A new television network featuring three-dimensional (3D) content twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week has been announced. The new 3D network is in the works from IMAX, Sony, and Discovery Communications, owners of the Discovery Channel and its family of networks. Discovery will pool resources with Sony Corp. and IMAX Corp. in a joint venture, with a launch date in the U.S. expected this year.
Along with Sony, Discovery Communications, and IMAX, many other networks are starting to prepare for 3D content, reveals a representative. Mark Cuban of the Dallas Mavericks is also launching his own 3D network.
Steve Jacobs, former vice president of Sony and current Ubiquity board member, says: “We think 3D will become a new standard in the marketplace.”
“There are currently very few 3D options for content. 3D networks are craving quality digital 3D content,” adds CEO of Ubiquity Broadcasting Corp. Chris Carmichael. “We have positioned our company to be one of the premier 3D options in the Action Sports arena.”
Ubiquity Broadcasting Corp. is armed with 3D technology and equipment developed by Ubiquity and Mike Prickett. The patent-pending, high-speed 35mm 3D camera is reportedly the first of its kind, positioned to revolutionize the 3D industry, says a spokesperson.
Ubiquity and Prickett’s 3D camera features technology that aligns the eye position of a stereographic camera in real time, has high-resolution 3D zoom lenses, and sports integrated digital processing. The 3D camera processes images from each camera eye in a full 35mm frame at 200 frames per second, making it one of the fastest 3D cameras on the market.
The most-sought-after 3D content is from genres that are most appealing in 3D: natural history, nature, space, sports, adventure, science and technology, motion pictures, and children’s programming.
George Bodenheimer, co-chairman of Disney Media Networks and president of ESPN and ABC Sports, has stated: “ESPN 3D marries great content with new technology to enhance the fan’s viewing experience, and puts ESPN at the forefront of the next big advance for TV viewing.”
Ubiquity holds patents in 3D technology, and has filed for additional patents in 3D technology and methodology. Ubiquity is now setting its sights on the Sony Open and Sony’s 3D broadcast of the live golf event, reveals a representative.