A video game blog called PS3 Fanboy reported from CES on Sony’s experiments with 3D technology and video games.
At CES in Las Vegas, Sony had been showing off some 3D tech tie-ins for the PS3, displaying WipEout HD and Gran Turismo 5 Prologue running in true 3D.
Talk about an immersible experience. As soon as manufacturers get 3D TV technology working in an seamless manner, you can be that we will see new ways to get into the action, and I would expect video game companies to be early adopters for creating in-depth content. It looks like Sony is already well on its way too.
Sony also mentioned its part in 3D tech on a dedicated CES blog set up by Sony:
One of the more popular kiosks this year has been the 3-D demonstration. This morning, Sony put on a far more in-depth presentation, taking the audience from the filming of a 3-D movie through to the final product. As one speaker put it, we could be witnessing as big a change in filmed entertainment as the move from black & white to Color.
The first speaker was Steve Schklair, the Founder and CEO of 3ality. He’s worked in 3-D for a decade, and was incredibly happy with the progress that is being made in the field. He credited Sony for creating products that have helped bring his vision to life. He rounded out his presentation by showing the crowd a series of 3-D clips, ranging from action sports shots to compelling footage of a U2 concert.
. . . .
Randy Waynick, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Sony Electronics Home Product Division was the final guest. He reflected on the work being done to get 3-D technology to the consumer. He noted the needs for standards to be set, more research and design, and ensuring that products sold to consumers were long-lasting. As he succinctly put it, “it’s not right around the corner, but it’s not far off.”
Sounds about like what I’ve been saying . . . I don’t necessarily think 2009 is the year of 3D, but its going to be a big year for advancements and interest. Think 2010 and 2011 for consumer products that we can take home and enjoy immensly.
Panasonic announced its 3D Full HD Plasma Home Theater System, dubbed “3D FHD,” at CES 2009. The set up features a 103″ plasma HDTV paired with Panasonic’s Blu-ray player. Panasonic says it can push the 3D FHD to new limits because it sends 2 HD signals from the Blu-ray player to the plasma TV, which results in a 1080p signal for each of your eyes.
While Panasonic says that it’s the first to make this happen, this may just be a sign of things to come if it’s really that great of an experience.
Check out the full details the press release below. [click to continue…]
Keeping with the 3D boom at CES 2009, ViewSonic announced a 22″ 3D-ready LCD display, the VX2265wm, which takes full advantage of NVidia’s GeForce 3D Vision glasses. Keep in mind, this a desktop application of 3D, but improves upon the 3D technology that is currently available for consumers. Significantly, the new LCD monitor is also a 120Hz display, which makes video so much richer than traditional 60Hz displays.
In addition to the desktop monitor, Viewsonic also launched a portable DLP projector, which is also 120Hz and is intended to be a professional-level 3D projector.
For more details, check out the press release from ViewSonic below. [click to continue…]
RealD is a big player in the 3D technology field. At the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which occurred this past week, RealD (among other 3D tech companies) proved to have a commanding presence with its 3D technology.
Expect 2009 to be a huge year for 3D technology. I think that by the end of year and into 2010, we will begin to see the technology truly making a move into our living rooms with companies like RealD blazing the trail. Here’s some of RealD’s recent comments on 3D technology for consumers:
In the future, 3D will expand to public spaces, business environments and the home, becoming a part of everyday life. At RealD, we are tremendously excited about these possibilities and are already working with top consumer electronics manufacturers to bring these new technologies to fruition in the highest possible quality.
For more details on RealD’s presence at CES 2009, see the press release from RealD below. [click to continue…]
Mitsubishi L65A90 65-Inch LaserVue Rear Projection HDTV
Mitsubishi recently introduced a price 3D-Ready TV that operates via lasers. According to Mitsubishi the LaserVue TV features twice the color gamut of current HDTVs. The “3D-Ready” spec is interesting because Mitsubishi disclaims any 3D standard noting, “A 3D standard format does not currently exist for Blu-Ray or DVD prepackaged media.” You’ll still have to wear your red/blue glasses in order to watch 3D content on the LaserVue TV.
In addition to delivering fantastic color the Mitsubishi LaserVue TV will also save you on energy costs due to the lower power consumption from the lasers, which apparently also last forever. Maybe these specs will be enough to justify the introductory price tag of about $7000.
Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D is a great movie and a decent 3D movie. While it is not going to live up to the same quality as you will find in theaters, it is a better presentation of 3D technology than was is found in The Polar Express 3D (Read Polar Express 3D Review).
Journey to the Center of the Earth is a great movie for kids – and even adults who like a feel good adventure story. The special effects are well done throughout the movie and the 3D effects are fun and engaging. Again, don’t expect to get great, theater-quality 3D effects, but there is certainly something here for 3D lovers.
Journey to the Center of the Earth is available in both Blu-ray and DVD formats.
