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-20^th 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.

3D Gaming on the PC Platform

Since the 1990s, the computer graphics company Nvidia have been working on stereoscopic 3D technologies that can be used in PC games. Up until 2008, there wasn’t much movement in terms of a commercial release; but when Nvidia 3D Vision was released, that all changed.

3D Vision is essentially a kit that allows players to wear a special pair of 3D glasses to play a number of games in stereoscopic 3D. The system only works with games that use the Direct3D technology, and there is a varying level of success. Some players report that the 3D is superb in all games, others say that only certain games take full advantage of the technology.

One great example of such a game is 2010’s Crysis 2. This game was actually developed to include a 3D mode for use with kits just like 3D Vision. At present, the use of 3D gaming systems like this is fairly limited, and we’re still waiting for a real ‘boom’ in the use of such kits on the Windows platform.

3D Video Games on Consoles

Home consoles seem to be the next target for the 3D treatment, and in fact it has already started in some respects. Sony’s PlayStation 3 already has a built-in output for a full 3D effect, and there are rumours that the Xbox 360 will be getting the same type of stereoscopic effect.

Sony’s method involves a stereoscopic output via HDMI in 720p HD using a twin framebuffer. Glasses need to be worn so that the two images being outputted by the console can be merged to create the 3D effect. Sony’s range of 3D TVs already fully support this feature on games such as Killzone 3. It needs to be activated via a menu option, but it’s most certainly there. And, if we’re to believe popular opinion, it already works very well.

Now Microsoft and Nintendo need to play a little catch up (although there’s been no word from Nintendo on a 3D effect for their series of Wii consoles).

3D Gaming in the Palm of Your Hand

Unless you’ve been living under a rather large rock, you can’t have missed Nintendo’s latest entry to the handheld market, the Nintendo 3DS. Its key selling point is that it allows players to enjoy games in full 3D without having to wear glasses. Any 3D aficionados will tell you that wearing glasses isn’t too much of a problem when you’re at home in your comfy chair; however it’s a little trickier when you’re on the train. For that reason, the 3DS is really revolutionary.

The effect itself uses a stereoscopic technique via two screens on a zig-zag plane. The player’s eye line is almost always the same because the device is handheld, so this works well; however it’s doubtful that 3D without glasses will be a reality for televisions any time soon. Thankfully, those of us who have already invested in 3D televisions are more than happy to enjoy the experience with the glasses on – most of them don’t look half bad.

The Future of Gaming in Three Dimensions

If the world of cinema is anything to go by, there’s no doubt that gaming will continue to head towards the 3D arena. With the introduction of 3D on consoles, the PC technology, and the handheld 3D, it’s clear that the first steps have already been taken to a future of gaming in three dimensions.

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.

August 8, 2011— Panasonic Corporation, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Sony Corporation and X6D Limited (XPAND 3D) today announced their intent to collaborate on the development of a new technology standard for consumer 3D active glasses, under the name, “Full HD 3D Glasses Initiative.”

With this new agreement, the companies intend to work together on the development and licensing of radio frequency (RF) system 3D active glasses technology, including RF system protocols between consumer 3D active glasses and 3D displays such as televisions, personal computers, projectors and 3D theaters with XPAND active shutter glasses.

The standardization will also include multiple types of infrared (IR) system protocols between 3D active glasses and 3D displays, ranging from the protocols jointly developed by Panasonic and XPAND 3D*, to the proprietary protocols of Samsung and Sony, respectively.

The license of today’s newly announced Full HD 3D Glasses Initiative is targeted to be released in September 2011, at which time the development of new standardization-applied active 3D glasses will begin. Universal glasses with the new IR/RF protocols will be made available in 2012, and are targeted to be backward compatible with 2011 3D active TVs.

Through this initiative, the four companies aim to widely introduce universal active 3D glasses to the market.

Today’s announcement marks a unique collaboration of the world’s leading 3D TV manufacturers and 3D technology providers for the benefit of consumers. Glasses utilizing 3D active technology benefits consumers in that they enable Full HD 3D picture quality to be displayed to each eye, as well as a greater freedom of movement thanks to Bluetooth® technology.

