SCREEN AFRICA reports from IBC, the premier technology trade show for the broadcast and content production industries.
With its stand in a brand new venue at IBC and sporting a futuristic design, Sony Europe presented its latest product releases to the global media on 10 September, prefaced by a 3D demo of various types of content, including a concert performed by the late, great Jimi Hendrix.
That Sony is so focused on 3D comes as no surprise to Screen Africa readers who will know that during the recent FIFA World Cup, Sony partnered with Host Broadcast Services to cover 25 matches in 3D.
Marketing director of Sony Europe David Bush described 2010 as “the year of 3D’
and said that Sony was very proud to be involved in all areas of 3D – production, exhibition, 3DTV and 3D game consoles. Said Bush: “3D is a huge opportunity not only for Sony but for the entire creative industry. However, this format is all about content. Sony is committed to compelling and comfortable 3D images. 3D is a new art form but there is a huge responsibility on 3D manufacturers and content producers. At Sony Basingstoke we are developing a 3D centre of excellence for technicians, content producers and cameramen.’
Bush acknowledged that Sony was at the beginning of a long journey into 3D and that the manufacturer was proud to have built the world’s first ever 3D outside broadcast (OB) van.
Sony Europe’s audiovisual media director Olivier Bovis commented that 3D was becoming part of Sony’s DNA. He highlighted Sony’s 3D box which was beta tested at the World Cup and refined based on feedback from clients.
“The 3D box now has additional features including 2D to 3D conversion, picture stitching and 2D and 3D graphics insertion,’ continued Bovis. “Our brand new production switcher, the MVS-8000X, which was introduced at NAB this year, now has the added functionality of accommodating 3D over single connectivity.
“We are releasing two models of 3D monitors which were used as prototypes during the World Cup. These are the LMD-2451TD and the LMD-4251TD. Sony is also launching the world’s first 3D editing solution, the Vegas 10, which boasts integrated native 3D workflow.’
In closing Bovis showed the prototype or Sony’s 3D camcorder, the MPE-200.
For more on Sony’s latest products see the October issue of Screen Africa.
