The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) has announced proposals for a stereoscopic 3D mastering standard that will provide universal image formatting requirements for making and delivering 3D content.

A cross-industry SMPTE task force spent six-months researching and debating before recommending a mastering standard called the 3D Home Master that is based on 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution at 60 frames per second and per eye.

By adopting this standard the SMPTE hopes that 3D feature films and other programming will be able to be played universally on home television and computer displays regardless of delivery channels.

It will additionally provide requirements for the delivery of those materials to all distribution channels; from physical media to terrestrial, satellite, cable and other streaming service providers.

“This was a very important step for SMPTE to take,” said Nandhu Nandhakumar, senior vice president of advanced technology at LG Electronics. “With studio and equipment vendors saying here’s what the master formats will look like, then the rest of the distribution chain can become more focused.”

The next step will be the formal definition of the 3D Home Master. Work starts in June with results expected within a year.

More than 200 people representing film, TV, consumer electronics manufacturers and semiconductor companies, collaborated on the Task Force.

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