Vizrt Character Generator Utilized for First Live 3D HD German Football Game

On March 14, TopVision, the Berlin-based OB-Van production company, presented the first live 3D HD Bundesliga football match in Germany. Nine 3D camera rigs (18 cameras in total) provided the video and Vizrt’s software generated the graphics. The Viz Trio character generator and the dual-channel Viz Engine created and synchronized graphics for the left and right eyes, creating the 3D effect.

The 3D football game was transmitted by satellite to a closed-circuit audience in Munich where all viewers were given RealD 3D circular-polarized glasses. Achim Jendges, TopVision’s CEO, said the 3D production and transmission was a full success, and the company plans to continue producing more sport events in 3D.

“Sky Germany and Sportcast specifically requested that we do this production in 3D,” he says. “We’ve worked with Sky on other important TV milestones, for example the first HD production from a Bundesliga football match in December 2005.”

For the 3D HD graphics, Vizrt supplied a 3D HD Trio character generator and Viz Engine rendering system. Out of the switcher, the right eye and the left eye images were streamed in full HD 1920 x 1080 to 3D HD monitors. Using circular-polarized 3D glasses, the TopVision crew could view flicker-free 3D HD images and work on the production with no eye strain.

“Live Stereo-3D productions have different needs than film, where you can change the stereo-3D parameter in post production,” says Johann Rückel, sales manager at Vizrt. “In a live production you need real-time tools like the Viz Engine, where you can change every parameter and see the changes right away.”

Worldwide interest in 3D is growing and broadcasters are eager to put the technology to use on live sports events. With Viz Engine, Viz Trio and Viz Virtual Studio, Vizrt has a range of 3D products that are now field proven at high-profile live productions.

Visit Vizrt at NAB booth SL5408 next month in Las Vegas to see the Stereo 3D Vizrt solution in action.