“Panasonic has been working to standardize 3D glasses technologies, and in March, we announced a joint licensing of IR system protocols with XPAND, backed by several participant companies. We are very pleased that today’s latest collaboration will incorporate our previous concept into these new standardization efforts,” said Masayuki Kozuka, general manager of Media & Content Alliance Office, Corporate R&D Division, Panasonic Corporation. “We hope the expanded collaboration on this 3D standardization initiative will make a significant contribution toward accelerating the growth of 3D-related products.”

“Today’s announced collaboration underscores Samsung’s promise to meet consumer needs among the ever-changing advancements of home entertainment and consumer electronics technology,” said Jurack Chae, vice president, R&D Team, Visual Display Business, Samsung Electronics. “To-date, active 3D technology has proven to be the most popular choice for consumers in the 3D TV market. According to the NPD Group, Active 3D technology took an average of 96 percent share of the U.S. 3D TV market in the first half of this year; and this Full HD 3D Glasses Initiative will help further drive consumer adoption and understanding of active 3D—the technology that provides the clearest and most immersive 3D experience available.”

“Through this alliance, we all look forward to addressing critical industry issues to enable a better consumer experience across products. We believe active 3D technology is the most suitable method to deliver full 1080p picture quality to each eye, giving consumers the 3D experience they most desire,” said Jun Yonemitsu, deputy senior general manager, Home Entertainment Development Div., Sony Corporation.

“We are delighted to contribute our efforts and technologies to the Full HD 3D Glasses Initiative for both RF and IR technology that we announced today with Panasonic, Samsung and Sony. This initiative reinforces the consumer electronics industry’s commitment to highest 3D quality and provides technology consumers and theater-goers with a simple but powerful solution to the challenge of interoperability,” said Maria Costeira, XPAND 3D’s CEO.

The Bluetooth SIG supports the industry’s move to standardize on Bluetooth technology in 3D glasses.

“These market leaders are coming together to make the 3D experience better for the consumer. It makes perfect sense that Bluetooth technology would be a vital component of that solution, both for its mass market ubiquity and the freedom and convenience it provides,” said Michael Foley, Ph.D., executive director, Bluetooth SIG. “And while today’s news is exciting, this is just the beginning—Bluetooth technology in the living room makes sense in 3D glasses, stereo surround systems, remote controls, and ultimately the hub of the living room—the TV.”

*The protocols jointly developed by Panasonic and XPAND: They were announced in March 2011 and supported by eight participant companies: Changhong Electric Co., Ltd., FUNAI Electric Co., Ltd., Hisense Electric Co., Ltd., Hitachi Consumer Electronics Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Seiko Epson Corporation, SIM2 Multimedia S.p.A. and ViewSonic Corporation.

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.

DirecTV and Panasonic 3D Press Release

NEW YORK, NY (July 1, 2010) – DIRECTV, the world’s most popular video service and Panasonic, a world leader in 3D TV technology, ushered in a new age in the rapid growth of 3D entertainment for the home with the launch today of three 3D channels, including n3D™ powered by Panasonic – a linear channel dedicated exclusively to 3D programming and viewable on 3D television sets including Panasonic’s line of award-winning VIERA Full HD 3D TVs.

n3D™ powered by Panasonic, is now available at no additional cost to millions of DIRECTV HD customers on channel 103. Throughout the month of July, n3D customers will have access to exclusive, original 3D programming such as Guitar Center Sessions with Peter Gabriel and Jane’s Addiction, as well as additional titles such as, Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia, Wild Safari: A South African Adventure and N Wave Picture’s S.O.S Planet, African Adventure: Safari in the Okavango and Encounter in the Third Dimension.

n3D will also offer special events such as this weekend’s running of the NASCAR Coke Zero 400, the local broadcast of the Yankees-Mariners series on July 10-11 and DIRECTV’s exclusive, national broadcast of FOX Sports 2010 MLB All-Star Game in 3D on July 13.

