Technicolor today announced that it has launched the first independent broadcast services platform ready to broadcast 3D channels out of its Chiswick facility in London.
Technicolor has developed its state-of-the-art Broadcast 3D service offering to ensure optimal viewing and distribution technologies are being used. The company is now ready to offer this service to its cable, television, and satellite network service provider clients. Read the rest of this entry »
Following our story on the new beam splitter 3D camera rig released by the ‘3D Film Factory‘. Here is another beam splitting 3D camera rig this time from Element Technica. The following is an excerpt from ICG Mag:
Element Technica has created a more sophisticated set of 3D tools that are, “as simple to use as most modern 2D camera systems,” explains Stephen Pizzo who with partner Hector Ortega are co-founders of the Los Angeles-based company. “We want to make it possible for any filmmaker to create 3D content using their regular 2D crew.”
The firm has built both beamsplitter and side-by-side configured camera platforms to accommodate cameras from the miniscule Iconix or S1-2K to full-sized digital imagers like the RED or Sony 1500s. These systems represent the first of a new generation of 3D imaging tools with fully embedded control electronics. Most systems will accommodate zoom lenses and offer synchronous control of focus, iris and zoom with the embedded electronics.
IN THE FLESH: The new Acer Aspire 5738-DG Stereoscopic 3D notebook. Priced at a reasonable US$1300 this stereo 3d computer is obviously aimed at consumer 3d multimedia fans.
Unlike Nvidia’s stereoscopic ‘vision 3D’ gaming glasses which use ‘Active 3D’ (Special mechanized glasses in which the left and right lenses shutter at high speeds at alternating times). The Acer 5738DG utilizes ‘Passive 3D’ technology (static oppositely polarized lensed glasses). [Learn more about Active 3D vs Passive 3D here] and special stereoscopic 3D software which acer is calling ‘Acer 3D CineReal’.
To make their stereoscopic 3D software Acer paired up with TriDef 3D. Included is the TriDef Media Player which will transform your 2D movies into 3D, while TriDef Ignition enables 2D – 3D conversion in games and applications supporting DirectX 9 or higher.
The Aspire 5738DG has a unique layered surface on the screen that combined with the special polarized ‘Passive 3D’ glasses allow the left and right eye to receive vision from different perspectives creating a stereoscopic 3D effect. Read the rest of this entry »
Panasonic prepares it’s new 50″ stereo 3D Plasma 3DTV for it’s official launch at CEATEC Japan (Oct 6). The Japanese electronics giant has developed a 50-inch Full HD 3D compatible plasma display panel (PDP) and high-precision active shutter glasses that enable the viewing of theater-quality, true-to-life 3D images in the living rooms. Aiming to bring Full HD 3D TVs to the market in 2010, the company steps up its efforts in developing the related technology…
FULL STORY and PHOTOS: Read the rest of this entry »
RealD, the Stereoscopic 3D heavyweight showcased the first live 3D broadcast of the college football FedEx Bowl Championship Series during CES 2009.
They also provided the technology for a special preview of Dreamworks Monsters Vs. Aliens by setting up a theatre with RealD’s stereoscopic Cinema System. RealD provided the eyewear, screen and filtering technology.
On the CES floor, RealD is working with Sony, to provide the 3D technology for Sony’s ‘Electronics booth theater’, which is using a RealD Cinema System. RealD eyewear is also being used to demonstrate the 3D video capabilities on the new Sony BRAVIA(R) screens. RealD and Sony also fit the Paris Hotel and Casino’s ‘Theatre des Arts’, where an audience viewed the college football national championship game live in RealD 3D. The game was shown using RealD’s Cinema System specifically built for Sony’s new SXRD(R)4K stereoscopic projector.
Real D showcased their 3D technology on a range of different screens to demonstrate the future applications of their stereoscopic 3D technologies.
As per our sneak peek last month Nvdia’s ‘3D Vision’ 3D glasses (for use with 120Hz ‘3D Ready’ LCD’s or Plasmas) were launched at CES 2009. You can buy them now in their online store. Hit the link below to see all the details.
A recent patent application filed by Apple suggests that Steve Jobs and crew have plans to release a 3D Operating System (OS) in future (they call it a Multi-Dimensional Desktop) . Apple is no stranger to introducing consumers to revolutionary new technology and their latest patent application follows suit.
Whilst details are scarce, it would appear that Apple’s 3D OS would allow your usual desktop icons to appear in some sort of new 3D layout (as opposed to the current flat 2D OS’s).
