Monday, October 5, 2009

Sony develops single lens 3D camera

The electronics giant, Sony, has unveiled the latest piece of kit for the 3D TV market, a single lens camera that is fully capable of producing 3D images.

This is the sort of advance in technology that most of the 3D TV industry has been waiting for.

The new technology will make the production of 3D TV programmes much cheaper and therefore allow them to be brought to the small screen much faster.

The current 3D TV System uses the traditional two lens set up, but the Sony 3D TV single lens camera takes one image and duplicates it.

This makes the whole process smooth even when recording subjects at 240 frames per second, making it ideal for sporting events.

The viewer is still going to need to watch the TV wearing polarized glasses, as without the glasses the images appears as a straight 2D TV broadcast.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

3D Gaming coming to Zune HD

3D is here to stay with Sony entering the 3D market with an impressive showing of Wipeout HD in True 3D. Microsoft is looking to take portable 3D to the mainstream and one up Apple's devil candy the iPods.

Over the weekend, several demo videos were posted online and then quickly yanked; As you can see in the clip below, the Zune HD is briefly shown playing a 3D racing game, while the voiceover highlights that the PMP will also allow for gameplay.

Since the Zune HD is based on NVIDIA’s Tegra chipset – a 720p HD-capable platform with HDMI output and hardware video acceleration – that really comes as no surprise, but it’s been a factor Microsoft themselves have been decidedly quiet on until now. The PMP officially arrives tomorrow, priced at $220 for the 16GB model and $290 for the 32GB version. Video after the Jump:



Thursday, September 10, 2009

Sony Commercial Showcasing 3D Tech

Sony is making a swift and strong move to separate themselves from Microsoft Xbox 360. In the recent few days, Sony has officially entered the 3D world with the announcement of the 3D Bravia HD Display which will hit sometime in 2010. The same technology will eventually be applied to the Sony PS3 and it will turn any HD display into a Full HD 3D Display.

Besides 3D, Sony unleashed a few tech demos that showed off a new voice recognition library for the PS3, dubbed PS3VR, extreme zoom technology that zooms to a gigipixel level and advance facial recognition including head tracking. This push to lead the 3D market is a smart move on Sony's behalf, they are on the forefront in 3D cinema display, which includes the production of 3D movies, advance 3D cameras and of course the Trojan Horse 3D Blu-ray.

Sony needs to differentiate themselves from the rest of the Next Generation Gaming pack, by implementing true next generation gaming feature and by the looks of it they are on the right path. Video after the jump.



Tuesday, September 1, 2009

3D BRAVIA TVs by end of 2010, also 3D VAIOs, Blu-ray films, and PS3 games?

It was only inevitable that we will be seeing Sony embraces 3D technology with with open arms and the Sony PS3 being a great and important role. Sony decision to throw it's weight behind 3D technology will help push 3D to the masses and make it more of a commercial success.

Speaking at the IFA technology trade show in Berlin, Sir Howard Stringer, Sony chief executive, will announce plans not only to sell 3D Bravia television sets, but to make Sony’s Vaio laptop computers, PlayStation3 games consoles and Blu-ray disc players compatible with the technology.

Mr Stringer is expected to tell the audience: “Today, 3D is clearly on its way to the mass market through technology, distribution and content.

“As with high definition a few years back, there are a variety of issues yet to be addressed. But the 3D train is on the track, and we at Sony are ready to drive it home.”

Via:[Ft.com]


Friday, March 13, 2009

Topps 3D Live brings virtual reality to baseball cards

Topps - a familiar name to generations of baseball fans - has teamed up with a company called Total Immersion to launch a new series of 3D cards that would have been unimaginable in the days before the Internet.

Now, with a PC and a WebCam, collectors can watch as the players on their cards come alive - popping up in full 3D for interactive "augmented reality" minigames including batting, fielding and pitching drills.

Here's how it works: After you've snagged one of the "Topps 3D Live" cards - they come in both Topps 2009 Baseball Series 1 and Topps Attax packs - you log on to ToppsTown.com and select the player on your card.

Then, simply hold the card up to a standard WebCam and - voila! - Alex Rodriguez, CC Sabathia, Johan Santana or one of 30 other stars appear to emerge from the card, in 3D, on your computer screen - for a series of simple games playable using your keyboard.

Saturday, February 28, 2009

APHRODITE IX will become a 3D movie

Threshold's Larry Kasanoff and Platinum chairman and CEO Scott Mitchell Rosenberg are producing Aphrodite IX. According to, Kasanoff "This is just the kind of franchise we love: a visually stunning world, amazing effects, a great story and a hot, kick-ass babe in the lead. What could be better?"

