NAB: Sony Details MPE-200 3D Processor

Designed to reduce the amount of mechanical adjustments made to 3D camera rigs during live shoots, Sony’s new MPE-200 3D Processor announced at NAB provides a variety of digital alignments to stereo imaging HD cameras, allowing a control experience similar to the use of mechanical servos.

The MPE-200 processor works in conjunction with Sony’s MPES-3D01 stereo-image processor software to digitally simulate the adjustments that are currently performed mechanically. This allows stereographic engineers to easily manage multiple camera and rig parameters. The MPE-200 will also be used during the FIFA World Cup for the first ever recording of that event in 3D.

“Adding the ‘3rd Dimension’ creates a number of production challenges,” said Rob Willox, director of 3D business development for Sony Electronics. “True stereoscopic work requires two identical pairs of lenses, cameras and camera processing equipment. The cameras must match perfectly for color, and all imaging parameters must be matched between the two cameras. Our new processor can greatly reduce the error rate in live 3D production, leading to precisely aligned, high-quality 3D images.”

Using Sony’s high-performance Cell Broadband Engine (Cell/B.E) microprocessor, the MPE-200 can – in real time – detect, analyze, display and correct adjustment errors, such as mismatching of optical axes, or inconsistent color settings. Each multi-image processor displays actual camera images with waveform information that indicates alignment and set-up errors. Operators can use this information to identify problems and easily correct them by changing various parameter values at their computer while watching the GUI. They can also take “snapshots” of frequently used settings and store them in a “shot box” to be recalled as needed.

• Vergence correction
  Corrects for camera misalignment that may occur when moving cameras together or apart so as to converge the lines of sight at the perceived position of the 3D image plane.
• Trapezoidal correction
  Corrects for trapezoidal distortion that may occur when twin cameras are toed-in about their center during shooting.
• Reflected image correction
  Inverts the reflected image when shooting with a rig that uses a half mirror.

These capabilities free the camera operator from having to visually detect errors and spend considerable time adjusting and readjusting the cameras. Using the MPE-200, operators can receive critical adjustment information from their monitors, making camera setup faster and more reliable.

The MPE-200 can also convert the results into various transmission-ready formats, for example side-by-side or top-and-bottom images for viewing on a monitor, or a signal suitable for broadcast.

(press release, pdf)

Sony Updates Vegas Pro Software To 9.0d With New Broadcasting and Creative Tools

Sony Creative Software has updated its Vegas Pro software to 9.0d and now features superior closed captioning support for broadcast editors, in addition to multi-layer PSD file support and timeline burning to DVD for enhanced editing flexibility and efficiency for creative professionals.

The Vegas Pro 9.0d software update is available now for download online at Sony Creative Software and is free for existing registered Vegas Pro 9 users, or $234.95 for owners of Vegas Pro 8 or prior. Vegas Pro 9 software is available in English, German, Spanish, Japanese, and French. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for Vegas Pro 9 is U.S. $699.95.

“As professional video editing workflows are in constant evolution, the Vegas Pro 9.0d software update provides new tools that allow editors to efficiently produce outstanding results across a wide range of targeted delivery platforms and formats,” said Dave Chaimson, vice-president of global marketing for Sony Creative Software. “With the significant additions of closed captioning support, enhanced PSD support and timeline burning to DVD, along with enhancements to the Device Explorer, Vegas Pro 9.0d software provides maximum user control for creative production.”

Closed Captioning Support

All new closed captioning support in Vegas Pro 9.0d provides broadcast editors with a workflow that enables the importing, editing, and exporting of CEA-608 captioned data in high definition Sony XDCAM MXF material.

Multi-layer Adobe Photoshop Document (PSD) Support

Multi-layer PSD support in Vegas 9.0d provides a highly flexible model for professionals to quickly create complex animation and professional results from a single PSD image. This new feature enables more creative compositing when working with PSD files by providing individual control over the separate file layers.

Enhanced Device Explorer Support

Improvements to the device explorer in Vegas Pro 9.0d significantly increase support for additional cameras and devices, including hard disk and memory recording devices. The extra support provides customers with a more powerful and adaptable system for unparalleled video editing.

