HBS and Can Communicate Ink Four-Year 3D Partnership

Host Broadcast Services (HBS) and Can Communicate, which collaborated on the 3D productions of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, have agreed on a four-year strategic partnership whereby they will co-produce 3D for future events, when possible.

The move is in response to a growing global 3D market, says Chris Dyer, business development director/partner at Can Communicate.

“We are aware of a number of 3D channels that will be launched in the next six to 12 months,” he says. “There are the [networks already in the U.S.], BSkyB launching in the UK, Russia’s General Satellite, and others in the Middle East, Far East, and South America that we know will be launching. “

When FIFA challenged HBS to produce and manage the world’s first stereoscopic-3D broadcast coverage of World Cup matches, HBS brought in Can Communicate, its long-time collaborator on many major sporting events, to form a best-of-breed team that could undertake the enormous task. Can Communicate acted as technical consultant throughout the project testing period and provided key stereoscopic-3D–skilled personnel on-site in South Africa.

“I definitely believe 3D is well beyond an experiment,” says Dyer, citing the commitment from consumer-electronics manufacturers and the professional-equipment marketplace. “Not to mention gaming,” he adds. “We believe it’s here to stay this time, and, with the new channels coming, there is a marketing opportunity for major brands and sponsors.”

Peter Angell, director of production division for HBS, says that, after the World Cup, there is now an expectation that most major sporting events will have a 3D broadcast for cinema and TV audiences in the coming years.

“This collaboration between HBS and Can Communicate,” he adds, “with all the expertise gained from our experiences in South Africa, means that we are ideally positioned as an industry leader to support that movement.”

At IBC 2010, the prestigious Judges’ Prize was awarded to the team behind the FIFA World Cup in 3D, recognising the remarkable technical and collaborative achievement of producing 25 World Cup matches in stereoscopic 3D.

The first joint project will be announced shortly.

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