The comic centers on a cyborg assassin who achieves self-awareness and begins searching for her origins. A similar prescription paid off handsomely last year with Universal's "Wanted," starring Angelina Jolie. Top Cow spun Mark Millar and JG Jones' comic into a franchise, grossing $339 million worldwide. Can you imagine if Wanted was in 3D how fucking epic would that have been?

The Birds Remake in 3D ?

MarketSaw recently had an opportunity to chat with actress Brenna Lee Roth and managed to pry some interesting information from her. The upcoming remake of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds is not only moving forward; it might just even be in 3D! Roth dropped this comment in mentioning she had been in talks with producers in perhaps working on the film, and revealed that the producer involved had all three dimensions in mind for the project.

A Birds remake in 3D could either be very good thing or some piece together bullshit. If done right Birds 3D could be a fun ride, especially with 3D technology advancing at the current pace.

Re-Animator Remake Coming ... in 3D

The Re-Animator one of my favorite movies of all time may be remade in 3D glory. If this can happen, please for the love of god can we get a 3D remake of Evil Dead?

Shock Till You Drop spoke with prooducer Ray Haboush today and learned that both he and series staple Brian Yuzna are looking to remake the movie in 3D.

No word on any casting or if Combs would be returning to the role which he made so famous, but we'll be monitoring the situation carefully.

Panasonic wants 3D in the home Soon

At this time, the 3D technology enjoyed in theaters with such films as Journey to the Center of the Earth and Bolt is not commercially available for home use. One huge obstacle is that there are no agreed upon terms regarding building 3D-capable TV sets that are compatible with all possible content sources, including existing Blu-ray and/or DVD players. For the Blu-ray/DVD market today, studios must downgrade their 3D theatrical releases into anaglyph form, with 3D imagery that’s more crude and blurry compared to big-screen technology.

It appears that James Cameron’s Avatar, set for theatrical release Dec. 18, might be one of the first 3D theatricals to be released in modern 3D form on Blu-ray. Panasonic donated 3D camera and TV display equipment for filming, and the company is expected to stay with the project through all of its various phases.

In a YouTube clip posted on Jan. 25, Cameron thanks Panasonic for its Avatar involvement and remarks, “I look forward to working with Panasonic to bring high-quality 3D onto home screens.”



Panasonic’s Hollywood demo involves a modified BD50 model BD Live player, which runs discs at about twice as fast as its usual rate. Also, the model’s picture-in-picture capabilities have been further amplified. The player is connected to a 3D-ready Panasonic prototype plasma TV that was shown off at January’s Consumer Electronics Show.

Eisuke Tsuyuzaki, Panasonic VP of corporate development and general manager of its Blu-ray Group, says he believes the company will simultaneously launch a 3D-enabled TV display and Blu-ray player in 2010. That rollout also would be supported by available 3D content, potentially hailing from Panasonic’s own recently launched 3D Blu-ray authoring facility at its Hollywood headquarters.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

3D Eyetracking Cellphone Interface Video

A group calling themselves The Astonishing Tribe has created a concept, which gives traditionally flat interface elements a very convincing sense of depth and layering, relying on eyetracking and TAT's in-house 3D engine, which render's in real time in the video. This is Buck Rodger type eyetracking technology, uses your eyes' locations, along with the orientation of the device, as part of the perspective equation that creates a pretty fucking cool 3D effect.

FYI: The Astonishing Tribe created G1's Android UI



Friday, February 20, 2009

SCTE Looking to set standards for 3D-TV

The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers , the cable industry's standards-setting body, says it is investigating what standards would be required to put 3D content on cable networks. The project, dubbed "3D over Cable," will vet out and identify any necessary or desirable changes to existing SCTE standards, including transport protocols.

The 3D project has been assigned to the Society's Digital Video Subcommittee (DVS), which will lead cable-specific activities but will also lean on 3D work already underway at the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) and the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA).

3DFusion Shows Off Glasses Free 3D Display

Philips 3DFMax stereoscopic Glasses Free Television is about to make a splash. Built based on Philips 3D Solutions, 2D Plus Depth format, the 3DF IP enhances and augments the 3D advancements to the point of achieving the first 3D Broadcast Ready, picture perfect standard for stereoscopic Glasses Free 3D displays. Making this the first first 3D broadcast ready display.