Burn Timeline to DVD

Timeline burning to DVD, like the current Vegas Pro “Burn to Blu-ray” process, allows editors a more seamless final output method for their video editing projects.

PreSonus FaderPort Control Surface Driver Support

The PreSonus FaderPort control surface offers additional flexibility for controlling and automating Vegas Pro 9.0d via hardware other than mouse and keyboard. The touch- sensitive device is perfect for controlling volume and pan parameters, as well as play, stop, start transport functionality and managing markers for fast and easy audio and video editing.

Official changelist:

* Added closed captioning support (reading and writing of XDCAM HD and HD422 closed captions, as well as .SCC file import/export).
* Added support for the PreSonus FaderPort control surface.
* Added Device Explorer support for CompactFlash-based memory recording units such as the HVR-MRC1 and hard-disk-based recording units such as the HVR-DR60.
* Added support for AVCHD Lite video.
* Added support for timecode in XDCAM EX AVI/DV files.
* Tools > Multicamera > Lay Out Tracks Using Media Timecode and Lay Out Tracks Using Media Date/Time Stamp now use unique tracks for media without tape names.
* Added support for importing layered PSD files across tracks.
* Added White Balance video plug-in.
* Added scripts: Remove Letterboxing, Render Audio Tracks, Resize Generated Media, and Stereo To Mono.
* Copy Snapshot to Clipboard and Save Snapshot to File now deinterlace interlaced images and operate at Best (Full) resolution if the Video Preview is set to (Auto) size and Good quality if set to Draft or Preview.
* Copy Snapshot to Clipboard now performs pixel-aspect correction like the Save Snapshot to File command.
* Added Copy Snapshot to Clipboard and Save Snapshot to File to the Trimmer.
* Added timeline DVD burning (Tools > Burn Disc > DVD).
* Updated to latest RED SDK, including support for 4.5K images and FLUT color science.
* élastique Efficient is now the default time stretch mode.
* MPEG-2 smart render across formats now supports MPEG-2 video streams intended for Blu-ray Disc (only available when operating points are identical: e.g. resolution, framerate, video data rate, color resolution).
* The Mastering Effects Bundle 2 plug-ins (available with Sound Forge Pro 10) can now be used in Vegas Pro if they are installed on your system.
* Implemented various compatibility improvements to XDCAM MXF files.
* Improved support for reading AVC/AAC (.mp4) video.
* Improved image sharpness on Windows Secondary Monitor display when Apply deinterlace filter is not used.
* Improved Trimmer Fit-to-Fill behavior when the source is a still image.
* Implemented various additions and improvements to Interactive Tutorials.
* Fixed a crash that could occur during startup when using the 64-bit version of the application with certain RAID controllers.
* Fixed a crash that could occur when adding certain audio effects to the Master Bus FX chain.
* Fixed a hang that could occur while changing FX parameters with an external DV monitor enabled.
* Fixed a hang that could occur when using 32-bit VST audio effects in the 64-bit version of the application.
* Fixed a hang that could occur after capturing HDV clips.
* Fixed field order in reader for certain H.264 files.
* Fixed Import Stereo as Dual Mono when dragging media from the Device Explorer window.
* Fixed a smart render issue with XDCAM HD.
* Fixed a smart render issue with MXF PAL DV rendered to AVI PAL DV.
* Fixed timecode reading for 50p and 60p XDCAM MXF media.
* Fixed an issue with waveform drawing accuracy when very quiet events are normalized.
* Fixed an issue that could prevent audio from appearing for certain AVI files.
* Fixed a crash that could occur when rendering many markers to Sony MXF format.
* Fixed a bug that could cause clicks when using certain Track EQ automation settings.
* Fixed an issue where deleting one Track Motion preset could cause others to be removed.
* Fixed a slight artifact that could occur when using the Broadcast Colors video effect.
* Improved support for VST audio plug-ins written in Delphi.
* Fixed a problem that could cause summary data to be lost when using custom Windows Media Video rendering templates.
* Fixed a problem with enabling the audio stream when using custom Windows Media Video rendering templates.
* Fixed the ability to capture from HDCA-702 MPEG TS Adaptor.
* Fixed the ability to render to multiple mono files using PCA format.
* Fixed the ability to seek in files rendered using the MainConcept AAC/AVC format.
* Fixed a problem that could cause corrupt video when rendering to QuickTime format using the 3 Mbps Video template.
* Fixed the operation of the Proportional check box in the Checkerboard generator plug-in.
* Fixed an issue with media generators not using a changed pixel aspect ratio.
* Fixed an issue saving and restoring templates in the Command Properties dialog.
* Fixed an issue that prevented JPEG from being used to save image sequences.
* Fixed an issue with Trimmer Fit-to-Fill not creating the correct media start time.
* Fixed an issue with scrubbing in reverse past the media start time in the Trimmer.
* Fixed issue with Event Pan/Crop Match Output Aspect when Adjust source media to better match project or render settings applied to the source media.
* Fixed an issue that prevented markers from appearing in the correct position for rendered FLAC files.
* Corrected a problem that could cause black frames in MOV files after installing the QuickTime 7.6.6 update.

