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]

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.

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.

Panasonic Press Release

LAS VEGAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Entertainment Technology Center @ USC, (ETC@USC) (www.etcenter.org), a non-profit consortium that brings together top entertainment and consumer electronics companies to listen to and evaluate consumer mindshare towards future technologies, is pleased to announce that Panasonic has joined the ETC@USC as a 3D Project sponsor. ETC’s ongoing 3D Project is looking at all things related to 3D, including the challenges faced when selling 3D products, guidelines for producing and displaying comfortable stereoscopic imagery, opportunities for marketing and advertising in 3D, education and demonstrations for the creative, equipment and retail industries, and more.

“It goes without saying that 3D is here to stay, in the theater, in the home, and in special venues everywhere. Through its many 3D-related projects and initiatives, the ETC@USC has played a key role in fostering an on-going dialogue about the best approach to furthering the success of 3D across many platforms,” said Eisuke Tsuyuzaki, chief technology officer for Panasonic Corporation of North America. “For this and numerous other reasons, we are pleased to join the ETC@USC’s efforts to further the success of 3D.”

Panasonic’s sponsorship will contribute significantly to the Center’s 3D initiatives, including its Consumer 3D Experience Lab and a number of research and industry education efforts. Among these, Panasonic’s participation will help ETC undertake research studies that further explore human factors issues related to viewing 3DTV and the impact of stereoscopic technologies as they relate to the human visual system. The results of this work will be shared with the content creation community to provide insights and guidelines as it continues to produce immersive and visually comfortable 3D content.

In addition, Panasonic will participate in ETC@USC’s other initiatives, including acquiring consumer feedback on 3D products in ETC’s 3D Lab and research on consumer 3D product and service adoption.

“We welcome Panasonic to the ETC@USC as a 3D Project sponsor. As the consumer demand for 3D content becomes greater, content producers and CE manufacturers are going to be faced with many difficult questions about the future of this burgeoning industry. With the help of active participation from sponsors like Panasonic, the ETC@USC will continue to help address the questions facing this industry,” said David Wertheimer, CEO and executive director of the Entertainment Technology Center @ USC.

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.

Full details in the press release below.

Level 3 Press Release

BROOMFIELD, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: LVLT) today announced its collaboration with Microsoft Corp. to deliver live and on-demand high definition (HD), three-dimensional (3D) streaming for both PC and television using the Level 3 content delivery network (CDN), Microsoft Silverlight for playback and Internet Information Services (IIS) Smooth Streaming for delivery. The technology will be demonstrated at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show in Las Vegas on April 12-15 at the Microsoft booth # SL220.

The demonstration will show how 3D content can be made available quickly as IIS Smooth Streaming content and delivered via Level 3’s CDN over the Internet and watched on a PC (with Anaglyphic glasses) using Silverlight. It will also show how 3D live or on-demand content being played back in Silverlight can be delivered via HDMI to the new generation of 3D TVs and viewed with Polarized or Active Shutter glasses.

A number of companies collaborated to enable this demonstration, including:

• Film and TV production company, TVN GROUP, which captured live HD 3D content in Germany.
• Digital media preparation company Inlet Technologies, whose Spinnaker^TM real-time streaming appliance encoded the HD-SDI 3D output into IIS Smooth Streaming.
• Microsoft, which developed IIS Smooth Streaming and Silverlight.
• THX Ltd., whose THX^® Media Director™ drives switching between 2D and 3D playback settings automatically. NAB demo will also feature complete THX Certified Display and home audio system.
• Level 3, which will deliver the content using its London Broadcast Encoding Center and global CDN during a live demonstration at NAB.

“This technology opens up a world of content to 3D streaming and offers new possibilities for event delivery starting as early as this year – major live sporting events or concerts streamed right to your television or computer in 3D,” said Peter Neill, senior vice president of Content Markets at Level 3. “Combined with the work of our partners, Level 3’s broadcast encoding and content delivery experience and significant network scalability have helped make this delivery possible.”

“Microsoft is pleased that Level 3 has invested support in Silverlight and the next-generation application development platform,” said Brian Goldfarb, director of the developer platform group at Microsoft. “Companies like Level 3 help developers use their existing skills to create unique experiences that run across many and varied devices.”

For more information on Level 3’s Media services, please click here or visit www.Level3Delivers.com. Level 3 will be at NAB in Las Vegas on April 12-15 to discuss its broadcast delivery capabilities. In addition to the demonstration in the Microsoft booth, Level 3 will have a booth in the South Hall – SU9506Z in the Destination Broadband Pavilion.

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.

How to Train Your Dragon is fun from start to finish for both kids and adults.  The story is compelling, witty and very well presented.  The voice acting is great, with an all-star talent lineup of Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Gerard Butler and several others.

While DreamWorks hasn’t necessarily been knocking it out of the park lately, How to Train Your Dragon can go head-to-head with recent animated films from any studio.  I connected with the characters (both human and dragon) in a way that is rare for an animated film.  The boy, Hiccup, and his dragon, Toothless, are an endearing pair and combine for some stunning visuals in the flying sequences.

The 3D effects are not in-your-face, and although there are some things that really pop off the screen, the 3D effects generally add depth and an immersive feel to the film.  The RealD 3D screening that I saw was smooth and seamless.

DreamWorks has a solid hit on its hands that will likely build quite a bit on its $43M opening weekend.  Blu-ray and DVD versions of the film are in the works for a later release.  I don’t see the 2D version of this film taking too much away from it because of the compelling story and character connections.

That said, How to Train Your Dragon 3D is definitely worth the price of admission at the theater.