3DFusion a major Philips North American 3D Solutions Provider and Certified Blue Box Content Creator, has taken the newly released Philips 3D Solutions WOWvx Media Player to the next level. When 3DF coupled its 3DFMax optimizer technology with the latest Philips software upgrade, stated CEO Ilya Sorokin, the results were breathtaking. The Philips 3D Solutions WOWvx product is the undisputed 3D winner, having crossed the 3D finish line first.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Maingear Prelude 2, a 3D gaming workstation

Maingear the maker of high end ultra performance hand built computers such as the Remix workstation is jumping on the 3D bandwagon. The Prelude 2, a 3D gaming workstation that features the NVIDIA GeForce 3D Vision setup, a 22-inch SyncMaster 2233RZ display, and a desktop PC rocking an Intel Core i7 processor all for $1,999. More detailed specs are unavailable at the moment, but if you've been itching to jump on the 3D bandwagon what are you waiting for?

Press Release
MAINGEAR Unleashes Prelude 2 Equipped with NVIDIA GeForce 3D Vision

New System Offers PC Gamers Tremendous Value with NVIDIA's Cutting-Edge GeForce 3D Vision Technology, Intel's Core i7, and Samsung 22" LCD Monitor for 1999.99

Union, New Jersey – February 18th, 2009 – MAINGEAR Computers, award-winning builders of high performance custom computers for PC gamers and enthusiasts, is proud to announce the Prelude 2, the Company's first system to incorporate NVIDIA's revolutionary GeForce 3D Vision stereoscopic 3D technology. Bundled with a 22" Samsung® SyncMaster 2233RZ display and boasting Intel's Core i7 processor, Prelude 2 offers gamers the most innovative and immersive gaming experience imaginable at a sub-$2,000 price point.

"The fact that Maingear customers will have the ability to play games in 3D stereo is just awesome," said Ujesh Desai, general manager of GPU business at NVIDIA. "NVIDIA GeForce 3D Vision is taking the world by storm, and Maingear's Prelude 2 is going to deliver a mind-blowing experience."

"We're offering gamers the complete package to fully immerse themselves in the gaming arena of their choice" said Wallace Santos, CEO and Founder of MAINGEAR. "With support for some of today's hottest titles like Burnout Paradise, The Ultimate Box, or the Mirror's Edge, Prelude 2 and NVIDIA GeForce 3D Vision offers an unrivaled, unique gaming experience that is a phenomenal value at under $2,000."

MAINGEAR also partnered with Elemental to offer customers the power to easily convert any video and audio file for a variety of devices with Badaboom(www.badaboomit.com). Badaboom adopts a unique approach to transcoding by using the GPU rather than the CPU which not only runs faster but also frees up the CPU to process additional tasks. This allow consumers to painlessly convert video between formats, allowing them to view home video content on their portable devices, or Media Center content on their Apple TV – all in a convenient, intuitive application. The Prelude 2 will feature the full version of the Badaboom software.

Gamers can purchase the MAINGEAR Prelude 2 at MAINGEAR's Web site www.maingear.com or order by phone at (888-MAINGEAR). The base price for Prelude with NVIDIA 3D Vision technology is $1,999.99. Prelude 2 comes with MAINGEAR's standard 14 month warranty and is backed by the best in-house support team in the country.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Microsoft in talks to buy 3D gesture-recognition company

According to haaretz.com, software giant Microsoft is negotiating to acquire the Israeli startup 3DV Systems for about $35 million.

3DV's video imaging technology and camera capture objects in 3D, enabling users to control personal space through intuitive body gestures. The ZCam lets players control the game using body gestures. This experience is complemented by the ability to combine your own 3D image inside the game scene, in real-time.

Would we see Microsoft making further enhancements to the Xbox 360 to offer a Minority Report style gaming experience or will we see this technology in the 360Next?

Monday, February 16, 2009

NEC to make "MOBILE3DTV" a Reality

Press Release
SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Strengthening its commitment to innovative technologies for industrial and high-end monitor applications, NEC Electronics America announced to the Americas that samples of NEC LCD Technologies’ 3.1-inch-diagonal three-dimensional (3D) polysilicon thin-film-transistor (TFT) liquid crystal display (LCD) module would be provided for the MOBILE3DTV terminal prototype being displayed at Mobile World Congress 2009 (MWC2009).

The 3D LCD module has been adopted for the MOBILE3DTV terminal prototype because of its wide viewing areas, excellent 3D picture quality for bare-eyes viewing and high-performance display, which features wide quarter video graphics array (WQVGA) resolution and NEC LCD Technologies’ unique horizontal double-density pixel (HDDP) system. The MOBILE3DTV prototype with NEC’s 3.1-inch 3D LCD module is on display in the NEC booth (Hall 8, Booth 8A 125) at MWC2009, the world’s largest mobile technologies-related event, in Barcelona, Spain February 16–19.

