Archive notice: This article was originally published on March 17, 2010. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
Following the successful test run of P+S TECHNIK 3D Stereo Rigs at the UEFA Champions League match between Stuttgart and Barcelona, Munich’s Praterinsel was the setting for the first showcase of a live 3D HD football production in Germany, held on Sunday, March 14, 2010.
On behalf of German pay-TV provider Sky, the top match between Bayer Leverkusen and HSV was shown live in 3D in Munich to around 120 invited guests. A total of six P+S TECHNIK 3D Stereo Rigs were used in Leverkusen: four Heavy Duty Standard Rigs and two Freestyle Rigs mounted on Steadicams. There were satisfied faces after the final whistle, when Andreas Dasser (Managing Director of P+S TECHNIK) also took off his 3D glasses. “The images I have seen here today are fantastic. At my age, I have witnessed many developments in television, and I am certain that with HD 3D we are now at the beginning of a new era in television technology,” explained Franz Beckenbauer.
The new P+S TECHNIK Freestyle Rig marks the beginning of this new era, as it enables the creative use of the full range of camera movements in stereoscopic 3D productions for the first time. This technological advantage has proved decisive in experiencing extraordinary images, because, as Sunday demonstrated, football in 3D comes into its own particularly when the Freestyle Rig is used on a Steadicam system at the touchline.
The new Freestyle Rig gives stereoscopic 3D productions the creative use of the full range of camera movements for the first time. Thanks to patented carbon technology, also used in Formula 1 cars, the Freestyle Rig achieves the optimal combination of payload, dead weight, stability and compact form. Andreas Dasser, Managing Director of P+S TECHNIK: “As an innovation leader, we are proud that our 3D Stereo Rigs helped make Germany’s first live 3D HD football broadcast possible. This proves that the Freestyle Rig in particular is excellently suited to broadcast use in live sports and live news production.” The unique design keeps the weight of both cameras perfectly balanced at all times, even while adjusting the stereo base. When used on Steadicam systems, the stereo base can therefore be continuously adapted to the shooting situation by wireless remote control. The standard integrated motorisation of stereo base and angulation reduces weight to a minimum and is compatible with all common lens-control systems. The new P+S TECHNIK Freestyle Rig is therefore not only optimal for digital stereo 3D film productions, but particularly well equipped for producing live 3D images. The maximum payload of seven kilograms per camera setup allows the use of professional cinema and broadcast cameras and lenses. The range of ergonomic accessories enables trouble-free use of the rig on the shoulder, cranes, dollies and tripods.
The 3D football experience was produced in 3D on behalf of Sky by Bundesliga organiser DFL and its television subsidiary Sportcast using equipment from television service provider TopVision, transmitted by HD Sat Communications, and shown in Munich.
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