Ericsson has already played a large role in bringing 3D to the consumer, demonstrating its complete end-to-end solution for contribution and distribution of live 3D TV at numerous live trials as well as industry tradeshows (including NAB and IBC).

Ericsson is enabling broadcasters and operators to introduce 3D TV consumer services today. Its complete 3D TV solution addresses the challenges of 3D delivery in both contribution and distribution, as well as direct-to-home (DTH). The challenges for live 3D TV contribution differ greatly from DTH, with the utmost being the need for the best picture quality possible including full spatial resolution. Ericsson’s large contribution and distribution portfolios have been optimized to ensure that 3D feeds are compressed efficiently and delivered correctly.

In March 2010, ESPN announced that it would show 85 events throughout the year in 3D, to further enhance the viewing experience for sports fans, beginning June 11 with the first 2010 FIFA World Cup match, featuring South Africa versus Mexico. In July, ESPN provided 8 hours of 3D coverage for the X Games 16. Other events to be produced in 3D include 2010 college football ACC Championship, 2011 BCS National Championship game, college basketball and NBA games in 2011.

In June 2010, Ericsson enabled South Korean football supporters to experience 3D live in cinemas by supplying CJ Golden Village (CGV), the country’s main multiplex cinema chain, with compression solutions that enabled CGV to show World Cup action in 3D. This was the first ever live event to be shown in 3D in digital cinemas in the country.

South Korean soccer fans were able to watch World Cup action in 3D at 50 cinema screens across the country using 3D glasses. This ground-breaking broadcast for South Korea enabled soccer fans to get closer to the action than ever before, making this huge global sports event an even more engaging experience for viewers.

Ericsson also enabled the world’s first broadcast of live sport in 3D on free-to-air television in May 2010, when Nine Network Australia broadcast the Harvey Norman State of Origin rugby league tournament live in 3D. Ericsson’s video processing solutions enabled fans of this fiercely contested three game series to experience the action like never before.

The Nine Network in Australia broadcast live 3D coverage of the 2010 rugby league ‘Harvey Norman State of Origin Series’ in five east coast cities – Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Newcastle and Wollongong – a world-first for 3D free-to-air broadcasting. This significant announcement shows that even with limited bandwidth, DTT operators are determined not to be left behind in providing 3D.

Ericsson’s 3D Solution

Ericsson’s 3D solution addresses challenges in both contribution and distribution, as well as direct-to-home delivery of 3D content. The challenges for live 3D contribution differ greatly from DTH, with the utmost being the need for the best picture quality possible including full spatial resolution. Ericsson’s large contribution and distribution portfolios have been optimized to ensure that 3D feeds are compressed and delivered correctly.

Ericsson will be demonstrating its full range of solutions for enabling next generation TV experiences at IBC 2011, booth 1.D61.

www.ericsson.com