Sony Optiarc Shows Off Stylish External And Speedy Internal Drives

Sony Optiarc America today unveiled two new optical disc drives – a new portable, slim external DVD/CD recordable drive and the second generation half height internal 24X DVD/CD recordable drive.

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The DRX-S77U drive boasts a sleek, lightweight design with awesome colors such as black, white, pink and gold. It supports to 8X DVD+/-R recording speeds, delivering a full 4.7 GB disc of video, data, music or images on standard 8X DVD+/-R media.

Here’s a really cool animation I found of this external drive matched with the VAIO P. Love at first sight..

Additionally, the drive can record on 8.5 GB DVD+/-R Double/Dual layer and 4.7 GB DVD-RW discs at 6X speeds, DVD+RW at 8X, DVD-RAM at 5X and CD-R/RW at 24X. The drive comes in a retail package bundled with the Nero 9 DVD/CD mastering software suite and is compatible with Windows 7. Connectivity is a snap with a Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) digital interface.

The AD-7260S internal DVD/CD recordable drive continues to provide the same 24X max speed and high quality performance set by the predecessor model AD-7240S, which was the world’s first 24X speed half height DVD-RW drive. The AD-7260S is a conservatively priced speed demon at only $28.99 on newegg, and supports up to 24X max DVD+/-R recording, 12X DVD+/-R Double/Dual layer recording, 12X DVD-RAM, and 48X CD-R performance. The latest auto write strategies and proven buffer under-run protection enhance the reputation of optimal quality and reliability. The AD-7260S is available with black and beige bezel colors. LightScribe direct labeling technology is also available with this drive that allows creation of personalized, professional looking labels using LightScribe DVD/CD media (available separately).

Sony Refreshes B-Series Walkman

Sony has refreshed its B-Series of Walkman portable music players with the new NWZ-B150 series. 2GB (NWZ-B152) and 4GB (NWZ-B153) models will be available in black, blue, pink and red and around early June 2010. Despite the tiny size at three inches long, Sony notes that “its presence is felt with full, rich sound” and is compatible with WP3, WMA files. A 3-line LCD shows track and artist information amongst other settings. Apparently these also have a “Bass boost button” with flashing red LEDs, obviously intended for youths who like to feel the beat. For the rest of us, an EQ is available to fine tune your favored sound.

The built-in USB connection links the B150 directly to your computer with no cables or extra software needed: just drag and drop to load up your favorite tracks. I’ve always admired Sony’s simplicity in the last few years with this drag n’ drop method of transferring.

Returning once again in this series, ZAPPIN technology scans through stored tracks, playing a short sample from each song to help you pinpoint the right track. There is also a FM tuner (with 30 presets) and you can ever store voice notes or radio broadcasts with the on-board recorder. Neat.

Optional accessories for the NWZ-B150 series include the CKA-NWU10 sports armband – an ideal addition for keeping Walkman secure while you’re exercising or just hanging out.

