Video from the Depths of the Ocean and The New Era of Immersive Exploration: A Conversation with Ocean Exploration Trust’s Dr. Robert Ballard

In this special converston, the world-renowned oceanographer speaks from the ocean floor

What if you could explore anywhere in the world in real-time from your living room?

World-renowned oceanographer and explorer Dr. Robert Ballard believes that day is almost here, and, in this special presentation, will take you to the seafloor to prove it.

Famed as the discoverer of the Titanic shipwreck, Ballard has spent his career exploring under the sea and now with the team from Ocean Exploration Trust, equipped with immersive cameras, remotely-operated deep-diving vehicles, telepresence, and seafaring broadcast tools onboard Exploration Vessel Nautilus, exploration has entered a new era.

In this world-premiere, live-to-tape Silicon Valley Video Summit SMPTE Keynote, Ballard explained his vision for how video offers new potential for real-time exploration as education and entertainment, while the Ocean Exploration Trust team, takes the stage for a technology “deep dive” on how the ship’s scientific control room and studio connect scientists, students, and everyday explorers to the world of discovery and exploration.

The presentation also included a panel discussion between:

• Allison Fundis, Ocean Exploration Trust, Chief Operating Officer
• Ed McNichol, Ocean Exploration Trust, Video Operations Manager
• Dave Robertson, Ocean Exploration Trust, Senior Video Engineer
• Peter Thordarson, Ocean Exploration Trust, Video Engineer; SVV Conference Chair

This presentation was hosted at the 2024 Silicon Valley Video Summit in Mountain View, CA on January 23 and was moderated by Former SMPTE President Pat Griffis. The session was introduced by Current SMPTE President and I2A2, President and COO Renard T. Jenkins.

*NOTE: The SMPTE Keynote series at Silicon Valley Video Summit was developed to introduce students to career opportunities in video and broadcast.