autumn 2010. With the integration of the new DualPower technology, the 6-channel XT[2]+ server can now be instantly configured for live 3D or 1080p productions with four in/out channels. 3D/1080p recording and playout can be managed in single link mode, based on 3Gbps connection, or in dual-link mode as two synchronized 1.5Gbps connections. In addition, the XT[2]+ platform offers the first-ever live 3D SuperMotion control, enabling high-end live 3D replay operations. Enhanced XT2+ 3D /1080p functions include:
- 4-Channel 3D / 1080p
- Dual link (2 x 1.5Gbps) and single link (3Gbps) record and playback
- Live Slow Motion replay
- All standard live editing functions available in 3D/1080p
- First 3D SuperMotion
- 3D graphics playout
- Full network capabilities
- Post-production transfer
[SatNews] Apple unveiled its latest iteration of Apple TV this week to much fanfare — however, this current version of Apple TV may face a far more challenging market than its predecessors.
Previous versions had difficulties gaining significant traction with the public, and according to Paul Erickson, Senior Analyst at IMS Research, the new and improved Apple TV may encounter a similar fate. Apple has struggled with Apple TV’s appeal to consumers. The newest version debuted with a sub-$100 price, a smaller form factor, a move to streaming-only, and the addition of YouTube, Netflix, and Flickr access to what was primarily an iTunes-based device. According to Erickson, this might not be enough… “Today’s competitors are the devices that are already in, or going into consumer households — Blu-ray Disc (BD) players, game consoles, and connected TVs. These devices already integrate similar access to paid and free content. Of these, the most dangerous competitors are game consoles and BD players — both of which arguably trump Apple TV in terms of must-buy priority for consumers.” Erickson also cites the following potential disruptors to the Apple TV strategy:
- Domestically, pay-TV penetration is very high, and HD VOD and DVR services are well-adopted and already available from all major pay-TV providers.
- Netflix supports Playstation 3 (PS3), Xbox 360, and Wii, and Hulu will support PS3 and Xbox 360. BD players and connected TVs already typically offer access to a larger, more diverse mix of online media services like Netflix, Hulu, Vudu, YouTube, Pandora, Slacker, Picasa, and Flickr. These devices already reside in many households and continue to sell well.
- Playback of media on the home network is included in midrange BD players, PS3 and Xbox 360, and some connected TVs. The capability is expected in sub-$100 BD players and in mainstream-priced connected TVs by the holidays.
Prior to the launch of Sky 3D, Europe’s first 3DTV channel, and as LG unveils its impressive new 3D product line-up at IFA, the two companies have confirmed they will be expanding their 3DTV partnership. Sky is formally endorsing LG as its first choice for 3DTVs, due to the extra choice offered to consumers thanks to its wide range of passive and active 3D TVs. The partnership, which will see the two brands embark on joint marketing as well as consumer awareness, education, and demonstration activity, builds on a relationship that has already seen more than a million people enjoy 3DTV in pubs and clubs nationwide. From October 1st, Sky will start broadcasting its 3D channel to living rooms across the UK and Ireland, with live coverage of the Ryder Cup from Celtic Manor, and will promote LG’s extensive range of 3DTVs to the 2.9 million customers who already have a Sky+HD box and are, therefore, 3D-ready. Throughout the remainder of the year, both brands will be providing nationwide demonstrations of the new Sky content on LG 3D TVs to help consumers understand the technology available and enjoy the immersive viewing experience it offers. Plus, LG and Sky will be providing exclusive offers to new and existing Sky customers, which will in turn encourage people to make 3D a reality in their living room.
At IBC2010, Miranda Technologies will be highlighting its Densite HMP-1801 single card, solid state Stereoscopic 3D media player. The HMP-1801 media player uses Compact Flash for robust media storage, with instantaneous playout of HD (1080i and 720p) or SD. The player includes media workflow tools for clip ingest, content management, and playback with playlist support. Content is loaded via a 10/100 Mb Ethernet media transport port, and a copy of the output is available as a confidence monitoring stream over IP. Automated control is available via GPIs, or by RS422, using the VDCP protocol. The player can also be controlled manually using Miranda’s iControl GUI. The HMP-1801 is highly space efficient, with up to 20 Stereoscopic 3D media player cards in a single 3RU Densite frame.