New Sony WALKMAN NWZ-W250

Update: Sony USA followed up with a press release as well and SonyStyle.com lists this model NWZ-W252 as available and ready to ship. A few disappointing things I must note: US ends up with only 2 Gig model for some reason and one color option (Black).

Now we are talking business! Sony Europe announced today a new and improved Sony Wearable and Water Resistant Walkman in their W series. Yup, you heard it Sony NWZ-W250 is actually water resistant, something that its cousin W202 has had issues with. You also get a new look, a new stand and of course Sony acclaimed superb sound. NWZ-W252 will also have 4 Gigs to store your techno or whatever music you like to work out to.

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Key technical specifications

Check out the full press release below:

The latest ‘wearable WALKMAN®’ from Sony lets you work out to your favourite tunes in more comfort and style, whatever the weather.

Designed for today’s active lifestyles, the WALKMAN® NWZ-W250 series is the first wire-free MP3 player from Sony that resists rain splashes or the sweat of a gruelling gym session. After exercising, just rinse under the tap2 – or even keep listening to your WALKMAN® during a post-workout shower.1

Available in four sporty colours, the light, all-in-one design eliminates the tangle of headphone wires that can slow things down when you’re working out, running or dancing. 13.5mm EX Series headphones offer clear, powerful WALKMAN® sound plus total comfort and a secure fit during physical activity.

It’s easy to create the perfect soundtrack as you exercise, allowing you to focus on your workout rather than fiddling with menus. Playlist support lets you pick your favourite songs in advance, ordering them to match your activity profile from warm-up to wind-down. Press the jog lever and skip to the next folder, selecting a different artist or album to change the mood instantly.

Looking for inspiration? ZAPPIN™ technology scans through stored tracks, playing a short sample from each song to help you find the right music for that moment.

If you’re in a hurry to get active, a quick 3-minute charge gives enough power for 90 minutes listening time. A fully charged battery offers up to 11 hours3 uninterrupted listening time – more than enough for that all-day walking expedition.

The supplied charging stand doubles as a USB dock for your PC, allowing you to load up WALKMAN® with your favourite tunes before hitting the streets.

Using the supplied Content Transfer software that comes with your WALKMAN®, it’s easy to move music files straight from your PC or iTunes™ library (not including DRM files) – even playlists. Just click on a file, then drag and drop into Content Transfer. Popular format support makes the Walkman W250 the ideal second digital media player, dedicated to sport.

Available as an optional accessory, the CKS-NWW250 soft carry case protects WALKMAN® while slipping easily into a gym bag or holdall.

The WALKMAN® NWZ-W250 series is part of the full line-up of MP3 and MP4 players by Sony. The WALKMAN® range includes the high-performance X series with touchscreen and Digital Noise Cancelling technology; the ultra-slim A series with wide 7.1cm (2.8”) OLED screen; the S series with built-in speakers; the compact, great-sounding E series; and the convenient, easy-to-use B series.

Coming soon and designed specially for great performance with all compatible WALKMAN® models4, the JBL On Stage III dock is a great way to release your music. Offering a generous 10W+10W output power, this stylish dock that features a striking curved design can be powered by batteries for go-anywhere entertainment. Supplied with a handy remote control, it also charges WALKMAN® while you’re listening (when powered from the mains). Available from late Spring 2010.

The new WALKMAN® NWZ-W250 series of MP3 players from Sony is available from late May 2010.

Catch up on latest WALKMAN® news, images and chat at the official Facebook fan page www.facebook.com/walkman

Masters Golf Tournament Enhanced With Sony 3D Technology

At the Masters professional golf tournament, guests on-site at Augusta National Golf Club and viewers at select locations around the country will be treated to a unique view of the historic grounds, through Sony Electronics’ 3D consumer TV and professional camera technology. Sony, a sponsor of the Masters’ first broadcast in 3D, is outfitting hospitality suites at Augusta with its new 3D BRAVIA LCD TV sets to display a perspective never before seen of Augusta.

