As if we needed more confirmation that 3D is growing as a viable entertainment product, the 3D Entertainment Summit doubled in size this year.  In attentence were major players like Sony, RealD, Dreamworks, Panasonic and IMAX.

You can get more details about some the latest developments from these players in the press release below.

3D Entertainment Summit News Release

MILFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The 3D Entertainment Summit in association with Variety, co-produced by Bob Dowling and Unicomm LLC, and presented by The Entertainment Technology Center (ETC) @ USC announced today attendance and sponsorship of the 2009 show doubled last year’s tally. This year’s event, which was held at the Hilton Los Angeles in Universal City September 16 and 17, attracted more than 500 attendees representing the “who’s who” in 3D from top brands and all aspects of the entertainment community, while drawing international media coverage. Major sponsors included Sony Digital, Sony Electronics, RealD, 3ality, DreamWorks, Panasonic and IMAX.

Summit Co-Producer, Conference Chairman and former Editor-in-Chief of The Hollywood Reporter Bob Dowling opened the 3D Entertainment Summit, highlighting the tremendous growth realized by the 3D industry since the last Summit was held this past November. Dowling provided perspective on the international growth of 3D as well, having just returned from South Korea where Mr. Dowling also spoke about the 3D industry.

“The common theme among attendees this year is that the 3D industry has grown at a rapid pace and will continue to grow amid a very trying time for most businesses and industries,” said Bob Dowling. “We are looking forward to the future as the credit markets open and continue to support this record-breaking growth.”

Wednesday’s keynote was a discussion between David Cohen, Features Editor, Daily Variety, Director and Screenwriter Henry Selick and Academy Award-winning Visual Effects Supervisor Brian Van’t Hul for the LAIKA/Focus Features 2009 breakout 3D animated hit film Coraline. The trio focused their discussion on the creative side of 3D. Day two featured a conversation between Mr. Dowling and Jeffrey Katzenberg, Chief Executive Officer & Director of DreamWorks Animation SKG. Mr. Katzenberg highlighted to Dowling the tremendous opportunity 3D continues to present the entertainment community.

Other highlights at the show include:

* RealD announced the availability of designer 3D glasses in select markets prior to the opening of the 3D film Avatar
* TrioScopics3D President and CEO John Lowry premiered his 3D system, which requires no investment in equipment from exhibitors, and also works with today’s DVD/Blu-ray players
* IMAX announced Tron: Legacy will be released to theatres in IMAX 3D
* 3ality Digital partnered with Nagravision to introduce the Nagra Media Guide for 3D, which was developed for set top boxes to enable the 3D at-home viewing experience
* During “The Business Case for 3D” panel, Screen Digest Senior Analyst Charlotte Jones illustrated that 3D remains a strong revenue driver for features, especially for this summer’s pics. “Without 3D premium pricing, the summer would not have registered as positive”
* Cinedigm Entertainment and 3ality Digital announced an agreement to bring a minimum of 8 live 3D alternative entertainment events to cinemas over the next two years
* Technicolor leveraged the 3D Summit to announce to the industry the organization’s celluloid 3D solution

“One of the strongest indicators that the 3D market continues to grow from our own perspective is our attendance and sponsorship levels, which both doubled from last year,” stated John Golicz, CEO of Unicomm, the event’s producer. “This enthusiasm for the 3D industry will drive Unicomm to schedule an additional show focused solely on the 3D video game industry next year.”

RealD has been making huge waves in the 3D theater experience over the past couple of years.  Now, RealD is breaking into Austria’s Cineplexx theaters to add RealD 3D to 100 screens (there are only around 200 total screens under the Cineplexx banner).  More details on the RealD and Cineplexx deal in the press release below.

LONDON & VIENNA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–RealD, the world’s leading outfitter of 3D movie theatres, has partnered with Cineplexx GmbH, the largest cinema chain in Austria, to add RealD 3D capabilities to 100 of its nearly 200 screens. The rollout will begin immediately on 15 screens upgraded with RealD 3D technology, with an additional 45 screens to be equipped by the end of September 2009 and the remaining screens upgraded within the next 12 months.

“Adding Cineplexx to the RealD footprint further advances our rapid growth in Europe,” stated Bob Mayson, managing director of RealD Europe Ltd. “We’re thrilled to deliver the market-leading RealD 3D experience to Austria’s leading exhibitor.”