MOBILE3DTV is one of the projects funded by the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007–2013) in the context of its Information & Communication Technologies (ICT) “Cooperation” theme. The three-year project began in January 2008 and aims to demonstrate the feasibility of mobile 3D TV broadcasting. The MOBILE3DTV terminal prototype is being developed by a project consortium partner, MM Solutions AD, and also will be displayed in the NEC booth at MWC2009 to demonstrate real-time decoding and displaying of 3D video content. NEC Electronics America will also showcase the 3.1-inch 3D module at the 2009 SID International Symposium, May 31–June 5, at the San Antonio Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas.

Looking forward, NEC LCD Technologies will continue to promote research and development in pursuit of practical uses and mass production of 3D LCDs.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Getting to know 3D part 1


This is not your grandmother even your mother 3D anymore. 3D technology has come a long way. The first confirmed 3-D film shown to a paying audience was The Power of Love, which premiered at the Ambassador Hotel Theater in Los Angeles on September 27, 1922. The camera rig was a product of the film's producer, Harry K. Fairall, and cinematographer Robert F. Elder. Power of Love was also the first film to used projected dual-strip in the red/green anaglyph format, giving us those funky cheap red/blue classes of pre-HD 3D era.

Tons of shit has changed since 1922. 3D began it's re-emergence around the early 1960s with new technology called Space-Vision 3D, stereoscopic films were printed with two images, one above the other, in a single academy ratio frame, on a single strip, and needed only one projector fitted with a special lens. This so-called "over and under" technique eliminated the need for dual projector set-ups, and produced widescreen, but darker, less vivid, polarized 3-D images thus Stereoscopic 3d was born.

The 1960-1970 also saw the most profitable 3d movie ever made. In 1970, Stereovision, a new entity founded by director/inventor Allan Silliphant and optical designer Chris Condon produce a movie called The Stewardesses. The Stewardesse only cost about $100,000 to produced. Stereovision's The Stewardesse ran for up to a year in several markets, eventually earning $27 million in North America, alone in fewer than 800 theaters making it one of the most profitable movies ever.

The 1980's brought us IMAX and IMAX3D. The first IMAX 3-D fiction film was the 45-minute Wings of Courage (1995), by director Jean-Jacques Annaud, about the author and pilot Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Hollywood cought on fast about the potential of 3D and a few of our original favorites came out in 3D such as, Amityville 3-D,Friday the 13th Part 3 and Jaws 3-D.

Since 1984 Hollywood has seen enormous potential to make money and help prevent piracy with 3D. We fast forward to present day, there's upward to 20+ mega budget movies in production or currently in the movie theater. Panasonic has recently opened a new 3D labs at the Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory in California to establish and develop their version of 3D Blu-ray, which they are calling "3D Full HD" (3D FHD). And the all mighty Trojan Horse the Sony PS3 may just add it as part of firmware 3.0.

They are many unforeseen forces being the Herculean push for 3D and one of these titans is RealD one of the world's preeminent leader in 3D technology. In "Getting to know 3D part 2" we will take an in dept look at RealD. (to be continue)

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Will Porn Help Drive 3D to the Masses?

"Pornographic" everyone's dirty little secret and the champion of the VHS. As with VHS Porn again will raise to the occasion to help re-shape 3D technology. In 2006 the porn industry generated $2.84 billion in revenue from websites in the US. Porn was considered a 50 billion dollar business in 2007. Yet anyone and everyone can watch porn for free.

With sales tanking quickly over the past several years in favor of free alternatives, the industry is now trying to figure out ways to stay afloat. They are estimates that no more than 15 or 20 percent of the porn in the wild is legitimate and that's just sick.

3D to the rescue, with 3D blu-ray on the heels of making it mainstream with help from the millions of PS3 in homes around the globe. Porn is about to be Pirate Proof.

3D Sex And Zen the most expensive porn film
to date will begin shooting this April, according to the producer. Stephen Shiu Jr., chairman of One Dollar Production, says "3D Sex and Zen will push the envelope content-wise while helping thwart piracy"

Many adult industry studios see 3D technology as a cash cow. Going 3D will help elevate piracy at the beginning but piracy will always be there. By the adult movie industry eagerly salivating to adopt 3D technology, this will change the way we watch our favorite shows and play our favorite games.

The World’s First High-Definition 3D Stereo Solution For The Home

Press Release
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW (CES) 2009 —LAS VEGAS, NV—JANUARY 8, 2009—/NVIDIA Corporation, in conjunction with the world’s leading content developers, display manufacturers, and PC OEMs and system builders, is pleased to announce NVIDIA® 3D Vision™ for GeForce®, the world’s first high-definition 3D stereo solution for the home.

