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…]
Panasonic has announce that its Full HD 3D Home Entertainment System will be available exclusively at Best Buy’s Magnolia Home Theater department. The system consist of a number of individual components, which include the following:
- Panasonic VIERA VT20 50″ Plasma 3D HDTV (model # TC-P50VT20)
- One pair of Panasonic 3D Active Shutter Lens Eyewear (model # TY-EW3D10U)
- BDT300 3D Blu-ray Disc Player
The glasses are actually included with the 3D TV, and additional pairs of glasses are available for $150 retail.
Of course, you can buy any of these components separately at other retailers. [click to continue…]
Corel is a mainstream provider of computer applications for photo and video solutions, includinng WinDVD Pro. The company recently announced the development of a WinDVD version that supports 3D Blu-ray playback on PCs.
The new software is expected to be available in 2010, and we should be able to check it out at CES in January.
More details in the press release below. [click to continue…]
The Blu-ray Disc Association (whose website sucks) has announced a task force to work on the integration of Blu-ray and 3D technology for some serious 3D TV enjoyment. Fortunately for us, Blu-ray’s tech development appears to be more adept than their wesite development, which means we will be seeing in 3D 1080p sooner rather than later.
“The format has been widely embraced by consumers, and the 1080p picture quality and overall experience have become the standards against which all other high-definition delivery platforms are measured. Blu-ray Disc’s capacity, flexibility and incomparable picture quality coupled with the activities of the BDA’s 3D task force sets the stage for a 3D home entertainment specification that establishes another industry standard and enables an in-home 3D consumer experience unmatched by any other delivery mechanism,” said the BDA in the statement.
[via Video Business]
The Polar Express is now available in 3D for both Blu-ray and standard DVD. I decided to pick up the DVD version and give it a try, since it is a household favorite. While I greatly enjoyed the movie (I had seen it several times before), I have to say that the 3D effects failed to live up to my expectations.
I think a lot of the problems that I noticed or experienced were due to the poor quality of the 3D glasses included with the DVD, which were cardboard with red and blue plastic over the eye-holes. Unfortunately, these are just plain cheap.
I followed up with a second “test-viewing” (not the whole film again though) with some marginally better 3D glasses and noticed a bit of an improvement in the 3D effects. I will note, however, that my wife and 6-year-old didn’t have the same complaints in the first viewing. Perhaps I am just too picky – or maybe because I’ve seen where the tech is going and expect so much more out of a 3D experience?
If you’ve got kids, I’d say that they would enjoy this movie and it’s probably worth the $15 I paid for it for that reason alone. Just don’t expect to be impressed by the 3D effects.
