Technicolor Intros 3D Video Certification

Technicolor has developed a 3D certification program to make sure the video content meets minimum quality requirements before delivery to consumers, the company said Tuesday.

The Technicolor Certif3D program is geared toward broadcasters and network providers. Each shot will be evaluated by Technicolor against a set of objective criteria for stereographic reproduction, as part of the service, according to the company.

The criteria include a 15-point quality checklist to identify common production errors which result in suboptimal 3D content, Technicolor said. Training programs will also be offered to help broadcasters and content creators move their production and post-production techniques to the three-dimensional medium from traditional television, the company said.

An advanced 3D analysis software application was developed by Technicolor's research and innovation team as the foundation for the Certif3D service. The software assembles a 3D model in real time using the left and right source masters to give an accurate pixel count for objects that are too close to or far from the viewer and would create discomfort, Technicolor said. The software also is able to detect and flag conflicts with the edges of the TV screen automatically, which the company said is another significant source of discomfort when viewing home-based 3D content.

"Our 3D certification platform allows our stereo technicians to quickly and precisely diagnose many of the issues that create viewer fatigue and discomfort," said Pierre (Pete) Routhier, Technicolor's VP for 3D product strategy and business development, in a statement. "Our goal in launching the Certifi3D program was to take a proactive approach in support of the industry to ensure a consistent and quality end-consumer 3D experience in the home."

Read More at: Information Week