Select Sony Style stores will also host private events on April 8 with a two-hour live broadcast from two holes being broadcast in 3D.

Participating Sony Style Stores:

• The Fashion Center at Pentagon City (Arlington, Virginia)
• The Market at Comcast Center (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
• King of Prussia (King of Prussia, Pennsylvania)
• Houston Galleria (Houston, Texas)
• The Woodlands Mall (The Woodlands, Texas)

At these times:

• Saturday April 10th 5-7pm EST: Live 3D tournament coverage
• Sunday April 11th 5-7pm EST: Live 3D Final Round coverage

The 3D content will also be delivered to the new “Sony 3D Experience,” a consumer research center developed by Sony and CBS and located in Las Vegas within the CBS Television City facility at the MGM Grand Hotel.

To produce the 3D images, Sony HD cameras will be used in stereo pairs supplied by NEP Productions, the mobile production company for the tournament. This year’s Masters represents the largest worldwide gathering of Sony cameras being used to provide HD coverage, and the 3D coverage is being exclusively switched through a Sony MVS-8000 series production switcher.

“Sony technology is a big part of the Masters’ history,” said Mike Fasulo, Sony Electronics executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “Our professional HD cameras were used when the Masters was first shot in HD in 2000, and are now being used to shoot this year’s tournament in 3D for the first time. Now with our 3D TVs coming to market soon, Sony is delivering a true, end-to-end 3D sports experience for consumers.”

Comcast will use its fiber network to carry the 3D production feed to the Comcast Media Center where it will be packaged for distribution to cable systems, the official Masters web site, as well as Sony 3D TV sets in the Augusta National Clubhouse and hospitality, suites and select Sony Style stores.

Well-known DP and 3D expert Vince Pace will also be working with the Sony cameras on the NEP truck. Pace and director James Cameron co-developed a 3D camera system (based on Sony cameras) that was used to shoot “Avatar,” with similar rigs being deployed at Augusta.

Sony Japan Adds White To NW-A840 OLED Walkman Series

Sony Japan has announced a cosmetic and totally droolworthy addition to the NW-A840 series OLED Walkman. The new color added is obviously white, and has blue Walkman symbol on the front and back of the device. Sony will sell this new version on May 1st, and will offer 16GB (NW-A845) and 32GB (NW-A856) versions. I want this so badly.

If you have forgotten, this simply is the most brilliant Walkman offering from Sony to date – it has all of the features people have been asking for in previous Walkmans while shedding what it needed to. In my opinion, this is the most stylish appearance I’ve seen in a personal media player – and it has a jaw-dropping 2.8 inch WQVGA OLED screen. This is also the thinnest Walkman ever created at only 7.2mm. It also has a TV-out function, that can output at 720×480 (SD) quality. There is no Wifi or touchscreen.

Of course, the A-Series is drag n’ drop, which also includes for the first time autoconverting video transfer! Additional features to round out this sweet package include a S-Master digital amplifier, FM radio, digital noise canceling (which we really think is incredible) and comes with premium MDR-EX300SL earphones. That is a really nice pair of stock buds to come with a Walkman – I am glad to see they didn’t skimp out. Other premium features to color your sound include DSEE, Clear Stereo, Clear bass, and lyric display.

I’m seeing here that the new A series has about 29 hours battery life at 128kbps, and 9 hours of video playback at 384kbps MPEG-4. Codec support looks like MP3, WMA, AAC, HE-AAC, ATRAC, ATRAC AL, PCM/wav. I assume ATRAC support will probably be limited to Japan, but we are not sure yet. For movies, the usual AVC (H2.64), MPEG-4 and WMV are allowed.