In addition to n3D, DIRECTV is also launching DIRECTV Cinema™ in 3D on channel 104, which is currently offering IMAX titles Deep Sea 3D and Under the Sea 3D and n3D On Demand on channel 105, which is currently delivering replays of ESPN’s 3D coverage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup matches. DIRECTV also launched ESPN 3D on channel 106 on June 11.

“The ability to bring high-quality 3D programming into the home is a huge advancement in the evolution of television,” said Derek Chang, executive vice president of Content Strategy and Development for DIRECTV. “Our innovative technology has allowed us to lead the industry in HD and we are continuing on that same path by establishing ourselves as the premier destination for the best 3D viewing experience available. We are proud to be partnering with Panasonic and are excited to deliver this new dimension of television to millions of DIRECTV HD customers across the country.”

“This is a major milestone in the young history of 3D home entertainment and Panasonic is very proud to work with DIRECTV to bring consumers this new TV channel dedicated exclusively to 3D programming,” said Joseph M. Taylor, Chairman & CEO, Panasonic Corporation of North America.  “We have launched our VIERA 3D TVs and Blu-ray 3D Player, and they have been very well received by consumers, but we know the key to the success of 3D for the home is the availability of content. The arrival of n3D powered by Panasonic underscores the fact that consumers will have access to a rapidly growing range of 3D TV programming including live major sports and entertainment events, as well as movies on 3D Blu-ray Disc in 2010.”

Panasonic is the exclusive presenting sponsor of DIRECTV’s n3D channel. In January at the Consumer Electronics Show, DIRECTV and Panasonic announced their plans to launch 3D TV channels and have since worked together to leverage relationships with programming partners and movie studios to obtain new and existing 3D content. For more information on DIRECTV’s 3D channels please visit www.directv.com/3D.

Last month, DIRECTV HD customers received a free software upgrade enabling them to have access to the 3D channels on DIRECTV.  DIRECTV HD customers will need a 3D television set and 3D glasses to view 3D programming on DIRECTV.

Panasonic is a global leader in the development of end-to-end Full HD 3D technology solutions including the world’s first Full HD 3D video camera that records to solid-state memory, Full HD 3D Blu-ray Disc authoring, and the award winning VT-25 Series of Full HD 3D VIERA Plasma TVs and 3D Blu-ray Disc Players. For more information on Panasonic’s Full HD 3D technology, visit www.panasonic.com/3D.

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.

Sony 3D TV Press Release

SAN DIEGO, June 9, 2010 – Sony today announced that its 3D capable BRAVIA® HDTVs are now available for pre-sale at Sony Style stores and that its new integrated Blu-ray 3D™ devices will hit retail shelves beginning this July.  Additionally, the company released a free firmware update that activates Blu-ray 3D capability for previously announced Blu-ray Disc models including the BDP-S470 and BDP-S570 players and the BDV-E570 and BDV-E770W home theater systems.

Sony now offers consumers the most diverse line of 3D capable home entertainment products including 19 BRAVIA® HDTVs, Blu-ray Disc players and theater systems, and audio/video components that offer various levels of performance and features.

Sony will support the 3D launch with an integrated marketing campaign featuring NFL quarterback Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts, and Grammy® and Emmy® award-winning Jive/Sony Music artist Justin Timberlake aiming to deliver consumer education and eliminate 3D confusion.

“3D is revolutionizing the entertainment industry and only Sony is involved in every stage of the ecosystem,” said Chris Fawcett, vice president of Sony’s television business.  “Leveraging deep 3D expertise from the company’s theatrical and professional groups, Sony products are optimized to offer the best possible 3D home entertainment experience.”

BRAVIA 3D HDTVs

Focusing on that high quality experience, Sony’s 3D capable BRAVIA HDTVs incorporate a frame sequential display with active-shutter glasses that work together with Sony’s proprietary high frame rate technology reproducing smooth, full high-definition 3D images.

The line-up includes the 3D integrated BRAVIA XBR-LX900 HDTV, which features a built-in 3D sync transmitter and two pair of active shutter glasses and the 3D ready BRAVIA XBR-HX909 and KDL-HX800 series 3D ready models which offer the option of adding the 3D sync transmitter and glasses at an additional cost.

