Montreal-based Sensio Technologies has a new agreement with National Geographic Cinema Ventures for 3D content to be offered for on-demand rental.
It’s the second recent major 3D content deal that Sensio has announced recently, and it comes with word that the company has also reached a deal with Chinese TV manufacturer TCL Multimedia Technology to use Sensio Hi-Fi 3D and S2D Switch technologies in TCL’s 3DTVs.
3D content from National Geographic will be available across the U.S. on the 3DGO! , set to launch later this year. Sensio has previously announced the 3D service will also launch in Canada and internationally.
It’s a dedicated transactional 3D VOD service that will offer a selection of high-quality 3D content, including Hollywood blockbusters, documentaries, and exclusive live events.
National Geographic will contribute content from its library, having produced or released a number of successful films including Academy Award-nominated documentaries "Restrepo" and "The Story of the Weeping Camel"; giant-screen award-winning films "Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure," "U2 3D,""Mysteries of Egypt" and "Forces of Nature"; and feature-length films "The Last Lions" and "Life in a Day.".
Viewers need a 3D capable TV set compatible with Sensio Hi-Fi 3D technology.
Sensio Hi-Fi 3D is a frame-compatible technology for high-fidelity stereoscopic signal processing in display products. It has been deployed in the field and refined over the past seven years, Sensio said.
The proprietary Sensio S2D Switch enables users to switch viewing mode of a 3D feed from 3D to 2D or between different 3D view modes. It supports the popular frame-compatible formats covered by HDMI 1.4a, and is used by service providers supporting 3D today: side-by-side (SbS), top-and-bottom (TaB), checkerboard and Sensio Hi-Fi 3D.
Currently, Chinese manufacturer TCL is marketing 3DTV sets in its domestic market.
"We are pleased by this association with a pioneer in the 3D industry, and to have the opportunity to make our 3D content available to consumers through this unique high-quality 3D platform", said Lisa Truitt, President at National Geographic Cinema Ventures. "This is an exciting time for 3D and consumers are craving for more content to watch at home."
"We expect this multi-year agreement with this important organization to be prolific and successful, and we are really excited to move another step toward our goal to answer consumers' need for diversified 3D content,” said Richard LaBerge, company executive vice-president and CMO. With another prestigious leader of the movie and TV industry putting its trust in our service, we are well on our way to becoming the preferred destination for 3D VOD content."
Montreal-based Sensio Technologies also recently signed an a 3D VOD licensing agreement with Starz Digital Media to make select 3D movies available for on-demand rental on Sensio’s 3DGO! service. Top films from producers such as The Weinstein Company and Anchor Bay Films will be featured.