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Sony showcases its first 3D broadcasting vehicle, with the first batch already ordered by BTV.

Tencent Home Appliance News(Beijing time, August 25) At the 25th BIRTV exhibition, Sony showcased the first 3D broadcasting vehicle in China and announced its introduction to the domestic broadcasting market. A relevant official revealed that the first 3D broadcasting vehicle has been ordered by Beijing Television and will be delivered for use soon.

According to the "Research Report on Urban Consumer Demand for Flat Panel TVs," the consumption of 3D TVs exceeded expectations in 2011, with annual sales expected to surpass 6 million units. In the first half of the year, sales of 3D TVs increased fivefold compared to the second half of 2010. At the recently held "3D Technology Development and Operation Seminar," the National Radio and Television Administration emphasized that as a key planned project, the development and enhancement of 3D TV production and broadcasting capabilities will be effectively pursued during the 12th Five-Year Plan period. They will conduct technical experiments and demonstration broadcasts, and have set a development goal of launching 10 3D channels by the end of the 12th Five-Year Plan.

The launch of 3D broadcasting vehicles accelerates the industry.

According to Sun Zili from Sony Professional Systems Group, this full HD 3D broadcasting vehicle developed by Sony is the first 3D broadcasting vehicle in the country, capable of simultaneous 2D and 3D broadcasting. Additionally, through necessary system architecture and workflow design, it can effectively reduce costs. Sun Zili also stated, "Sony hopes that the use of this vehicle will assist television stations in creating engaging 3D live programs, and provide a practical reference model for future 3D systems."

The launch of 3D broadcast vehicles will undoubtedly accelerate the pace of 3D television program releases in the country. According to reports, this 3D broadcast vehicle officially began operations after BIRTV, with daily management conducted by the Sony High Definition Film and Television Technology Institute. It offers various forms of training, including on-site services based on actual conditions, and also engages in customer collaboration and leasing services. Additionally, Bao Ran from Beijing Television stated that Beijing Television has established an integrated control platform for 3D program distribution, transmission, management, and operation, and has formed a 3D experimental team. By 2012, Beijing Television will have the capability for 3D production.

In addition, Sony showcased a complete line of professional 3D shooting products consisting of multiple shoulder-mounted 3D cameras, as well as a 3D production system, which enhanced the equipment standards for 3D television program production.

The ultimate goal of the HD 3D industry

In the context of 3D acceleration entering households, consumers urgently need relevant industry standards as a reference for selecting the most important aspect of home 3D—terminal 3D playback display products. It is reported that relevant national departments are currently accelerating the formulation of 3D television standards,CESI (CETC Standardization Research Institute, Saisi Laboratory) is conducting research and validation on several core aspects, including stereoscopic image quality testing methods, stereoscopic display comfort standards, stereoscopic television safety guidelines, 3D glasses technology, and testing methods. Relevant 3D industry standards are expected to be expedited.

Facing the numerous brands and models of 3D televisions available in the market, most consumers currently lack a general understanding of the 3D technology and product features involved. In terms of technical standards, the 3D televisions in the domestic market are mainly divided into two types: polarized (also known as passive) and active shutter. Due to their different principles, these two 3D technologies have adopted different market positioning. The polarized type uses a layer of polarization film (FPR) over the screen, paired with inexpensive, battery-free polarized 3D glasses. Because of its relatively low cost, this type is primarily used by domestic brands for mid to small-sized CCFL backlight 3D televisions, bringing the price of 3D TVs down to around 4000 yuan, thus promoting the popularity of 3D televisions. However, due to the limitations of vertical viewing angles and the inability to achieve dual-eye 1080p HD, the polarized type cannot currently meet the full HD 3D demands of mid to high-end users. In contrast, 3D televisions using active shutter technology can maintain 1080p HD resolution for both the left and right eye images, achieving a true dual-eye full HD 3D effect.

In addition, picture quality is another important factor that directly affects the 3D experience. Therefore, major brands are enhancing the core picture quality of their televisions while launching 3D products. For instance, Sony has introduced the next-generation X-Reality/X-Reality PRO image processing engine and new intelligent LED backlight technology this year. With the latest picture quality technology combined with active shutter 3D technology, it achieves clearer and brighter 1080p HD 3D images. Following the release of the flagship 55-inch HX920 series earlier this year, Sony has recently launched the upgraded 65-inch model 65HX920, equipped with top picture quality technology to present high-definition, high-quality 3D images on a large screen.

August 25, 2011, 1:35 PMTencent Technology

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