The line features screen sizes including 40, 46, 52, 55, and 60-inches and ranges in price from around $2,100 (KDL-40HX800) to about $5,000 (XBR-60LX900).

Consumers who purchase and register one of the new 3D BRAVIA models will receive a copy of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment’s Blu-ray 3D™ title Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs as well as Blu-ray 3D title Deep Sea.  The sets will also include a PlayStation® Network voucher enabling 3D BRAVIA purchasers to download stereoscopic 3D gaming experiences on the PlayStation3 (PS3™) System (sold separately).  The titles include PAIN (partial game) and MotorStorm®: Pacific Rift (demo) and full game downloads of WipEout® HD and Super StarDust™ HD.

BRAVIA XBR-LX900 Series Integrated 3D HDTVs

The full HD 1080p (1920 x 1080) BRAVIA XBR-LX900 series features integrated 3D functionality and includes the 60-inch XBR-60LX900 for about $5,000 and the 52-inch XBR-52LX900 for about $4,000.

The Monolithic Design, Edge LED backlight models also feature integrated Wi-Fi® (802.11n) for an easy connection to broadband home networks to access Sony’s BRAVIA Internet Video Platform and BRAVIA Internet Widgets, as well as Sony’s new premium video service, Qriocity.

BRAVIA XBR-HX909 Series 3D Ready HDTVs

The XBR-HX909 series is 3D ready with the addition of Sony active shutter glasses (about $150 per pair) and sync transmitter (about $50), both sold separately.  The models feature full HD (1920 x 1080p) and Sony’s Intelligent Dynamic full array LED backlight. The Monolithic Design concept models include the 52-inch XBR-52HX909 for about $4,000 and the 46-inch XBR-46HX909 for about $3,500.

Sony’s Intelligent Dynamic LED backlighting improves contrast and dynamic range by local dimming that controls the LED backlight level by area so that detail is maintained in the dark areas, while other areas are driven near peak brightness. The models also include an RS-232c I/0 terminal for custom installation applications.

BRAVIA KDL-HX800 Series 3D Ready HDTVs

Also 3D ready (with the addition of Sony active shutter glasses and sync transmitter, sold separately), the BRAVIA KDL-HX800 series features full HD 1080p (1920 x 1080) and utilizes a Dynamic edge LED backlight with local dimming for improved contrast and dynamic range.  The series includes the 55-inch class (54.6-inches measured diagonally) KDL-55HX800 for about $3,400, the 46-inch KDL-46HX800 for about $2,700, and the 40-inch KDL-40HX800 for about $2,100.

Blu-ray 3D Players

Available in July for about $300, Sony’s Blu-ray 3D BDP-S770 model offers built in Wi-Fi (802.11n) for easy access to Sony’s BRAVIA Internet Video platform and Qriocity.

Additionally, Sony’s BDP-S470 and BDP-S570 Blu-ray Disc players can be upgraded to play Blu-ray 3D with a free online firmware update that is now available.  The update also adds Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA®) compatibility to the models.

Blu-ray 3D Home Theater Systems

Also available this July for about $800, Sony’s new full HD 1080p 5.1 channel Blu-ray 3D capable home theater system (model BDV-HZ970W) features wireless capabilities via the included USB wireless LAN adapter (802.11n) allowing for easy access to the BRAVIA Internet Video platform and Qriocity.

The model also offers two HDMI inputs with 3D pass-through, HDMI repeater function, and a universal remote.

Sony’s BDV-E570 and BDV-E770W Blu-ray theater systems can now also be upgraded to Blu-ray 3D with the free firmware update.  The update also adds DLNA compatibility to the units.

Unique to all Sony Blu-ray Disc players, users with an iPhone® or iPod® touch device can control the players using a free app called “BD Remote” which can be downloaded from the Apple App store. The app, will also be available soon for Android™ devices, allows the device to function as a remote control that includes the ability to access a Blu-ray Disc’s details such as jacket artwork, actor, and production information as well as search for additional video clips online.

