SECAUCUS, N.J., Sept. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Critical acclaim,
outstanding viewership and wide availability from major
distributors greeted this month's 3D coverage of the 2011 US Open
Tennis Championships. A joint production of CBS Sports, Panasonic
and the United States Tennis Association (USTA), this is the second
year that American viewers have had the opportunity to watch the US
Open in 3D, bringing a unique sense of "being there" to viewers of
one of the world's premiere sporting events. Panasonic, a worldwide
leader in Full HD 3D technology, is the official consumer
electronics sponsor of the US Open Championships, as well as
sponsor of CBS Sports' 2D and 3D US Open telecasts.
Following an Emmy Award-winning production in 2010, this year 3D
coverage of the US Open was expanded to include more hours and
wider distribution. The coverage was available on DIRECTV's n3D
Powered by Panasonic; Comcast Xfinity 3D; Cablevision's iO TV; and
Verizon's FiOS system. In addition, the men's and women's finals
were also available in 3D via the Internet on the USTA's web site
(www.usopen.org), utilizing the NVIDIA 3D viewing platform.
"We've always said that sports bring out the best in 3D, and the
strong response from system operators and the public proves it,"
said Eisuke Tsuyuzaki, Panasonic's
Chief Technology Officer. "When you are watching a match in 3D in
your home, the sense that you are actually there and a part of the
action simply can't be beat."
Viewers responded enthusiastically to the expanded coverage.
"This was one of the most-watched 3D events on the DIRECTV 3D
platform," said Steven Roberts,
Senior Vice President of Programming, Strategy and Development for
DIRECTV. "This is the second year that we have carried the US Open
Tennis Championship in 3D and we look forward to continuing our
relationship with Panasonic and the USTA to bring even more
compelling tennis programming in 3D to DIRECTV customers
nationwide."
This year's production consisted of 48 hours of 3D programming
over seven days, covering matches in both Arthur Ashe Stadium and
Louis Armstrong Stadium -- a notable increase from the 40 hours of
3D programming from Arthur Ashe Stadium in 2010. The number of 3D
cameras utilized was doubled to 14 this year, with three used
specifically for low-angle 3D shots. A separate robotic 3D camera
captured images of players during breaks, and Panasonic's AG-3DP1
prototype as well as one fly-by-wire system were also used.
The 3D production of the Open utilized its own unique production
team and equipment. Special courtside placement of 3D cameras
created the ideal camera angles for 3D filming giving 3D viewers a
unique perspective on the action that made them feel as if they
were sitting courtside.
"We're proud to have once again partnered with Panasonic to
create cutting-edge 3D sports programming," said Ken Aagaard, Executive Vice President of CBS
Sports. "The audience response confirms our continuing belief that
3D TV programming can create an environment that brings viewers
right into the action, offering a sense of realism never before
possible."
"3DTV elevates home entertainment to a whole new level for
consumers," said Mr. Tsuyuzaki. "Panasonic's commitment to 3D
remains strong as evidenced by our recent announcement that we will
partner with Olympic Broadcasting Services to create more than 200
hours of 3D coverage during next summer's London Olympics. We're
looking forward, over the coming months, to present to consumers
other flagship events that showcase the best in 3D
programming."
About USTA
The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis
in the U.S. and the leader in promoting and developing the growth
of tennis at every level -- from local communities to the highest
level of the professional game. A not-for-profit organization
with 750,000 members, it invests 100% of its proceeds in growing
the game. It owns and operates the US Open, the highest
attended annual sporting event in the world, and launched the
Olympus US Open Series linking 10 summer tournaments to the US
Open. In addition, it owns the 90 Pro Circuit events throughout the
U.S., is a minority owner and promotional partner of World
TeamTennis, and selects the teams for the Davis Cup, Fed Cup,
Olympic and Paralympic Games. The USTA philanthropic entity,
USTA Serves, provides grants and scholarships and through tennis,
helps underserved youth and people with disabilities to improve
academics and strive for excellence. For more information on the
USTA, log on to usta.com.
About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Secaucus, N.J.,
Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), a market and
technology leader in High Definition television, is a Division of
Panasonic Corporation of North
America, the principal North American subsidiary of
Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S.
marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic is
a world leader in 3D technology offering end-to-end 3D solutions
for consumers and professionals ranging from award-winning Full HD
3D HDTVs, Blu-ray Disc players, and 3D camcorder and digital camera
products through professional products for 3D acquisition, display
and content production. Information about Panasonic and its
products is available at www.panasonic.com and its Full HD 3D site
at www.panasonic.com/3D. Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent,
sustainable use of the earth's natural resources and protect our
environment through the company's Eco Ideas programs. Information
about Panasonic Eco Ideas initiatives is available at
http://panasonic.net/green_innovation. Additional company
information for journalists is also available at
www.panasonic.com/pressroom.
SOURCE Panasonic