Update on 3D broadcast (next blog post below)

I just got our production memos and it looks like they will have an entire production truck dedicated to the 3D broad cast as well as TEN cameras. It should really be worth watching - IF you have movie theater near you broadcasting it.

3D Live Broadcast TV

The camera array utilized to capture the images for live broadcast.

A pretty boring still photo of the blurry images on the 3D screen.

One of the really cool parts of my job is that I get to see some emerging technology before the masses do. Before the start of the Orange Bowl last week, we were invited to check out a trial of a new technology - live broadcast 3D television. The system utilizes multiple cameras that are slightly offset to capture the scene in binocular vision - the way our vision works. It's then transmitted instantly - just like regular television to a special 3D monitor. The output - to the naked eye is varying degree of blurriness.

When you put on the special 3D glasses (independently polarized) the TV becomes 3 Dimensional. It was really amazing to look at the field - which was just outside of where we were sitting - in real time and feel like you could put your hand into the television. The depth was incredible.

This has been done recently in both an NBA game as well as an NFL game broadcast to a closed audience, but now - THIS week's game - the National Championship will be broadcast to 80 theaters around the country. You can go to the theater and watch the ball game live in 3D. It won't be a complete production - with all the same announcers, replays and stats on the screen because they have a limited number of cameras to use for this broadcast, but still it will be groundbreaking stuff.

You can see the promotional website for the broadcast Here:

The video below is one I took of the 3D screen - it's not a good video at all, but you can see the 'blurry' images that become 3 dimensional when you put the glasses on. I know this doesn't interest many people, but I just love new technology.

Working the Orange Bowl

I'm in Miami this week - working my 3rd Orange Bowl in a row. Jan came down on tuesday night and we spent NYE together, and she went back home today.

The photo above was taken by Jason - the guy I'm working with this week of me and OBIE the Orange Bowl Mascot.

A good blog post.

While Jan and I were in the Bahamas earlier this year, we ran across 2 great folks - Jeff and Mary who live on their boat in Hope Town Harbor for 1/2 the year. Within 5 minutes of meeting them while dingying around the harbor, they had invited us to have dinner with them at a waterside restaurant and play trivia during happy hour. This quick friendship situation is not unusual with cruising sailors.

Mary has since started a blog about living on boats that's very enjoyable to read. Her post today is especially good. You can see it here: http://firstmatemary.blogspot.com/2009/01/for-evelyn.html