Forming the foundation for a new consumer 3D stereo ecosystem for gaming and home entertainment PCs, 3D Vision is a combination of high-tech wireless glasses, a high-power IR emitter and advanced software that automatically transforms hundreds of PC games into full stereoscopic 3D experiences. Designed to work with the new pure Samsung® and ViewSonic® 120 Hz LCD monitors, Mitsubishi® DLP® HDTVs, and the DepthQ HD 3D Projector by Lightspeed Design, Inc, 3D Vision unlocks crystal-clear, flicker-free 3D stereo imagery perfect for driving new experiences in 3D gaming, 3D movies, and 3D photography.

“Along with gaming innovations in Microsoft Windows and DirectX, NVIDIA 3D Vision proves there’s never been a better time to be a PC gamer,” said Corey Rosemond, group marketing manager, Windows Gaming. “By including support for previously released and upcoming Games for Windows and Games for Windows -- LIVE titles, PC gamers can expect a new level of immersion in full stereoscopic 3D, and enjoy broad support for the hottest games.”

Powered by NVIDIA GeForce GPUs, the number one choice of gamers worldwide, 3D Vision is the world’s highest quality stereoscopic 3D consumer solution, consisting of:

“For gamers, 3D Vision for GeForce represents a whole different way of experiencing the game, and for developers, it unlocks the potential of making the game literally pop off the screen,” said Ujesh Desai, vice president of GeForce desktop business at NVIDIA. “From games to movies to photography, 3D Vision delivers a truly immersive awesome 3D experience.”

Thursday, February 12, 2009

3D Technology in Porn!

A Hong Kong movie called 3D Sex And Zen with a ridiculous budget of $4 million will be the first ever big budget 3D porno movie. This has to be the most expensive porn movie ever made. The sex scenes will be in glorious HD 3D for cinematic and plot driven purposes.

Stephen Shiu Jr., a spokesman for the film, told the Sunday Morning Post that, "there will be many close-ups," and it will feel as if the performers will only be "a few centimetres from the audience."

NanoGeekTech has reported, 3D is gathering some serious steam and Hollywood realizes the monetary and social potential with 3D re-birth. According to the announcement, the same company that worked on the 3D version of The Nightmare Before Christmas will be the one working on this one.

Panasonic Moves Forward with 3D Blu-ray

Panasonic has recently opened a new 3D labs at the Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory in California to establish and develop their version of 3D Blu-ray, which they are calling "3D Full HD" (3D FHD). Panasonic will work directly with Hollywood studios(including Sony) to develop 3D Blu-ray titles, as well as develop consumer products to support those titles.

Panasonic plans to develop a 3D Plasma display, a 3D-ready digital cinema projector, and a 3D-ready MPEG-4 decoder for consumer applications.

Eisuke Tsuyuzaki, Managing Director of Panasonic Hollywood Laborator, commented, "Panasonic recognizes that for 3D FHD to succeed, just like Blu-ray, collaboration on research, development and production with studios and content providers is absolutely essential. The creation of the new PHL Authoring Center will enable Hollywood to start trial production and ultimately create commercially available 3D FHD titles to realize a new window into reality, and elevate the level of High Definition entertainment that consumers can enjoy in their own homes."

NBA All-Star Saturday Night Shown in 3D

Turner Sports partnered with the NBA and Cinedigm Digital Cinema to give us the latest 3D movie theater broadcast of a high-profile sporting event, with its All-Star broadcast on Saturday, February 14.

The slam dunk, 3-point shootout and skills competitions will be part of the 3D All-Star festivities from Phoenix that will be shown in 80 theaters, on up to 160 screens featuring Cinedigm Digital Cinema. Such theaters include: Carmike Cinemas, Celebration Cinemas, Cinema West, Emagine, Galaxy Theatres, Marquee Cinemas, MJR, NCG, Rave Motion Pictures, Showcase and UltraStar Cinema locations.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Customers Set the 3D Record Straight: Gaming Rules


Press Release:
Customers Set the 3D Record Straight: Gaming Rules
Meant to be Seen Finalizes Results of U-DECIDE Initiative, More Than Triples Performance

Toronto, Ontario - January 6th, 2009 – Meant to Be Seen, the foremost authority group on stereoscopic 3D (S-3D) gaming and home entertainment has announced the completion of the U-DECIDE Initiative, the most credible study of what customers think of 3D entertainment technologies and why. Neil Schneider will be present at the Consumer Electronics Show, and meetings can be scheduled through MTBS’ press contact listed below. A brief synopsis of the additional contents of the U-DECIDE Initiative report will be made available at iZ3D Inc’s meeting room #25118M in the Gaming Showcase downstairs, South Hall 2, Las Vegas Convention Center.

