Method and apparatus for distribution of 3d television program materials

A system for converting video content, the system comprising:

• a hardware processor that is programmed to:
• receive a 3D video stream and metadata associated with the 3D video stream, wherein the metadata includes a type of 3D to 2D conversion applicable to the 3D video stream, and wherein the type of 3D to 2D conversion is a value from a plurality of values that at least indicates an output resolution for a 2D video stream and a manner in which a left 3D view and a right 3D view of the 3D video stream are included within the 3D video stream;
• determine that a 3D to 2D conversion is to be performed;
• in response to determining that the 3D to 2D conversion is to be performed, identify the output resolution for the 2D video stream indicated by the type of 3D to 2D conversion;
• and
• convert the 3D video stream to the 2D video stream with the output resolution indicated by the type of 3D to 2D conversion using either the left 3D video or the right 3D video.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium containing computer executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a method for converting video content, the method comprising:

• receiving a 3D video stream and metadata associated with the 3D video stream, wherein the metadata includes a type of 3D to 2D conversion applicable to the 3D video stream, and wherein the type of 3D to 2D conversion is a value from a plurality of values that at least indicates an output resolution for a 2D video stream and a manner in which a left 3D view and a right 3D view of the 3D video stream are included within the 3D video stream;
• determining that a 3D to 2D conversion is to be performed;
• in response to determining that the 3D to 2D conversion is to be performed, identifying the output resolution for the 2D video stream indicated by the type of 3D to 2D conversion;
• and
• converting the 3D video stream to the 2D video stream with the output resolution indicated by the type of 3D to 2D conversion using either the left 3D video or the right 3D video.