Sony Creative Software Releases 3D Blu-ray Disc Production And Video Editing Software

Sony Creative Software announced a version 6 update to the Blu-print Blu-ray Disc authoring application and the brand-new Z Depth 3D subtitle offset editing application. As one of the first professional 3D Blu-ray(TM) Disc authoring products available on the market, the upgraded Blu-print 6 will be capable of authoring 3D titles in accordance with the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) 3D Blu-ray disc specification to greatly enhance workflow capability for production facilities and professional video editors. Blu-print 6 allows for easy import of MVC encoded content along with support of 3D menu graphics and subtitle graphics. 3D Blu-ray Java integration also allows for user interactivity like BD-Live. To assist editors creating 3D subtitles, the new Z Depth application generates the required offset metadata file needed in a 3D BD project allowing editors to more accurately and easily position subtitles when creating 3D Blu-ray Discs.

“With the home entertainment industry, consumer electronics manufacturers and consumers eagerly awaiting the introduction of 3D on Blu-ray, Blu-print 6 and Z Depth 3D subtitle offset editing application will enable editors and disc authoring professionals to provide a seamless 3D viewing experience for home audiences,” said Dave Chaimson, vice-president of global marketing for Sony Creative Software. “Given the precise balance of art and technology needed to produce 3D Blu-ray Discs, production professionals require powerful and specialized new tools like Blu-print 6 and Z Depth for Vegas Pro 9 to deliver content that exceeds the high expectations accompanying the excitement for 3D at home.”

As one of the first professional-level 3D Blu-ray disc authoring software systems available, the new features of Blu-print 6 will allow studios to author 3D content for the new 3D Blu-ray format standard Profile 5, import new MVC encoded streams, and work with Z Depth for 3D subtitle authoring. Designed for high volume professional production, the updated Blu-print 6 software will also include support for offset metadata integration required for 3D Presentation Graphics and 3D Interactive Graphics. 3D BD-J integration and 3D Blu-ray Disc cutting master generation is also supported in order to provide maximum intuition and flexibility for complex authoring projects.

The all-new Z Depth subtitle offset editing application uses the video power of Vegas Pro 9 to provide a combination that will allow 3D authoring companies to easily create required disparity metadata files for positioning of subtitles and IG menus in a 3D Blu-ray Disc production. New to 3D BD production, the Z Depth application will allow 3D Blu-ray Disc authoring facilities and subtitle creation companies to produce accurate subtitling in the 3D space that will allow for the most comfortable viewing experience. The BD spec offset metadata files created by the application can be used in any 3D Blu-ray Disc authoring application that follows BDA specifications Profile 5. There are no special hardware requirements for Z Depth, though it is highly recommended that editors use the Presonus Fader Port for data input. Vegas Pro 9 is required for Z Depth integration.

FIFA And Sony Set To Create Global 3D Experience Of The FIFA World Cup

Following the initial joint announcement to make the world’s first FIFA World Cup available in 3D, FIFA and Sony unveiled insights into what the football fans around the globe can expect from this innovative undertaking to add a third dimension to the football viewing experience. Coinciding with the rapidly growing consumer interest in 3D fueled by the release of blockbuster movie titles in 3D and impending launch of 3D TV sets for the home, the first ever FIFA World Cup in 3D will further capture the excitement for millions of football fans around the globe.

Check out this great Reuters video covering the FIFA/Sony 3D World Cup story.

With a total of seven pairs of Sony’s professional HDC cameras on rigs at every match (model: HDC-1500, above), the action on the pitch will be captured in a stunning 3D quality enabled through its proprietary multi-image processor (model: MPE-200, below) and 3D Outside Broadcast truck.

Sony’s cutting-edge processor, the only one in the market to date, makes an end-to-end workflow possible in the production process and automatically adjusts the depth-of-field to ensure an unprecedented and optimal 3D viewing experience around the world. Starting from the FIFA Confederations Cup last year in South Africa, Sony has been working on enhancing the 3D capturing of fast-moving football action and has since conducted a number of 3D filming trials in Europe.

