BBC Places 3D Pilot on Hold, Cites Lack of Public Interest

The BBC announced it will take a hiatus from developing 3D TV programming based on the public’s “lack of appetite” for the technology. Kim Shillinglaw, the BBC’s head of 3D, says that British television viewers have not taken to the format, despite the fact there are now an estimated 1.5 million UK households with 3D TVs. As a result, the BBC is planning a three-year break from its 3D project once the current two-year pilot comes to an end later this year. Continue reading BBC Places 3D Pilot on Hold, Cites Lack of Public Interest

ESPN Chief Technology Exec Cautious About Future of 4K TV

Earlier this month, we reported that ESPN is planning to shut down its ESPN 3D channel at year’s end. “Due to limited viewer adoption of 3D services to the home, ESPN is discontinuing ESPN 3D,” explained the company in a statement. While ESPN’s top tech exec Chuck Pagano is not yet convinced that 4K TV will take off either, the sports broadcaster is setting up a technical framework for Ultra HD to prepare for its eventuality. Continue reading ESPN Chief Technology Exec Cautious About Future of 4K TV

ESPN to Shut Down 3D Sports Channel by End of This Year

ESPN is planning to shut down its ESPN 3D channel at year’s end. “Due to limited viewer adoption of 3D services to the home, ESPN is discontinuing ESPN 3D,” explained the company in a statement. “We are committing our 3D resources to other products and services that will better serve fans and affiliates. Nobody knows more about sports in 3D than ESPN, and we will be ready to provide the service to fans if or when 3D does take off.” Continue reading ESPN to Shut Down 3D Sports Channel by End of This Year

2012 CES Content Preview: Entertainment Matters

Entertainment Matters at CES (EM), currently in its second year, is an International CES program created specifically for the Hollywood and entertainment community.  EM includes On the Floor, which targets relevant exhibits for content and entertainment professionals; Keynotes and Panels that address key trends, technologies, media and branding; the Red Carpet Program, an exclusive, invitation-only VIP program to CES; and Next Generation, a custom experience for tomorrow’s entertainment media leaders.  Sponsored by Variety and Ericsson, EM is a tailored connection to partnerships and innovations at the world’s largest consumer electronics tradeshow, the 2012 International CES® (January 10-13 in Las Vegas).

 

DTS, Technicolor, LG, Sony and ESPN 3D are just a few of the more than 2,700 leading tech companies exhibiting at CES On the Floor – from global giants to emerging startups – unveiling innovative new products and services and showcasing the collaboration between content creators and CE manufacturers.

 

The Red Carpet Program is an insider’s view of global technology and content, and access to potential business opportunities.  It is an invitation-only VIP program open to select executives, directors, producers and talent (contact: RedCarpet@CE.org).  Red Carpet benefits include:

  • Free access to the CES show floor
  • Access to private Red Carpet Lounge on the show floor (LVCC, North Hall)
  • Preshow and on-site service, including a dedicated hotline
  • Priority VIP passes to Keynote Addresses*
  • 20% discount on Entertainment Matters Conference Pass
  • Customized guided tours of show floor*
  • Access to exclusive VIP parties and special events*
*Space is limited.

 

For Hollywood’s Next Generation leaders, EM provides a custom experience designed to introduce this highly networked and influential community to the CES experience.  The program targets tomorrow’s studio chiefs, content producers, leading actors, agents and attorneys (contact: Hollywood@CE.org).  Next Generation benefits include:

 

  • Free access to the CES show floor
  • Curated/guided tour of the show floor*
  • Free access to select Entertainment Matters Conference Sessions
  • 20% discount on full Entertainment Matters Conference Pass
  • Access to invite-only Thursday evening event
* Space is limited.

 

Entertainment Matters also includes the International Academy of Web Television’s inaugural IAWTV Awards; the Technology & Engineering Emmy® Awards; various TechZones such as 3D@Home, Access on the Go, iLounge Pavilion and Mobile DTV; the Official Entertainment Matters Party at LAVO; and Conference Tracks that should be of particular interest to entertainment professionals, such as Tweet House Presents: Social Media Success Stories, The Reinvention of an Industry: Entertainment Everywhere, Games Summit at CES and Digital Hollywood.

 

Additionally, CES provides relevant news updates twice a week with the Entertainment Matters Digital Content SmartBrief (EM SmartBrief), covering news essential to the digital entertainment industry (to subscribe: www.smartbrief.com/ceadigital).

 

Click here to register for Entertainment Matters.  Use priority code EM13 and receive free registration and a 20% discount on the Entertainment Matters Conference Pass.  (You must be a working professional in the content and entertainment industry.)