News Stories

Panasonic adds Skype to VIERA CAST Blu-ray

1.8.2011

Panasonic and Skype have paired up to deliver voice and video calling on the VIERA CAST-enabled Blu-ray disc players. This allows consumers to make Skype voice and video calls on virtually any HDTV using a Skype-compatible camera.

Three new 3D players have been introduced, the DMP-BDT110, BDT210 and BDT310, alongside a single 2D model, the DMP-BD75.

All three 3D players have access to Panasonic’s VIERA CAST online suite of software, which is where Skype is to be found, and will convert 2D material to 3D.  To improve the conversion quality, Panasonic has added a feature named 3D Effect Controller, which smooths down the effects for a more comfortable viewing experience.

In fact, Panasonic goes to some lengths to explain what makes its 3D performance better than others, mentioning a new UniPhier chip, improved vertical color data from the PHL Reference Chroma Processor and an HDMI Jitter Purifier for better sound quality.

Separating the BDT210 and BDT310 from the entry-level BDT110 is built-in Wi-Fi (the BDT110 needs a USB adaptor) and the ability to use an iPhone as a remote control. All three players will go on sale during the spring, with prices to be announced.

Panasonic puts VIERA Connect in the Cloud

1.8.2011

All of Panasonic’s 2011 TVs will have VIERA Connect on board, rather than the current VIERA CAST system. The change is not a mere cosmetic one. Unlike VIERA CAST, VIERA Connect is an open platform, which means it will be available to developers of third-party content to promote the expansion of IPTV services and applications.

This will be collected into a new VIERA Connect Market section, where users will be able to select individual apps to personalize their IPTV portal.

Apps include Netflix, Amazon VOD, Napster, Pandora, Facebook, CinemaNow and Skype functionality. Other content includes the ability to play 3D games online through Gameloft.

Fifteen new flat-panel TVs models (42- to 65-inches) are compatible with this service, on release in the US market this spring.

The company expects to drive its IPTV sales up to 70% of its total television sales in the global market by 2012.

VIERA Connect is also shared with Panasonic’s first tablet device, shown in prototype. Few details were available about the VIERA Tablet but it will be capable of streaming content from a VIERA HDTV onto the tablet device, allowing users to effectively take their TV programming with them throughout the house. Samsung is showing a similar functionality on its Galaxy tablet and smart TVs.

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Specification for Naming VFX Image Sequences Released

ETC’s VFX Working Group has published a specification for best practices naming image sequences such as plates and comps. File naming is an essential tool for organizing the multitude of frames that are inputs and outputs from the VFX process. Prior to the publication of this specification, each organization had its own naming scheme, requiring custom processes for each partner, which often resulted in confusion and miscommunication.

The new ETC@USC specification focuses primarily on sequences of individual images. The initial use case was VFX plates, typically delivered as OpenEXR or DPX files. However, the team soon realized that the same naming conventions can apply to virtually any image sequence. Consequently, the specification was written to handle a wide array of assets and use cases.

To ensure all requirements are represented, the working group included over 2 dozen participants representing studios, VFX houses, tool creators, creatives and others.  The ETC@USC also worked closely with MovieLabs to ensure that the specification could be integrated as part of their 2030 Vision.

A key design criteria for this specification is compatibility with existing practices.  Chair of the VFX working group, Horst Sarubin of Universal Pictures, said: “Our studio is committed to being at the forefront of designing best industry practices to modernize and simplify workflows, and we believe this white paper succeeded in building a new foundation for tools to transfer files in the most efficient manner.”

This specification is compatible with other initiatives such as the Visual Effects Society (VES) Transfer Specifications. “We wanted to make it as seamless as possible for everyone to adopt this specification,” said working group co-chair and ETC@USC’s Erik Weaver. “To ensure all perspectives were represented we created a team of industry experts familiar with the handling of these materials and collaborated with a number of industry groups.”

“Collaboration between MovieLabs and important industry groups like the ETC is critical to implementing the 2030 Vision,” said Craig Seidel, SVP of MovieLabs. “This specification is a key step in defining the foundations for better software-defined workflows. We look forward to continued partnership with the ETC on implementing other critical elements of the 2030 Vision.”

The specification is available online for anyone to use.

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