3D Capable Home Audio Components

Sony also recently announced 3D capable home audio products including the STR-DN1010 audio/video receiver, the HT-CT350 and HT-CT150 3.1 channel sound bars, and the HT-SF470 5.1 channel home theater system.  The models offer consumers flexible solutions to round out the Sony 3D experience and meet the demands of 3D home entertainment.

Additionally, Sony will add 3D capability to the previously announced STR-DH810 and STR-DH710 AV receivers through a firmware update later this month.

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.

Sanyo Press Release

CHATSWORTH, Calif., June 7 /PRNewswire/ — SANYO North America Corporation (SANYO), subsidiary of SANYO Electric Co., Ltd., one of the world’s largest manufacturers of LCD and DLP projectors, announces the introduction of two new ultra short-focus projectors with 3D capability. Both projectors feature compact chassis of about half the size of conventional short-focus projectors. The PDG-DWL2500 is WXGA resolution (1280×800; 16:10 aspect ratio) with 2,500 lumens of brightness, and the PDG-DXL2000 is XGA resolution (1024×768; 4:3 aspect ratio), producing 2,000 lumens. Scheduled for release in July 2010, the PDG-DWL2500 has an MSRP of $1995, and the PDG-DXL2000 has an MSRP of $1795. Both products will be displayed at InfoComm 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada, from June 9 to June 11, 2010.

Through a newly developed ultra short-focus mirror projection optical unit, both projectors operate at an extremely short distance from the display surface or screen. The PDG-DWL2500 creates an 80-inch image at a position only 12.6 inches from the screen, making it the shortest-throw unit on the market today. The PDG-DXL2000 requires only 15.1-inches for an 80-inch image. Both projectors offer a maximum image size of either 110 inches (DWL2500) or 90 inches (DXL2000).

Fully enabled for large screen display of 3D material, both projectors use the Frame Sequential Display Format to display 3D, which works in conjunction with Active Shutter 3D glasses to rapidly alternate display between the right and left eyes.

“These new ultra short-throw models open new venues to install projectors where it was not conceivable before,” says Sam Malik, Vice President and General Manager of the Presentation Technologies Group in SANYO North America’s Consumer Solutions Division. “With better optical engines allowing reduced size, coupled with our large widescreen image projection in 3D, we can provide unique solutions for even more current and future applications.”

By using a new compact one-chip DLP optical engine and minimizing the size of the optical components as well as optimizing the physical layout, these projectors have been reduced in size to half the volume of conventional and previous generation SANYO models, making their installation footprint even smaller. They can be used in either a horizontal or vertical orientation, allowing placement under a table, on a table top behind a screen, or on a floor, ceiling or wall.

The 3D capability opens a new range of possibilities for applications in the education, digital signage and amusement markets. Venues where short-throw projection is the preferred or only option can now make presentations in 3D, including new possibilities such as 3D arcade gaming and rear projection museum exhibits.

The projectors include an onboard 10-watt audio amplifier and mono loudspeaker, with both stereo mini-jack and RCA stereo inputs for external audio sources. SANYO’s Long-Life air filter reduces both maintenance frequency and overall cost. Useful for time-conscious presentations, a Presentation Timer function displays an optional elapsed time onscreen.

Reflecting SANYO’s deep commitment to environmental responsibility, both projectors conform to the EuP-Directive Lot 6 for reduced energy consumption and the EU RoHS Directive for avoidance of the use of hazardous substances in electronic components. Further, their reduced chassis size minimizes resource and energy consumption in packing material and transportation.

About SANYO

SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. is a global company providing solutions for environment, energy and lifestyle applications. Digital Solutions, a division of SANYO North America Corporation (a subsidiary of SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.) is based in Chatsworth, California, and is a service and sales division including two main groups, Corporate Solutions and Consumer Solutions. The division markets digital projectors, digital still cameras, digital media camcorders, home appliances, security video equipment, audio systems, and portable and mobile electronics. For more information on SANYO, please visit http://us.sanyo.com.