“While CES is going to be filled with a lot of ideas and wishes for the 3D industry, dreams can only be made into reality if demand can be demonstrated. We now have the smoking gun to accomplish this from the only people whose opinion matters – our industry’s customers,” said Neil Schneider, President & CEO of Meant to be Seen.

Stereoscopic 3D refers to the ability to display true volumetric 3D content through 2D media. Examples include explosions that pop out of the screen, and a sense of depth that makes viewers think they can reach inside the display.

Made possible with the assistance of AMD, iZ3D, Blitz Games Studios, The Game Creators and Guild Software, the U-DECIDE final report will determine what customers think of 3D entertainment, and will dispel the leading myths and assumptions about the technology.

Customer opinions were captured in two separate online surveys. One was for traditional gamers who don’t yet own 3D display equipment, and the other was for experienced stereoscopic 3D gamers and consumers. Each respondent was required to answer 26 multipart questions, and there were well over seven hundred surveys completed (60% 2D, 40% S-3D gamers).




A staggering 65% of 2D respondents find 3D “intriguing” and 27% more say 3D is “must have” technology. Less than 4% think 3D is “tacky”, and just over 5% think it “sounds uncomfortable” – very low compared to what is often assumed of consumers.






3D glasses are regularly cited as a handicap to the at-home 3D market, yet only 12% of 2D customers object to 3D glasses for video games – content that is widely available today. This climbs to almost 30% for 3D broadcast television, with Blu-ray movies falling in-between with 16% glasses objection. Experienced 3D customers are more forgiving with just a 3% objection level for video games, 4% for Blu-ray, and 12% for broadcast television.







All respondents were nearly unanimous about video games with an 87% suitability rating by 2D, and nearly 96% rating by experienced 3D gamers. Without yet owning the technology for themselves, 93% of 2D customers want game developers to officially support true 3D in their games, and this climbs to 99% amongst 3D gamers. Suitability of 3D Blu-ray movies and 3D broadcasts were far more selective, and an in-depth analysis will be found in the final report.



Other findings include brand awareness of twenty different products/companies in the 3D marketplace according to both 2D and S-3D gamers. For example, the awareness range for products with 2D gamers was 4% to 54%, and Meant to be Seen scored over 40% amongst 2D gamers. This climbed to over 60% amongst S-3D gamers in a possible range of 8% to 68%.

Leading brands surveyed include iZ3D, NVIDIA, Mitsubishi, Samsung, RealD, Dolby 3D, DDD, Philips, Texas Instruments, Viewsonic and more.

“This is a bombshell. First, the game developers are only now waking up to the possibilities of 3D and the manufacturers are disproportionately spending their resources on the home 3D cinema market. Second, there is clearly a disconnect between what customers think and what many believe they think. And third, the content makers are weighing their futures on distant glasses-free technologies that consumers aren’t asking for. It’s clear that the sooner we all listen to our customers, the better,” Schneider explained.

Nearly 60 participant winners have been drawn for a wide selection of prizes including iZ3D 3D monitors, ATI GPUs, and a wide selection of video games by Blitz Games Studios, The Game Creators, and Guild Software.

Graphics charts are available for download from mtbs3D.com in the U-DECIDE sub-menu, and the complete report is expected to be available for distribution on January 26th, 2009.

Committed MTBS partners and qualified game developers who accept complementary MTBS Certification can get the report for free. There will be a 5% discount to MTBS members (free registration), and interested parties can email udecide@mtbs3D.com for more information on the report’s contents and pricing. This release is a small sampling of what has been learned.

MTBS is pleased to report that 2008 was a record year with its monthly traffic growing almost 360% in less than 12 months, and more than doubling its registered membership in the same period.

Non-proprietary and independently owned and operated, Meant to be Seen is made possible by unrestricted education grants from iZ3D Inc. and TDVision Corp. Non-proprietary in nature, MTBS welcomes additional industry involvement to help grow the popularity and effective use of consumer stereoscopic 3D technologies.

For more information, visit http://www.mtbs3D.com or contact:

Carol Warren, Principal
Antarra Communications
Tel. 714-891-3660
Cel. 714-865-6735
Toll Free 866-268-2772
Email cwarren@antarra.com

True HD 3D Sony's Secret Weapon


On December 1-2nd 2008 Unicomm, LLC hosted a very important conference that will change they way we view media. It was the 3D Entertainment Summit 2008 located in Los Angeles, CA.

