Sony Retrofits Telegenic Truck for World Cup 3D

Sony is to integrate a range of its own technologies into an existing HD outside broadcast scanner owned by Telegenic and airfreight it to South Africa for the production of 25 matches in 3D. Sony Professional Solutions’ OB unit is putting 3D capable equipment including new professional 3D monitors and up to nine 3D Processor Boxes into Telegenic’s triple expanding side HD truck originally built by Sony in 2007-8 for Premiership football coverage. HDC 1500s in T-block configuration, Canon remote control lenses and Element Technica rigs will be fitted for the dual camera positions.

According to Telegenic business manager Eamonn Curtin: “Sony is adding a 3D layer to the truck. The aim it to make it similar in functionality and technology to T18 [its new Sony-integrated 3D truck operated for BSkyB]. We were chosen mainly because of our knowledge of 3D to date and also because 90% of the guts of T16 is already Sony."

Telegenic is sending stereographer Peter Howard and three convergence operators to South Africa with the truck although the 3D technical production is being managed by CAN Communicate. Telegenic will have two 3D trucks running by the summer for work on Sky Sports events such as cricket. The firm will have the option of buying the Sony integrated kit on the return of T16 from the World Cup or the kit will be swapped out.

Sony is also building a 3D scanner for French outside broadcaster AMP Visual TV which will work alongside the Telegenic truck during the World Cup. AMP Visual TV is the OB provider to HBS for its production of the French Ligue. Up to seven trials of Sony's 3D Processor Box have been made so far in conjunction with AMP on Ligue 1 soccer matches.

By Adrian Pennington, TVB Europe