France’s QOL, Europe’s first independent manufacturer to have moved into Blu-ray, has replicated its first 3D Blu-ray disc, commissioned by Panasonic France. 3D authoring and encoding have been performed by Mastery International Pictures.

The demonstration disc uses high-definition footage of Roland Garros French Open tennis tournament as well as excerpts of Jean Michel Jarre’s ‘World Tour 2010’ concert extravaganza. The 3D BD screenings will be used for Panasonic’s marketing campaign at specialist retailers.

In partnership with the Fédération Française de Tennis, telecom operator Orange and pan-European TV channel Eurosport, Panasonic utilized its end-to-end 3D capabilities to produce the 3D live broadcast of the first multi-day sporting tournament held in Europe.

All matches on Roland Garros’ centre court were filmed in 3D and broadcast live via ADSL and fiber optic to Orange subscribers throughout France on a dedicated Orange
TV channel.

Additionally, the entire tournament was transmitted in 3D to a large range of retail stores in France. Satellite TV broadcaster Eurosport transmitted the 3D live coverage to more than 3,000 retail stores in some 58 European territories on Panasonic’s VT20 3D Plasma TVs.

Panasonic is planning 3D Innovation Centres in Europe, New Jersey and Los Angeles in addition to the existing site in Japan.

Story filed 04.09.10