The Alchemist Ph.C – HD ensured smooth conversion of left- and right-eye video from the 1080i50 production standard to the 720p60 standard required to reduce flicker and ensure high viewing quality on theater screens. The Alchemist Ph.C – HD is among the many systems across Snell's product portfolio that are 3D-ready and already being used to support 3D production around the world. Equipped to support image processing, live production, automation, workflow control, and distribution within the 3D environment, Snell's 3D-capable systems allow broadcasters to leverage powerful, familiar tools in meeting the rising demand for 3D content.
SIS LIVE integrated the Alchemist Ph.C – HD into the 3D delivery workflow and provided both the satellite uplink and OB facilities for the RBS 6 Nations Rugby tournament. Arqiva provided the downlink at Odeon and Cineworld cinemas. During the event, produced by 3D specialist Inition, seven 3D cameras (both mirror and side-by-side rigs), along with a number of 2D cameras, captured the action. The 1080i50 output from the switcher was converted to 720p50 and then the separate left and right streams were compressed by a SENSIO encoder into one 720p50 side-by-side stream at 1.5 Gbps. The resulting signal was converted to 720p60 by the Alchemist Ph.C – HD and distributed to cinemas. Dolby® D audio was successfully passed through the Alchemist Ph.C – HD in data mode and delivered along with video.