Bergen, Norway, September 7, 2010 Vizrt Ltd. (Oslo Main List: VIZ)
At IBC 2010, Vizrt (Hall 2, Stand B10) will announce its partnership with Stergen, the maker of innovative 2D to stereoscopic 3D video conversion software. With this alliance, Vizrt will now offer tight integration between Stergen stereo 3D conversion software tailored to sports TV networks, sports leagues and webcasters and Vizrt’s own comprehensive stereo 3D graphics portfolio. The integration will be on display within Vizrt’s IBC 2010 booth.
To satisfy growing demand for true stereo 3D content for 3D cinemas and 3D TV cable sports networks, Vizrt operators will now be able to use Stergen software to convert 2D archival and pre-produced, as well as live video, in conjunction with Vizrt’s stereographical applications, with unmatched quality and depth perception.
At IBC 2010, Stergen will launch its Highlights version. Early next year, Stergen plans to introduce a live version that converts 2D video to stereo 3D in real-time for delivery to stereo 3D cinemas, mobile devices and home entertainment centers. Stergen’s real-time conversion software includes Stergen Arena, which connects to a single, live 2D camera output to produce live stereo 3D video from sports arenas and mobile video units; and Stergen Studio, for use in broadcast studios or cable head-ends to convert live, 2D video programs to stereo 3D in real-time.
Dr. Miky Tamir, founder of Stergen and former founder of Orad and SportVu said, “Our patent-pending, PC software takes advantage of sports-specific features, like the playing field, the players, goals and stands, and applies specific geometrical rules for each object type. Unlike general-purpose 2D to 3D conversion products, we use specific sports features to extract real scene geometry and generate a true depth value for each pixel for an exceptional stereo 3D effect.”
As a result, Dr. Tamir added, “We produce high-fidelity, broadcast-quality 3D with even better depth perception than video captured by stereo 3D cameras and rigs. Unlike real 3D shooting, we have almost infinite capability to dynamically change the stereoscopic setting. Stergen’s 2D to 3D stereo conversion tools can complement live stereo 3D production, as well as offer a compelling alternative to expensive, logistically complex, live stereo 3D production. It cuts costs without compromising superior, broadcast quality.” While Vizrt is an important partner, Stergen’s software interfaces to many other graphics packages on the market.
“In addition to the breakthrough of creating 3D video from 2D video content, there is the amazing ability to place and animate 3D graphics into 3D video depth. This enables the creation of fantastic looking graphics – never seen before for live broadcast productions by literally placing 3D graphics into 3D video space,” explained Petter Ole Jakobsen, CTO, Vizrt. “Stergen’s innovative technology enters the market at a time when analysts project that over 28 million 3D-capable TV sets will be in the home by 2012.”
As demand grows for stereo 3D content to fill this new medium, Vizrt will demonstrate its stereo 3D content creation solutions at IBC 2010. Vizrt will conduct stereoscopic 3D demonstrations, including a 3D stereoscopy wall and virtual studio that outputs virtual objects, 3D stereoscopic video, graphics and never before seen effects. Jakobsen added, “Our partnership with Stergen will undoubtedly strengthen our stereo 3D sports production portfolio.”
About Vizrt:
Vizrt provides real-time 3D graphics and asset management tools for the broadcast industry – from award-winning animations & maps to online publishing tools.
Vizrt’s products are used by the world’s leading broadcasters and publishing houses, including: CNN, CBS, Fox, the BBC, BSkyB, ITN, Tele5, laSexta, ETB, TV3, Antena3 and FC Barcelona, The Globe and Mail, Times Online, The Telegraph, and Welt Online. Furthermore, many world-class production houses and corporate institutions such as the Stock Exchanges in New York and London use Vizrt systems.
Vizrt is a public company traded on the Oslo Main List: VIZ, ISIN: IL0010838154.