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.

PopBox Press Release

FREMONT, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–PopBox™ today announced that in tandem with RealD Inc., a leading 3D technology provider for cinema, home and professional applications, it will equip all PopBox devices with the ability to display high-definition 3D content. PopBox is the first over-the-top set-top box to support the stereoscopic RealD Format for the delivery and display of high-quality 3D content. PopBox will ship 3D-ready at launch, so consumers can enjoy 3D content on all 3D-ready HDTVs.

“This is an excellent opportunity for PopBox and Popcorn Hour to bring our community an amazing experience, and spectacular 3D content in the home”

PopBox makes it simple and affordable to play all the movies, music, home videos, and photos from your home PC and network-connected devices, and content streamed from the Internet, on your HDTV. PopBox will be available soon, and is currently available to pre-order at Amazon.com. PopBox retails for $129.99, and PopBox Wireless for $149.99.

PopBox builds on the success of Syabas’ award-winning Popcorn Hour lineup of Network Media Tanks, the Popcorn Hour A-200 and C-200. All Popcorn Hour A and C series devices will also have access to the RealD Format to enable 3D viewing.

“We’re thrilled that PopBox has licensed the RealD Format to enable its community to enjoy high-definition 3D content,” said Steve Shannon, EVP of Consumer Electronics at RealD.

The RealD Format is a patented side-by-side method of delivering 3D video. The RealD Format combines left eye and right eye 3D image streams into a single channel for delivery of high-definition progressive or interlaced 3D video using today’s Internet or broadcast infrastructure, including existing PCs, HD set-top boxes and DVRs, to any 3D-enabled display type.

“This is an excellent opportunity for PopBox and Popcorn Hour to bring our community an amazing experience, and spectacular 3D content in the home,” said Alex Limberis, COO, PopBox. “Content created in 3D should be enjoyed in 3D. Leveraging the RealD Format gives our community a new dimension of HDTV entertainment right out of the gate.”

The PopBox platform will be 3D-ready beginning at launch. As new 3D content is available, consumers can enjoy the 3D experience in the home, on their 3D-ready HDTVs. The Popcorn Hour A-200 and C-200 will be field-upgradeable to enable 3D playback.

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]

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.

Oberon Media Press Release

New York, USA – May 12, 2010 – Oberon Media, the leading provider of multi-platform casual games, has announced its 3D games catalog for 3D TV, a new addition to the robust line of content and services Oberon offers for living room devices. These 3D games will provide players with fun and visually engaging game experiences based on Oberon’s commercially proven casual games catalog, including the extremely successful Dream Day Wedding franchise. In addition, this exciting new content will help promote and highlight the capabilities of the latest advancements in 3D TV screens.

Oberon’s stereoscopic 3D games are designed and optimized for 3D TV experience and take into account screen size, processing power, memory and input devices. The games will be accessible either through Oberon’s distribution solutions, serving over 150 game services and interactive TV channels worldwide, or pre-loaded and embedded in 3D TVs purchased at retail.

“Oberon is excited to extend our casual games catalog to this amazing new technology, and offer our users a brand new experience,” Sharon Rosenman, Senior Director ITV Business Partnerships said, “And with the addition of 3D games, Oberon can help our partners promote and differentiate their next-generation living room devices, while leveraging Oberon’s full-scale connected TV game solutions”

The newly added offering of 3D TV games augments Oberon’s market-proven catalog of over 300 games for the living room ranging from notable family entertainment to classic arcade games. Oberon’s Interactive Television (ITV) division is the world’s most experienced team in launching and commercializing casual game services for the living room. Oberon’s ITV games are currently available in 38 million homes and solutions have been adopted at leading cable operators, satellite operators and TV manufacturers.

About Oberon Media

Oberon Media is the world’s leading multi-platform casual games company, delivering global, integrated casual games solutions across online, social, mobile/Smartphone, interactive TV and retail categories. Oberon game solutions have been adopted by the world’s leading digital and media companies, such as Microsoft, AT&T, Yahoo!, Electronic Arts, Orange France and more. Oberon Media’s game publishing division, I-play, works with the industry’s most talented game developers to produce the top-selling casual games, which are played across online, social, mobile/Smartphone, console and iTV platforms in more than a dozen languages. Founded in 2003, Oberon Media is headquartered in New York with offices in North America, Europe and Asia, and is backed by Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and Oak Investment Partners.

