3D Gaming

The world of 3D tech has come a long way in its life time. Since those red and blue glasses first found their way to our theater seating in the mid-20th Century, experiencing media in three dimensions has become something that we almost take for granted.  With 3D televisions quickly becoming a regular addition to many households, there is one arena that is still in its infancy: gaming.

But it’s actually been possible to enjoy video games in three dimensions for quite some time, and it’s in no way a new concept; however thanks to companies like Sony supporting their 3D televisions with 3D-enabled games on their PlayStation 3, it’s now becoming a possibility in every living room. And let’s not forget about 3D offerings from Microsoft (on PC and Xbox 360), and even family favourites Nintendo. So let’s take a look at exactly what you need to know in order to enjoy full 3D gaming from the comfort of your own home. [click to continue…]

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Finally, someone is getting on the 3D standardization train and moving toward making 3D glasses work on all 3D TVs.  Panasonic, Samsung, Sony and XPAND 3D are driving the train and, hopefully, other manufacturers will hop on soon.

This simply has to happen for 3D TV to succeed on a mass market level.

Official press release below. [click to continue…]

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DirecTV has launched three full-time 3D channels on its satellite service.

Channel 103 is n3D, which is powered by Panasonic and devoted to made-for-3D content.

Channel 104 is Cinema in 3D, which offers IMAX and other cinema titles.

Finally, ESPN 3D can be found on channel 106 featuring World Cup matches in 3D, as well as planning for future 3D sports content.

More details in the press release below. [click to continue…]

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Sony 2010 3D TV Lineup

June 9, 2010

Sony’s 3D TV lineup for 2010 are hitting the street.  There are a couple of important points to note.  While all of the models below are capable of displaying 3D content, not all 3D TVs will come packaged with glasses and the ability to sync 3D signals with those glasses.

The 3D integrated XBR-LX900 features a built-in 3D sync transmitter and two pair of active shutter glasses.

The 3D ready XBR-HX909 and KDL-HX800 series offer the option of adding the 3D sync transmitter and glasses at an additional cost.

Sony 3D TV Availability

Sony XBR-HX909 52″ 3D Ready HDTV

Sony KDL-HX800 40″ 3D Ready HDTV

Sony KDL-HX800 46″ 3D Ready HDTV

Sony KDL-HX800 55″ 3D Ready HDTV

Sony XBR-LX900 3D HDTV

Sony BR100 3D Sync Transmitter (for 3D Ready HDTVs)

Sony BR100/B Active Shutter 3D Glasses (for all Sony Bravia 3D HDTVs)

More details in the press release below. [click to continue…]

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Sony has introduced a pair of short-focus 3D projectors, albeit at lower than HD resolution.

The PDG-DWL2500 is WXGA resolution (1280×800; 16:10 aspect ratio) with 2,500 lumens of brightness.

The PDG-DXL2000 is XGA resolution (1024×768; 4:3 aspect ratio), producing 2,000 lumens.

Both projectors are set to drop in July 2010.  The PDG-DWL2500 has an MSRP of $1995, and the PDG-DXL2000 has an MSRP of $1795.

More details in the press release below. [click to continue…]

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PopBox Adds 3D Support

May 21, 2010

The PopBox is a set top box that allows you to stream media across the Internet and your home network.  PopBox has announced that it is licensing the RealD 3D format to enable stereoscopic 3D through all PopBox devices.

PopBox retails for $129.99 and PopBox Wireless for $149.99.  Check availability on Amazon.com.

More details in the press release below. [click to continue…]

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An Italian firm  has developed a prototype camera that can capture 3D imagery via a single lens using pulsed laser energy.

Although it doesn’t produce movie-style images, the FBK team see several potential uses for the camera. It could be incorporated into devices for elderly or disabled people to help them identify dangerous situations, such as those that could result in falls. It could also be used for Wii-like physically-interactive gaming, where the camera’s 3D sensing would eliminate the need for players to hold a controller.

[Gizmag via Crunchgear]

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The casual game scene is finding its way into 3D platforms with Oberon Media’s announcement they they are developing 3D games for 3D TV.

Details in the press release below. [click to continue…]

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Sony’s recent announcement of the PS3 3.30 system software update is important for 3D viewers because it preps the console for 3D gaming, which Sony says is “coming soon to the PS3.”  I had the opportunity to play some PS3 games in 3D at CES 2010 and it was a blast.  Super Stardust 3D looked amazing. It makes the games so much more immersive and fun.  I’m sure some game makers will do a bad job, but there will certainly be some outstanding examples of 3D gaming as well. [click to continue…]

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Denon has added two new 3D-Ready Blu-ray players to its lineup.  The DBP-1611UD and DBP-2011UDCI both offer powerful audio and video features, including Netflix and YouTube streaming, as well as SACD and DVD-Audio compatibility.

The DBP-1611UD should be available in June 2010 at an initial retail price of $399. Check availability on Amazon.com.

The higher-end DBP-2011UDCI should be available in August 2010 at an initial retail price of $799. Check availability on Amazon.com. [click to continue…]

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