“We are aware of the recent important developments in the cinema industry regarding 3D exhibition and we are glad that we agreed upon this partnership with the global leader in 3D technology to be able to supply our customers with the best technology available,” stated Mr. Christian Langhammer, CEO of Cineplexx.

Added Mr. Christof Papousek, Cineplexx, CFO, “Partnering with RealD is attractive for us not only from the technical point of view but also from a business perspective. Without large capital expenses, Cineplexx will benefit from additional revenue from RealD 3D exhibitions.”

RealD’s next-generation technology is deployed across the world’s largest 3D platform with over 8,000 screens under contract and over 2,900 screens installed in more than 45 countries with over 200 exhibition partners. A bright spot for the entertainment industry, RealD 3D is driving box office to the tune of three to four times per screen revenue of the same film on 2D screens.

About Cineplexx

Cineplexx Kinobetriebe GmbH was founded in 1993 and is a 100% subsidiary of Constantin Film-Holding GmbH, which belongs to the Austrian family Langhammer. Cineplexx emerged in the transition phase during the 1990s when traditional cinemas were closed and multiplex cinemas entered the market. Constantin Film realized this trend and developed a multiplex chain with 20 cinemas and 193 screens across Austria. A sister company is still operating 10 traditional cinemas in the arthouse and original-version segment. For more info, visit www.cineplexx.at.

About RealD

RealD is the global leader in 3D, bringing the most advanced and realistic digital 3D experience to cinemas worldwide. RealD’s new generation technology, deployed across the world’s largest 3D platform, provides a stunningly lifelike viewing experience. Beyond cinema, RealD is the worldwide inventor and provider of key stereoscopic technologies used in science, manufacturing, marketing, and other industries, with thirty years of scientific development behind its systems. RealD’s mission-critical 3D visualization technologies are used by organizations such as NASA, Pfizer, BMW, Boeing and more. www.RealD.com.

RealD has been packing the news lately with their partnership with Legoland’s 3D experience last week. Now, RealD is moving even closer to the consumer environment with a single-product 3D solution called RealD LP. To be sure though, we’re still in the professional and commercial arena now.

It’s coming though. You know it’s coming. Next, we’ll all be begging for smellivision to go with our 3D TV’s. See the full release on the RealD LP 3D setup below.

LOS ANGELES – After dazzling tens of millions of filmgoers worldwide with attention-grabbing 3D, RealD, the world’s leading 3D technology company, is introducing the RealD LP™ (Linear Polarizing Z Screen) to bring the power of 3D to the small screen. The world’s first mobile, single-projector, passive 3D solution, the RealD LP brings the vibrancy of high-quality 3D to smaller venues such as conference rooms, R&D centers, museum exhibits, mobile education centers, virtual rides and other entertainment attractions. Designed to be set up for individual 3D presentations in minutes, or permanently mounted for long term use, the RealD LP allows the flexibility of switching between 2D and 3D on the fly while alleviating maintenance and other issues of dual-projector 3D systems.

“3D content is more engaging, memorable and productive,” said Joshua Greer, president of RealD. “The RealD LP creates stunning 3D images for small or medium size audiences anytime, anywhere, bringing new possibilities to using the power of 3D in presentations, product development and virtual attractions.”

The RealD LP is an externally mounted peripheral for a single 3D-enabled DLP® projector, with electronic controls conveniently integrated inside the device. When 3D content is fed to the projector in full-resolution, frame-sequential format, the RealD LP allows content to be seen in 3D by polarizing right- and left-eye images. Viewers wear comfortable, affordable and reusable RealD eyewear custom built for the LP.

Suitable for screens up to 17 feet wide, the RealD LP works with 3D-enabled projectors such as NEC NC800, Christie Mirage HD, and Lightspeed Design HD DepthQ, along with a silver screen from Harkness, MDI or Stewart.

The RealD LP is available for lease through the company’s Professional division.

RealD is one of the companies that is moving us all toward an enjoyable 3D experience in our homes.  RealD has been making a difference over the past few years in the cinema.  Recent reports have revealed a partnership with LEGOLAND to bring a 3D experience on a theme park size.  There’s more details in the press release below, but expect big things from RealD as a leader in the home entertainment arena soon

LONDON & LOS ANGELES – LEGOLAND® Windsor and RealD have partnered to upgrade the park’s Imagination Theatre with state-of-the-art RealD 3D technology. The theatre’s dual projector system has been replaced with a single digital projector and RealD’s award winning XL Cinema System. This marks RealD’s first installation in a European theme park and the second partnership between RealD and LEGOLAND, with the initial pact incorporating RealD technology into LEGOLAND California at the theme park’s Show Place Theater.

