P3D C3D - broadcasting 3D television

["Xal razutis" <razutis@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Rather than rely on second-hand information about 3D manufacturers (hardware 
and content) and the new C3D television broadcasters, I find it useful to 
directly seek out the source and evaluate the circumstances first hand.

This was certainly true in 1998 when I visited the NuView (3D adapter for 
camcorders) creators in Santa Barbara, subsequently endorsing that product 
(with some minor reservations about its 'ghosting' of hi-contrast scenes).  
When asked about Vrex VRSurfers several years back, my response was 'you 
won't believe how bad the design is until you try one!'.

The current discussion of C3D also peaked my interest.  Last Friday (July 
16) I paid a visit to their offices in Chatsworth (outskirts of Los Angeles) 
for the purpose of finding out first hand what they were doing, what their 
attitudes were towards content and the future.  There, I met with Alan 
Maretsky (Programming Aquisitions), Doug Stanley (Network Production 
Manager), also Jill Sobel (Producer) and Kevin McHenry (Technical Manager) 
and other staff.  I was interested to see how 'open' they were to the kind 
of content that I produce ('3D video art') and was surprised at not only 
their openness but also the diverse nature of their interest and committment 
to the future of broadcasting 3D video.

What a difference an in-person meeting makes!

I saw samples of their programming, discussed their interests in acquiring 
diverse content, noted that they weren't simply 'television people' with 
rigid standards of 'production value' and format.
They are looking for interesting content to expand their broadcast line-up.  
They've acquired historical films on videotape, contract out or purchase 
(license) works from producers, sell wired and wireless viewing hardware and 
tapes via their on-line store, and are generally leading edge in terms of 
bringing stereoscopic television (and video) to the public via their 
declared intentions to get as many cable operators subscribing to this new 
and exciting distribution format.

Not really a 'two week' wonder, like I recently read on this list.  And 
something we all need if stereoscopic 3D video and television will be 
accepted beyond the confines of club meets, and art venues.

I should know the difficulties of 'selling' this medium to the powers that 
be.  In Canada, for the last three years(!) I couldn't get any acceptance of 
this form from agencies like the National Film Board (not even interested in 
looking at it!), and outside of art-house venues, the disinterest was 
discouraging (if not infuriating).  And aside from the hobbyist interest, 
try 'making a living' at it!

Yet here in the Southern California area we have both large-format 3D 
producers (film, theme park attractions), some dinosaurs (the broadcast 
networks (like ABC) which offer 'token experiments' in 3D ('Third Rock from 
the Sun') and then drop it), manufacturers, distributors, club activities 
and upcoming 3D film/video festival hosted by the Southern Calif. Stereo 
Club (Aug. 7), and hobbyists, historians, enthusiasts.

If it can't make it here, then I suppose it can't make it anywhere!

The C3D enterprise is unique (I know of no other channel) and I think it is 
here to stay.  Whether you catch the programming in California or the 
midwest, whether you are satisfied with the content, or want more, I think 
the reader's input in supporting this and similar ventures is what will 
propell us into a more exciting new millenium, one that is full of 
stereoscopic content and delivery systems.

Simple dimissals, made at a distance, and based on second-hand information 
doesn't do it.  Unless, that is, the world is not supposed to get any bigger 
than the stated preconceptions of some list regulars.  Fortunately the web 
is bigger than us all.  To check out C3D (at a distance) see:
http://www.3d.com



Al Razutis


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