3D Home Consortium Meeting Gathers Needed Information
And Develops Action Plan
Leaders of the 3D industry gathered on February 5, 2007 at the Sheraton Hotel in Universal City, California to discuss a consortium to bring the 3D experience directly into home entertainment. The goal of the meeting was to review t a preliminary mission for the 3D Home Consortium, developed jointly by Insight Media and U.S. Display Consortium (USDC), and to provide feedback on the priority for activities and services the consortium would deliver.
“The meeting was very successful as it provided exactly the input we needed to refine our prospectus on the 3D Home Consortium,” said Insight Media president, Chris Chinnock. “A steering committee was formed, representing all aspects of the 3D business community, to help review and approve basic elements of the consortium.”
Mark Hartney, CTO of USDC, noted that “All the right decision makers at this meeting were present to give us the guidance and direction needed to move forward. This is evidence of the clear interest in bringing 3D video to consumer’s living rooms and the potential benefits a consortium can offer in speeding up this commercial opportunity.”
After opening remarks from Insight Media and USDC, invited speakers from Walt Disney, Paramount, ImageWorks, Sony Electronics, Mitsubishi, MTBS, DDD, Philips Consumer Lifestyle and Sensio gave their views of the state of the industry with respect to getting 3D content onto consumer’s 3D TVs.
After discussion of the needs of the industry and polling of attendee’s interests and priorities for the consortium, important conclusions were reached:.
1) The 3D Home Consortium will function as a vehicle for exchanging information related to bringing 3D content into the home and accelerating commercial success. This will be accomplished via quarterly meetings, the establishment of key working groups and an on-line web site for the posting and exchanging of relevant information. Not only will this facilitate communication, but it will provide a forum for business development among consortium members – providing solutions that can speed development.
2) The primary concern of industry players is the need to establish file formats and distribution standards to move 3D content onto 3D TVs. Members want to see an easy-to-use process that supports legacy video platforms and distribution channels. This means 3D content should be able to reach TV via broadcast, satellite, cable, PCs, phone lines and wireless networks, as well as from fixed media like DVD, HD DVD and Blu-ray. And, with multiple ways to format the 3D content, there are many challenges confronting the industry in this area. The consortium can help by coordinating information exchange with the relevant standards bodies and companies dealing with these issues. The consortium will also work with members in developing technology roadmaps for the 3D Home industry.
3) The meeting also revealed keen interest in developing materials to educate retailers and consumers about 3D, and to reach out to all constituencies in this evolving market segment. Attendees also voiced concern about ensuring that a high quality 3D picture is delivered to the home. This means the consortium will work on education, training and eventually, certification tools.
“USDC has 14 years of experience in running a consortium and working groups, while Insight Media is the leading authority on the 3D Home value chain,” stated USDC CEO and President, Michael Ciesinski. “If the 3D industry provides the leadership, we will have the right team to champion this effort.”
More information and membership packages are being developed now and will be offered soon to those interested in joining the 3D Home Consortium.
Contacts:
Heidi Hoffman
US Display Consortium
(408) 993-8111
heidi@usdc.org
Diani Mecca
Insight Media
(203) 831-8464
dian@insightmedia.info
About the U.S. Display Consortium
USDC is an industry-led public/private partnership providing a common platform for flat panel display and flexible electronics manufacturers and developers, integrators, and the supplier base. Headquartered in San Jose, Calif., the consortium’s primary mission is to identify and manage R&D projects and share results with USDC member companies. The USDC also provides a communication channel among industry, government and the financial communities; sponsors forums to broaden the impact of technological developments; and educates consumers on the importance of emerging technology. More information about the USDC can be found at www.usdc.org and www.fpoelectronics.org
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