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.
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.
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…]
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…]
The Panasonic Full HD 3D Home Theater System was on display at CES 2010. In the video below, you can see a Panasonic rep giving a rundown of the features and capabilities of the Panasonic plasma 3D TV and accompanying components. He explains a little of the basics about how 3D TVs work, and has a couple of asides where he takes a jab or two at other manufacturers by asserting that Panasonic’s TVs are better. They are.
A couple of other highlights include a Panasonic 3D channel on DirecTV, which I got a chance to see first hand at CES 2010 via a live satellite feed from DirecTV, as well as 3D Blu-rays with the menus themselves that are actually in 3D.
I can say with confidence that the Panasonic plasma TVs are unmatched in the 3D picture quality they provide. None of the other manufacturers have shown anything that rivals Panasonic yet. If you are first-gen 3D TV buyer, you would do well to go with a Panasonic plasma 3D TV over other brands.
Resident Evil: Afterlife is set to launch in theaters September 10, 2010. The movie was shot using the same 3D camera system as Avatar. The visuals should be stunning for sure – whether or not the plot will be solid remains to be seen.
Panasonic announced at NAB 2010 that it is joining a consumer-oriented 3D project at the Entertainment Technology Centera @ USC, which is part of USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. The goal of the ETC 3D Project is to continually evaluate everything related to 3D in an effort to provide insights to content providers and, in the end, hopefully make 3D better for the consumers.
More details about the 3D Project and Panasonic’s involvement can be found in the press release below. [click to continue…]
At NAB 2010, Level 3 announced a number of collaborative efforts to move forward in providing on-demand and live streaming of 3D content to both PCs and 3D TVs.
While I had seen many previews for How to Train Your Dragon, it seemed to have slipped under the radar. After the first weekend and the rave reviews, however, I expect that it will pick up momentum in the weeks to come. [click to continue…]