3D filming will be conducted at five out of the 10 FIFA World Cup stadiums: Soccer City and Ellis Park in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town (above) and Port Elizabeth. 25 matches in total will be filmed and broadcast in 3D, which will include a carefully chosen selection of those games expected to attract most public attention, including the opening game on June 11 at Soccer City (South Africa vs Mexico) and the crowning final game on July 11 also in Johannesburg. Other games to be captured in 3D are:

• June 11 16:00h RSA v MEX
• June 12 16:00h ARG v NGA
• June 13 20:30h GER v AUS
• June 14 13:30h NED v DEN
• June 15 20:30h BRA v PRK
• June 16 16:00h ESP v SUI
• June 17 13:30h ARG v KOR
• June 18 16:00h SVN v USA
• June 19 13:30h NED v JPN
• June 20 20:30h BRA v CIV
• June 21 20:30h ESP v HON
• June 22 20:30h NGA v KOR
• June 23 20:30h GHA v GER
• June 24 16:00h SVK v ITA
• June 25 16:00h POR v BRA
• June 27 20:30h 1st B v 2nd A
• June 28 16:00h 1st E v 2nd F
• June 28 20:30h 1st G v 2nd H
• July 2 20:30h Quarter finals
• July 3 16:00h Quarter finals
• July 3 20:30h Quarter finals
• July 6 20:30h Semi finals
• July 7 20:30h Semi finals
• July 10 20:30h 3rd place match
• July 11 20:30h Final

“The 3D feed from these 25 matches will be made available for broadcast on 3D channels, which can be enjoyed by consumers on their 3D-compatible TV sets in the comfort of their home, almost as if they were in the football stadium themselves,” said Niclas Ericson, Director of FIFA TV. “Whilst discussions with major broadcasters are ongoing, I am very pleased to announce the first confirmed partners for the 3D live broadcast, who are ESPN in the US and Sogecable in Spain. We expect further announcements to be made shortly,” he added.

In line with FIFA’s and Sony’s endeavor to make this new exciting 3D viewing experience available to as many football fans as possible, a dedicated global 3D public viewing project will debut at this year’s FIFA World Cup. Eight matches will be fed live to digital cinemas and selected venues in 3D HD quality around the globe. To this end, FIFA has appointed Swiss-based Aruna Media AG to manage the exclusive 3D cinema and entertainment venue rights for live games in 3D. Aruna plans to broadcast live 3D coverage of matches to around 26 countries and is in advanced discussions with several major markets.

Reaffirming its leading position at the forefront of the emerging 3D market, Sony is the key technological enabler of this new viewing experience and enhances the excitement of football fans, either watching a football match live in the stadium or enjoying a new 3D experience through 3D TV channels or at the public viewing events around the world. “Sony has long standing credentials in the creation of professional 3D technology and content for theatrical use,” said Hiroko Saito, Deputy General Manager of Global Sponsorships, Sony Corporation. “True to our strategy eFrom the lens to the living-room’, we are actively involved at every stage of the 3D value chain and proudly draw on the strengths of the e3D World created by Sony’, which encapsulates our expertise in professional solutions, consumer electronics, movie making and gaming alike. We are very excited to capitalise on these strengths and to be able to complement our compelling 3D proposition by bringing an entirely new viewing experience to the world of football through our partnership with FIFA,” Saito added.

Complementing the 3D live broadcast and public viewing activities, the general public will also be able to exclusively enjoy the 3D promotional trailers shown on Sony 3D BRAVIA TVs in around 4,000 Sony-affiliated retail stores worldwide, including 200 Sony flagship stores (total number of Sony-affiliated retail stores: 1,500 in North America, 1,300 in Europe, 500 in Japan, 200 in Asia, 200 in Latin America, and 30 in South Africa). Furthermore, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment today unveiled plans to produce and distribute the official FIFA film in 3D on Blu-ray Disc this year.

Sony Japan Introduces RDP-NW1 Alarm Clock And WM-Port Speaker Dock

Another WM-Port enabled speaker dock comes from Sony Japan this week with the RDP-NW1, which is very similarly styled to their iPod/iPhone type speaker docks. Available in black or white, the NW1 has a WM-Port, stereo audio input, AM/FM, and alarm/snooze functionality. Enjoy the simple 3W + 3W speakers with MEGA Xpand to color your audio. You can also wake up using music from your Walkman, and control the device from a distance with a remote control.

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Real life photos of the RDP-NW1 courtesy of AV Watch.