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.

The following video was shot at CES 2010 at a PS3 3D gaming station where Super Stardust 3D was on display for everyone to have a go at.

[via PlayStation Blog]

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.

Denon Press Release

Mahwah, NJ, April 26, 2010 – Denon Electronics, a premier manufacturer of high-quality home entertainment components celebrating 100 years of innovation and technology leadership in 2010, is providing discriminating consumers the opportunity to enjoy an enriched Blu-ray experience with the addition of two new 3D-Ready Universal Blu-ray players to its lineup. The new models, with expected SRP and availability in parenthesis, include the DBP-2011UDCI (SRP: $799, Aug.) and the DBP-1611UD (SRP: $399, June) that will join Denon’s DBP-4010UDCI (SRP: $1,999) and critically acclaimed DVD-A1UDCI (SRP: $4,499) Universal Blu-ray Disc Players in the company’s line of Blu-ray components, which also includes the S-5BD BD/Receiver (SRP: $1,799), a single-component that combines a 5.1-channel surround sound receiver with an advanced Profile 2.0 Blu-ray player.

3D-Readiness, Ultimate Quality Audio, True “Universal” Players

Denon’s Blu-ray players represent the leading edge in performance and features for the fast-growing high-definition format. The “universal” Blu-ray models provide superior playback of virtually all 5-inch silver discs. To ensure total future-readiness, an upcoming firmware update is scheduled to be available in the fall for 3D capability in the new Blu-ray players. In addition to their ultimate-quality video reproduction, all Denon players reflect the company’s longstanding heritage as an audio leader, offering impeccable high-resolution sonic playback, including DVD-Audio and SACD.

Exciting New Content Opportunities, More On-Board Memory

Both new Universal Denon Blu-ray players provide easy and straightforward access to the Internet, opening up new content and networking opportunities. For instance, both offer Netflix* and YouTube streaming and are DLNA 1.5-certified for audio/video/photo streaming with other DLNA certified products across a network. In addition to their many innovative interactivity features, including built-in BD Live and “Bonus View” functionality, they offer leading-edge Web access features with 1GB** of on-board memory for BD-Live playback and a USB connector for additional external memory for media and BD-Live content. The players are designed to enhance a consumer’s total home entertainment experience with features such as Kodak Picture CD compatibility, as well as DivX HD+, MP3 and WMA playback (all via either recordable DVD/CD or external memory).

Noted Phil Cohn, Sr. Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Denon Electronics: “As we celebrate our centennial this year, Denon is reaffirming our core principle to provide customers with the best possible options for elevating their home entertainment experience. With our new Universal Blu-ray products, we now offer consumers the best that this exciting new format has to offer, delivering all the audio and video power intended by content providers, as well as a greater level of interactivity and Internet access.”

In the new Denon Blu-ray players, ultimate quality audio and video playback is assured. Notably, the new DBP-2011UDCI features inclusion of the very latest Anchor Bay Technologies decoding Engine and Scalar, as well as all-new Burr-Brown 32-Bit, 192-kHz Audio DACs on all channels for unprecedented high-definition audio playback. For ultimate-quality image resolution, both new players feature HDMI v1.4a outputs with 3D and CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) capability and 36-Bit Deep Color. Further enhancing performance, they feature independent pathways for interlaced and progressive display, plus the DBP-2011UDCI has a full complement of advanced decoding circuitry, with decoding of all the latest HD audio formats from Dolby and dts.

Not only do both the new Denon models feature the capability to stream content from the Internet, they join all other players in the company’s Universal Blu-ray lineup that are able to utilize their onboard Ethernet ports for BD-Live and firmware update access. Designed as an ideal solution for custom installation, the DBP-2011UDCI includes an RS-232 port for third-party controllers.