Archive notice: This article was originally published on January 22, 2009. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
Students of Audiovisual Media at Hochschule der Medien (HdM) in Stuttgart have produced the world’s first three-dimensional magazine programme in high-definition format. According to HdM, the magazine will be broadcast via Eutelsat W1 on January 28 from 10 to 11 a.m. One day later, visitors to MediaNight will be able to watch the 3D magazine again on site at HdM.
The production is connected with a field trial intended to assess the prospects for 3D images on television. Following HDTV, further increases in resolution (SuperVision) and higher frame rates (Higher Framerate TV), three-dimensionality is considered another way to inspire future television audiences. For the trial, the student team developed a 20-minute magazine programme for young viewers on the theme of “Transitions”. It looks at first steps into working life, changes in private life and, of course, the free time available between training, university and the start of a career.
In terms of content, everything was intended to remain familiar: presenter Jan Doering introduces and links the reports, studio guests appear live, and pre-recorded segments round out the programme. Only the technology was changed by the students. Alongside stereoscopic keying—the exchange of images—lower thirds, such as names displayed at the edge of the screen, and the programme logo are also being presented in 3D quality for the first time.
Most importantly for the production team, everything could be realised using currently available, permanently installed studio technology, without special equipment or isolated solutions. Only two cameras were required. “It is exactly like seeing with our eyes. One camera represents the right eye, the other the left,” explained supervisor Professor Axel Hartz.
“With this format, we are right at the forefront of the technical development of television,” Hartz said. A live satellite broadcast of a programme in 3D quality had never previously taken place in Europe. “With the appropriate technology, viewers from the North Cape to Barcelona can watch our programme,” explained project team member Jens Fischer. He and his fellow students are examining 3D HD technology in their final theses. Their findings will feed into the European Broadcasting Union’s (EBU) development of stereo television.
The students organised the broadcast technology for their magazine from numerous partners. The satellite is being provided, and they do not have to cover transmission costs of around 16 euros per minute for two transponders. They also secured the satellite vehicle for the broadcast link.
Supporters include the EBU and SWR, 3ality Digital, 3D Foto Shop, ALVIBON Cable, BEWEGTE BILDER Medien Gruppe, Bretz Shop, Canvys, Deutsche Bank, DVC, EM Filmtheater-Betriebe Mertz, EVS, Fleiner Möbel, Freunde und Förderer der Hochschule der Medien Stuttgart e.V., Kaufland Vaihingen, Leoni, MAGAZIN GmbH, MikroM, Penta Studiotechnik, Transvideo, WIGE MEDIA AG and WIREWORX.
The HdM television studio with the magazine programme’s set is freely accessible to MediaNight visitors on January 29, 2008, from 6 p.m. and can be viewed. The programme itself will be shown as a hard cut.
