The National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) and Dolby Laboratories, Inc. announced they have created the industry’s first cinema-quality 3D feed using a cable set-top box presented in a digital cinema environment enabled with Dolby 3D.
For more information visit: www.dolby.com
Unedited press release follows:
Dolby 3D Cinema Expertise Brings Cable 3D to NCTA’s Theater
NCTA Facility Showcases Latest 3D Innovations Powered by Cable Set-Top Box
SAN FRANCISCO & WASHINGTON–In developing the latest round of technology upgrades to the high-definition theater at the headquarters of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) in Washington, DC, the NCTA and Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: DLB) have collaborated to create the industry’s first cinema-quality 3D feed using a cable set-top box presented in a digital cinema environment enabled with Dolby 3D.
Drawing on its unique expertise across the entertainment industry—from content creation and digital cinema exhibition to television broadcast and playback devices—Dolby delivered the know-how to demonstrate the potential of future 3D broadcasts.
“The NCTA screening facility allows viewers to enjoy some of the best and most current cable programming, and Dolby is proud to have played an integral role,” said Walt Husak, Director, Image Technology, Dolby Laboratories. “Our rich heritage is built upon years of enabling new possibilities and delivering novel solutions that provide premium entertainment to viewers.”
Dolby Production Services installed Dolby 3D in NCTA’s theater, which recently showcased its new 3D display opportunities with the successful broadcast of ESPN’s 3D coverage of the 2010 FIFA™ World Cup™, which was delivered through a Comcast® set-top box, then split into a left and right eye stereoscopic image through a Doremi™ format converter. The signal was then passed through an image processing unit into a Christie digital cinema projector equipped with Dolby 3D. Audiences wearing Dolby 3D glasses were able to experience, for the first time, 1080 3D playback of the World Cup in a movie theater environment. The state-of-the-art NCTA theater is also equipped with Dolby Digital technology to deliver a truly immersing surround sound experience.
“We’re grateful for Dolby’s expertise and support in enabling NCTA’s theater for the World Cup and other exciting 3D cable programming offerings to our industry and to policymakers here in Washington,” said Mark Bell, Vice President, Industry Affairs, NCTA. “With Dolby’s cutting-edge technology, NCTA’s digital cinema can now display brilliant 1080 3D images.”
About Dolby Laboratories
Dolby Laboratories (NYSE:DLB) is the global leader in technologies that are essential elements in the best entertainment experiences. Founded in 1965 and best known for high-quality audio and surround sound, Dolby creates innovations that enrich entertainment at the movies, at home, or on the go. For more information about Dolby Laboratories or Dolby technologies, please visit www.dolby.com.
About the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA)
NCTA is the principal trade association for the US cable industry, representing cable operators serving more than 90 percent of the nation’s cable television households and more than 200 cable program networks. The cable industry is the nation’s largest broadband provider of high-speed Internet access, serving more than 40 million customers, after investing more than $160 billion to build a two-way interactive network with fiber optic technology. Cable companies also provide state-of-the-art digital telephone service to more than 22 million American consumers.