Whilst there is no mention specifically of any stereoscopic application, I am going to go ahead and convince myself that there is some sort of revolutionary stereoscopic 3D apple display (or a 3D MacBook) on the way. Perhaps all the 3D Gaming and 3D Movies have warped my brain.
Apple is not the first company to play around with a 3D desktop many others are also dabbling in this area (including SUN’s Project Looking Glass)
Read on to see a video of a 3D desktop in action and full details of Apples patent application..
DDD (3D technology innovator) recently announced that they will be installing their TriDef Core embedded 3D image processor on the new Altera Arria® GX FPGA. What this means is that a whole range of new HD 3D Televisons and 3D Blu-ray devices are on the horizon.
DDD’s CEO, Chris Yewdall said “Embedding DDD’s market-leading TriDef solution in the latest 3D televisions is the next step in delivering high-quality, easy-to-use 3D home entertainment for the consumer. The performance, functionality and low power consumption of Altera’s Arria GX FPGAs make it possible for our TriDef processor to turn 3D television into a familiar plug-and-play approach that is equivalent to the existing 2D TV experience, while substantially reducing manufacturing and support costs for 3D TV manufacturers.”
The new Hyundai IT 46” 3D LCD HDTV will be the first 3D Display to showcase the 3D Chip (to be on show at CES 2009).
Read the rest of this entry »
The items on show include a Flight Simulator, 26-inch
Monitor and a Console Game Compatible Monitor.
“We are continually pioneering new areas of 3D display for consumers
with new display products, stereoscopic 3D software drivers, 3D
player groups, events, and networking, 3D content certification and
enablement, and system solution partnerships,” stated Thomas
Striegler, CEO of iZ3D LLC. “Introducing three cutting-edge 3D
prototypes at CES is once again proving iZ3D is the defacto industry
leader in 3D solutions,” he added.
Here are the details released so far on the three new 3D displays:New iZ3D Immersion Series that gives users an incredible total 3D
effect. It is a Triple iZ3D monitor setup with a flight or racing
game simulator that really puts players in the experience!
26″ iZ3D Prototype – Thought the 22-inch widescreen was awesome? Wait
until you see the 26-inch version!
22″ Widescreen Console Game Compatible Prototype – Now play many
popular Xbox®, PS3® and Wii® games in 3D on the new iZ3D 22-inch game
compatible monitor.
Here is an interesting (brief) comparison of 3D display technologies written by Planar3D (3D Display Manufacturer).
It is important to note that this piece mainly highlights the negatives of the competing 3D display technologies (obviously planar is trying to push their own 3D display technology so the article is not exactly ‘unbiased’ -Ed). None the less it is worth a read if you want to bring yourself up to speed on some of the negatives of the various 3D vision options available.
(Correct, the above image is unrealated -Ed)
RealD has released the first ‘plug and play’ Stereoscopic 3D Converter 3-D Hardware device (They call it ‘RealD 3D POD’). RealD’s 3D-PODs are a Plug-and-Play Solution for converting older 3D technology vision sources for display on the new ‘3D Ready’ monitors without the need for Software Enhancements. The RealD 3D POD’s are designed to output true 3D vision on the new 3D DLP(R) or 3D XPOL HDTV’s. RealD’s press release would suggest that they have three models of 3D PODs available (a ‘Side by Side’ 3D (SBS 3D) 3D POD, Frame Sequential 3D POD and a Dual Input Source 3D POD).
RealD’s CEO Michael Lewis says “RealD’s introduction of 3D-POD technology brings yet another tool to the industry, cost effectively facilitating 3D visualization.”
Exactly what a 3D POD looks like and just how “cost effective” this new 3D gizmo really is, remains to be seen. -Ed
AMD and iZ3D join forces to display what they are calling ‘The Ultimate Gateway to Immersive 3D Entertainment at next years Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2009).
iZ3D drivers feature ATI 3D DLP output (which free for ATI Radeon™ graphics card users). IZ3D’s recently released 3D monitor
driver (1.09) was the first to include support for AMD with an ATI 3D DLP output.
This special feature, integrated exclusively for AMD, provides a customized 3D DLP output.