This premier event enable corporate suits to deliver panel discussions defining business models and creative technique, 3D presentations of trailers, videogames and never before seen sneak previews of test footage and technology demonstrations. More than 400 leading members of the 3D industry ecosystem and press from U.S., Canada, France, United Kingdom and Japan.

Notable attendees included:

-Bob Dowling
Conference Chairman

-Jeffrey Katzenberg
Chief Executive Officer, DreamWorks Animation SKG

-Mark Zoradi
President Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Group

-Jim Cameron
Director

-Sandy Climan
CEO 3ality Digital, LLC

-James Dix
Vice President Equity Research Media & Entertainment, Wedbush Morgan Securities

-Buzz Hays
Senior Producer, Sony Pictures Imageworks

-Andrew Oliver
Co-Founder & C.T.O., Blitz Games Studios Ltd.

Sony alongside with RealD 3D, Avid, 3alitydigital, Pace, IMAX, NEC, Virtual Images and Dolby 3D are making huge strides with 3D cinema technology. Sony has recently released a Single-projector 3D adaptor for Sony 4K Projector late last year. Sony's new adaptor uses the full height of Sony’s 4K imaging device, with the ability to display full 2K images for the left and right eye simultaneously and in parallel, from top and bottom.

So what does this have to do with the Sony PS3? The PS3 is a modern day version of the Trojan horse. What do I mean you ponder? Will as you can see Sony has a heavily invested interest in Blu-ray technology even though sales of Video Games eclipse DVD/Blu-ray in 2008. According to reports, Blu-ray sales will see an increase of double the sales in 2009. For 3D movies to make the transition from movie theaters to our living room, the technology needs to be in place.

Currently they are over 19+ million PS3 owners with access to a blu-ray player burning current in homes all across the world. With 3D movies adding additional cost to overall production the movies studios need to make their money back. At this year CES 2009, 3D was the rave most importantly 3D HD Television displays.

With 3D Television sets already on the market and building steam. Blu-ray is one of the only media storage device that will help usher in 3D movies in our living rooms. They are currently 29 big budget 3D movies slated for 2009-2011.

In December 2008, Pioneer Corporation unveiled a 400 GB Blu-ray disc, which contains 16 data layers, 25 GB each, and will be compatible with current players after a firmware update(PS3). A planned launch is in the 2009-2010 time frame for ROM and 2010-2013 for rewritable discs. Ongoing development is under way to create a 1 TB Blu-ray disc as soon as 2013. Movies will capitalize on the massive storage space of Blu-ray at first and True HD 3D will be part of the process.

So lets review, Big Budget 3D movies are right around the corner(check), 3D television HD sets are on the market now and building steam(check), Blu-ray storage space will be increase just in time for big budget movies(check), and most importantly there is about 25+ million blu-ray players including Sony PS3 in homes around the globe(check).

Once 3D movies land on blu-ray, video games will only soon follow. Andrew Oliver Chief Technology Officer and Neil Schneider President & CEO of Blitz game Studios has confirm that Sony "Fully intends" to support stereoscopic 3d gaming and Blu-ray for the Sony PS3. According to Neil Schneider "The best part is console support will only need a bios to work, and we are told that the ability to add this capability via bios may be unique to Sony PS3 versus other console solutions". This is evidence that with a single firmware update Sony can make all PS3s True 3D HD players for movies and games.

Being that firmware update 3.0 will land sometime this year can we expect to see 3D in firmware 3.0?


Saturday, January 17, 2009

3D Gaming a Reality on Sony PS3 in 2009


Sony may need a serious lifeline if you ask some journalist around the web. Luckily thing I am not a journalist and second you'll have to find "NanoGeekTech". This year's 2009 CES has shown us and also proven there was only one prominent and important technology that counts in 2009 and beyond. It's the resurgence of "3D" in stunning crisp HD.

Sony with great foresight the set of balls of an iron clad Godzilla is at the helm of bringing 3D gaming to the masses. Sony teased attendies at this year CES 2009 with some of the most amazing HD 3D gaming videos ever shown in public. Sony has kept it quite "hush hush" in terms of how this was being accomplished.

Sony PS3 right now may look like a modern day child star going down the wrong path. They "rein king in the early days" now all grown up their shooting heroin, getting locked up for stupid shit while ensuring the our locals malls stay safe. Sony PS3 sales according to NPD is currently lagging in third place being the "other guys"but sales are up 40% prior to 2007. John Koller, director of hardware marketing at SCEA proclaims the PS3 is still in the early adaptation mode. According to Koller "The PS3 is still in its early adopter phase, tech-oriented consumer … they’re interested in the multi-functionality of the system." This usually happen 12-18 months into a product life cycle it's been well over 24 months.

