3D recording of Spring Festival Gala

The countdown is now on for the most watched TV show on the globe. The rehearsals for CCTV's Spring Festival Gala are well underway.

Reporter: "Preparations for this year's CCTV Spring Festival Gala is well into the fourth stage. And this year, a 3D version of the gala is being recorded. It requires powerful technical support."

Since the 3D equipment are incompatible with ordinary ones, the recording has to be carried out separately. Entering into the control room, everyone is wearing a pair of large glasses. The technicians here said it's specially designed for watching 3D programs.

Chen Jiangjiang, deputy director of CCTV Broadcasting Department, said, "The 3D recording system imitates the eyes of human beings. It consists of two cameras. The left one is called 'left eye' camera, and the other camera is the 'right eye'. By using the special glasses, you can see a 3D scene, just as you see the real world."

But operating the system is complicated work. The parameter settings alone took the staff three days. Chen says this step is very crucial to the final outcome.

Chen said, "If it's not adjusted well, audiences may feel dizzy and even nauseous."

Besides professional camera men, the production team has another special post -- 3D effect creator. Through his computer and specialized equipment, the television pictures are generated into its 3D version.

And one 3D camera is not enough to record with. There are altogether nine cameras working simultaneously.

The 3D gala will be broadcast on February 10th, the first day of the Chinese New Year.