SCTE Assessing Standardization Needs for Next Generation 3D Content Delivery

The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) announces today that its American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-accredited SCTE Standards Program has begun to investigate the standardization required for the carriage of next generation 3D content on cable networks.

The SCTE Engineering Committee, which oversees the Society’s development of technical standards covering all aspects of cable networks, has approved a project to examine the delivery of 3D content over cable networks. The new project, “3D over Cable,” will focus on identifying necessary or desirable changes to existing SCTE standards, including transport protocols, to facilitate the provision of 3D content by cable operators.

“Although 3D content is available today over cable, the long-term delivery of next generation 3D content will be strengthened by the adoption of uniform engineering and technical criteria,” said SCTE Engineering Committee Chair Charlie Kennamer. “To that end, SCTE intends to examine new 3D television technology to develop standards that can be used by the cable industry to deliver a more immersive television experience.”

The 3D project has been assigned to SCTE’s Digital Video Subcommittee (DVS), which will make recommendations on standards and protocols based on the needs of the cable industry. As part of this effort, DVS will consider not only cable industry activities but also standards work being conducted in other organizations such as the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) and the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA).

“DVS has the expertise necessary among its members to evaluate the new technologies and to help determine the correct course for cable to pursue,” said SCTE Vice President, Standards Steve Oksala. The subcommittee will discuss its new project at its March meeting. DVS is chaired by Paul J. Hearty, Ph.D., of Ryerson University.

Almost 160 cable operators, vendors, and allied organizations are SCTE Standards Program members, which entitles them to participate in the standards development process. Individuals and organizations interested in working on the 3D project can contact SCTE about program membership at 800-542-5040 or standards@scte.org. SCTE also offers companies and individuals a convenient way to receive notification about recent approvals and new standards projects through the SCTE Standards Action Notice. Interested parties may subscribe in the Standards section of the SCTE website.

Source: SCTE