So far great news for Sony, but it's still cost a "whopping $399" for a PS3(sarcasm). Do not fret the price of the PS3 will drop "Sony expects to achieve profitability in this segment in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009" Just in time for April fools day, June 2009 or by August 2009 just in time for fall 2009 lineup.

You are probably thinking "WTF does all that have to do with Sony PS3 and 3D". HD 3D has officially emerge as a great "cash cow" for movie executives in Hollywood. The list of mega 3D blockbuster movies is continuing to grow at an ridiculous rate.

Here is a quick list of big budget 3D movies upcoming in 2009 and beyond:

-Robert Zemeckis' Christmas Carol (November 6th, 2009)
-James Cameron's Avatar (May 22nd, 2009)
-Peter Jackson and Steven Spielberg Tintin (Unconfirmed 2009)
-Shrek Goes Fourth (May 21st, 2010)
-James Cameron's Battle Angel
-Final Destination 4 (Unconfirmed 2008)

The biggest selling tool these movies that cost well over a few billion dollars to be develop and distribute will be "3D". When 3D movies arrive on blu-ray how do these movies need to be enjoyed shit they better be in "3D". Many people give Sony the finger for adding a blu-ray functionality and jacking up to price to unreachable heights. In the upcoming years blu-ray will show it's true value as "3D" movies, gaming and television become more mainstream.

Every major electronic brand is jumping on the 3D TV bandwagon. At this year CES 2009 Panasonic set up a mini-home theater where its 103-inch, plasma 3D screen showed clips from New Line Cinema's Journey to the Center of the Earth and Walt Disney Pictures' animated film Bolt. 3D televisions will help usher in more 3D HD movies in the future and most importantly 3D blu-ray hardware and software. According to Panasonic's Suetsugi said "he is hopeful that a common standard for 3D Blu-ray hardware, software and TVs will emerge sometime this year, paving the way for 3D TV sales to pick up in 2010."

There's already 19.63 million PS3 out in the wild. In theory that's almost 20 million people with access to a pre-firmware update "3D" device. Sony needs to separate itself from the gaming herd beyond just "blu-ray". With the movies industry already changing the public perception about 3D and at the same time fermenting excitement. It only make sense for Sony to take 3D to the next step and apply it to HD gaming for their PS3.

I will speculate that Sony will have the ability to tap into the "Matrix" aka Sony PS3 and with the flip of the switch we will have the ability to play future Sony AAA exclusives in true HD 3D. There are some obvious flaws in my theory but for the moment lets overlook these flaws. If Sony can add 3D to the PS3 with a firmware update say "Fall 2009". Just in time for FFXIII fall 2009 debut in Japan, GOW III 2009 debut and GT5 spring of 2010 how will the competition react?

Now Sony can in theory flip a switch and we may have "3D" on our PS3, the question would be will there be a need for a 3D HD TV? This could be the case, to help sell 3D HD TVs. They are many issues involved to make 3D a reality. That being said there is an industry wide shift to make 3D a function of everyday media life. A company like Sony Corporation has the most to gain if 3D is wildly accepted. Sony makes the cameras to help shoot the movies in 3D, the future TVs, the blu-ray players, and most importantly the Trojan horse everyone calls the Sony PS3.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Sony teases with Amazing 3D Wipeout HD at CES 2009


Sony's first big splash at CES 2009 this year was a spectcular demo of Wipeout HD in 3D. NanoGeekTech reported Sony may be introducing 3D technology to a Sony PS3 near you soon may finally come to fruition.

Those luckily Ars Technicaians got a chance to witness Sony Spectacular 3D Technology Display on a PS3(speculation). According to Ben Kuchera at Ars Technica, "I couldn't pry details about how the 3D affect was achieved, or if the display could turn any source into 3D, but what's clear is that, glasses or no, the 3D affect is amazing. Sony showed off Wipeout HD running in true 3D, and I was ready to whip out my credit card right there. Frank and I both agreed, this was one of the best demos of 3D technology we have ever seen."

All I have to say is wow! I have recently played Wipeout HD and it's an amazing game. Its one of the prettiest things permanently stored in my subconscious for life. Many articles out there are declaring the death of Sony's technology Trojan horse the PS3 or the epic failure. If this 3D technology makes its way into the PS3 and is maximized alongside with the CELL processor, Sony would have to be decleared Crown Victor as first to bring true next generation HD 3D gaming technology to the masses "Game over".