Canada’s national public broadcaster tests the first Canadian 3D TV program
CBC Television made broadcasting history with the first-ever Canadian 3D images on a national television network. The historic images were the first public test of CBC’s 3D technology, in preparation for the full airing of the documentary special Queen Elizabeth in 3D on Monday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. on CBC-TV and on CBC News Network on Wednesday, September 22 at 10 p.m.
The test showed Her Majesty reviewing the Canadian naval fleet in Halifax, as well as attending Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa and the Queen’s Plate in Toronto—all in 3D. “It’s exciting to be part of Canadian television history,” said Kirstine Stewart, interim executive vice-president, CBC English services, who followed the experimental shoots closely and attended the Queen’s Plate filming. “Once again, the CBC is at the forefront of bringing the best in television programming to as many Canadians as possible.”
The brief 3D test was unannounced, and broadcast across the entire CBC system, including satellite, cable, Internet and over-the-air. Some 50 Canadians from Newfoundland to B.C. to the Arctic were given inexpensive 3D glasses and took part in the test group (without the glasses, 3D images appear slightly blurred to viewers). However, night owls will have a chance to catch the images again: the test will be repeated several times in the next few weeks as CBC calibrates its transmitters to ensure the best 3D experience possible when the film airs on Sept. 20.
Queen Elizabeth in 3D was led by Mark Starowicz, executive director of documentary programming, who assembled a special team of cameramen, producers, stereographers and editors who worked closely with Buckingham Palace to get close to the Queen. “We wanted to learn,” Starowicz said. “We wanted to be on the cutting edge of documentary production, and we wanted to make some history.” The documentary also includes archival colour 3D footage from 1953 and new material shot at Buckingham Palace.
“Wow, the 3D effects were great,” said Lou-Ann Bagg, who watched from her home in Toronto. “I felt like I was actually at the procession!”
“The Mounties really jumped out of the screen in 3D,” said Jo-Anne Cameron, from Spruce Grove, Alta. “And being able to see the Queen in a completely new way was amazing. The 3D picture of her surrounded by reporters was the most memorable—I felt like she was standing in my living room.”
“As someone who was born across the pond, I have a special affinity for the Royal Family,” said Debbie Travis, who will host CBC-TV’s All For One with Debbie Travis this fall. “I found it particularly fascinating to see Queen Elizabeth in 3D in the early footage from her coronation, and I can’t wait to see more when the full documentary airs in September!”
While there have been 3D television programs shown in Canada before—CityTV broadcast some old Hollywood 3D movies locally in Toronto in the ’70s and ’80s; CTV simulcast a U.S. program in 2005, NBC’s Medium, which contained some 3D sequences; Discovery Channel carried some 3D moments during a U.S. program on sharks; and Bell TV simulcast this year’s Masters Golf Tournament in 3D—the CBC broadcast is the first to be Canadian-shot and –produced and transmitted nationally on this scale.
Viewers with a pair of 3D glasses will be able to see the Queen as they have never seen her before. No special video equipment is required: two million pairs of free 3D glasses will be distributed at many Canada Post outlets in early September on a first-come, first-served basis. For more, visit www.cbc.ca/QE3D
On Sept. 20, Queen Elizabeth in 3D will be part of a theme “Queen Night” on CBC, and will be followed by a special showing of the acclaimed 2006 film The Queen, starring Helen Mirren.