Iz3D ships 3D gaming monitors, which include a stereoscopic driver output for the iZ3D monitor and a standard anaglyph driver output. Other specialized 3D driver outputs are available at www.iz3d.com for USD$49.99
Amidst the 3D revolution of cutting edge 3D technologies it’s nice to have some fun with one of the older optical technologies, Lenticular 3D. Think of those plastic cards found in some cereal or those plastic movie cups that have a 3D looking image (plastic coated with parallel ridges), well that’s lenticular 3D.
Essentially the ThinkGeek 3D Kit is a plastic photo frame that comes with two lenticular films/sleeves. Using the provided simple software you are able to convert normal 2D digital photos into lenticular 3D photo print outs for use in frame.
We had endless fun in the office with this one and definitely recommend this product of yesteryear.
Results are reliant on how much effort you put in when using the conversion software. For example you can select several individual elements in photos and alter the visual depth. The software is extremely simple to use (similar style to a basic paint program), with a few trials you’ll be able to make lenticular 3D photo masterpieces.
You can really have some fun with this product. I (Ed) have the frame with a 3D photo of my gal on my desk, it looks great.
Product Features
- Convert your existing 2-D photos into 3-D
- No Glasses required for viewing
- Lenticular 3-D technology uses a special filter under which your printed photo is placed
- Use the included software to define 3-D areas of your photo
- Adjust the visible depth of each Area
- Supports text captions with depth control
- Included frame dimensions are 4″ x 6″ inches
- Photos can be displayed in either portrait or landscape mode
- Software Requires Windows 98/ME/2000/XP (Works with Vista also -Ed)
More details on the Novo Minoru Stereoscopic 3D Webcam that we covered last month.’
Unfortunately, straight out of the box this cam only offers anaglyph stereoscopic 3D (red and blue glasses kind). However with the use of software readily availble (from other sources) you can shoot in true 3D. Sort of makes you wonder why they don’t offer better software right out the box.
Price confirmed: US$89, UK £49.95, €79.95 – Pre order coming December 19th 2008.
THE OFFICIAL WORD FROM THE COMPANY..
“Meet Minoru, meaning ‘Reality’ in Japanese, the World’s first 3D webcam.
Connect Minoru to your PC and he will come alive, his eyes will light up and he will be looking at you in 3D.
Your friends and family can now see you in 3D over your favourite messaging program like Windows Live Messenger, Skype, AOL instant messenger, OoVoo and many others.
You can also take 3D photos or even shoot 3D videos and upload them to YouTube.
Minoru = Reality!
Minoru connects easily to your PC’s USB port just like any other webcam but that’s where the similarities end. The Minoru software has stereoscopic anaglyphic processing that lets you be seen in three dimensions. The red and cyan anaglyph image produced by Minoru can be viewed by anybody who is wearing commonly available red and cyan 3D glasses (five pairs included free with Minoru). Minoru can also be used as a standard 2D webcam for anyone who doesn’t have the 3D glasses at hand.
Here’s another 3D webcam. Supposedly ready for sale, though we are yet to see one in the wild. Apparently this cam has already been licensed by a 3D porn company (what a surprise -Ed). Details from the manufacturer are:
3D Webcam
The 3D webcam (pictured above) has been developed exclusively by 3DT. With patent pending technology, this hi-resolution USB2 webcam provides out of the box 3D capture capabilities. Read the rest of this entry »
PRESS RELEASE:
iZ3D has taken a bold move to make 3D mainstream this Christmas
San Diego, Calif. (December 3, 2008) – iZ3D LLC, designer, marketer
and enabler of advanced 3D visualization systems, has been quietly
but actively promoting the adoption of 3D display technology since
2007. Now the company’s breakthrough approach, widely hailed by users
as delivering a premier 3D experience, is being priced to make it
affordable to casual and enthusiast gamers.
Effective December 1st, the manufacturer’s suggested resale price for
the company’s 22-inch widescreen switchable 3D/2D monitor will be
$399.00. The new price has already been reflected at various online e-
tailers with plans for availability at in-store retailers to be
disclosed in the coming weeks.
Our friends over at iZ3D have just released their latest 3D Driver (Version 1.09). This new driver supports a range of stereo 3D hardware (not just iZ3D monitor). The new version features: a user-friendly interface, flexible per-game profile system and compatibility with multiple popular dual output cards & 3D hardware.
The stereoscopic outputs supported include:
- iZ3D output
- Anaglyph output
- Dual output
- Interlaced output
- Shutter output
- Stereo Mirror output
- VR920 output
- 3D DLP output
OR
Read on for the full press release > Read the rest of this entry »