“Incorporating RealD technology into the Imagination Theatre will give our guests a greatly improved experience,” said Kieran Maher, Maintenance Director, LEGOLAND Windsor. “While audiences will see crisper and clearer 3D visuals, we’ll gain the benefit of lower maintenance and less down-time with a single digital projector system running the latest in 3D technology.”

“We can’t wait for LEGOLAND Windsor guests to experience their favorite shows in RealD 3D,” stated Joe Peixoto, president of worldwide cinema at RealD. “RealD technology will bring LEGOLAND shows to life like never before, transporting audiences alongside their favorite characters for a fully immersive experience.”

The Imagination Theatre 4D presentations Spellbreaker 4D and Bob the Builder in 4D offer guests a unique sensory experience as they are immersed into eye-popping digital 3D effects with environmental elements, such as wind and water, to create an out-of-this-world experience far beyond any 3D film audiences have ever seen.

About LEGOLAND, Windsor

LEGOLAND Windsor is a unique family theme park where children aged 3-12 can take to the road, soar through the skies and sail the seas in complete safety. It has over 50 interactive rides, attractions, live shows, building workshops and driving schools, not to mention nearly 55 million LEGO bricks, all set in 150 acres of beautiful parkland. There are three other LEGOLAND parks in the world – LEGOLAND Billund in Denmark, LEGOLAND California in the U.S.A. and LEGOLAND Günzburg in Germany. The LEGOLAND theme parks are part of the Merlin Entertainments Group, the second largest attractions operator in the world. Merlin Entertainments is the leading name in location-based, branded, family entertainment and currently owns more than 50 attractions worldwide, serving more than 30 million visitors. For the most current information, log on to www.LEGOLAND.co.uk

About RealD

RealD is the global leader in 3D, bringing the most advanced and realistic digital 3D experience to cinemas worldwide. RealD’s next-generation technology, deployed across the world’s largest 3D platform, provides a stunningly realistic viewing experience. Beyond cinema, RealD is the worldwide inventor and provider of key stereoscopic technologies used in science, manufacturing, marketing, and other industries, with thirty years of scientific development behind its systems. RealD’s mission-critical 3D technologies are used by organizations such as NASA, Pfizer, BMW, Boeing and more. www.RealD.com

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.

RealD Takes 3D Spotlight at CES

Showcases Market-Leading 3D Technology for Cinema and Home

2009 International CES

LAS VEGAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–RealD, the global leader in 3D, showcased its innovations in 3D entertainment at the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) on Thursday with spectacular demonstrations at the opening keynote address, Sony Electronics booth and the first live 3D broadcast of the college football FedEx Bowl Championship Series (BCS) title game between the University of Florida and University of Oklahoma.

At the CES opening keynote in the Venetian Palazzo Ballroom, DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg presented a sneak preview of the studio’s upcoming film, Monsters vs. Aliens, which is scheduled for theatrical release on March 27, 2009, in RealD 3D. The theater, equipped with RealD’s stereoscopic Cinema System – complete with eyewear, screen and filtering technology – was the destination of choice for convention-goers, who got a sneak peek at one of this year’s most anticipated films, presented with the depth, clarity, and immersive effect only available in RealD 3D.

“We are in the midst of a defining moment in movie going history, wherein audiences for the first time can enjoy the extraordinary new innovations in 3D filmmaking and exhibition,” said Jeffrey Katzenberg. “We are thrilled to work alongside RealD and all content creators who are committed to the worldwide deployment of digital 3D.”

“RealD is committed to 3D innovation and CES was an example of how our experience and technology provide the absolute best 3D experience available,” stated Michael Lewis, chairman and CEO of RealD. “We look forward to continuing this evolution of the 3D entertainment experience for films, live events and other mediums to come.”

On the show floor, RealD technology is at work in the Sony Electronics booth theater, which is equipped with a RealD Cinema System, and RealD eyewear is being used by attendees viewing 3D content playing on Sony BRAVIA® screens. RealD also worked with Sony to outfit the Paris Hotel and Casino’s Theatre des Arts, where a capacity crowd viewed the college football national championship game live in RealD 3D. Presented by Sony, the game was shown using RealD’s Cinema System specifically built for Sony’s SXRD®4K projector.

The global leader in 3D cinema and 3D professional applications, RealD also demonstrated at CES its proven technology for delivering stereoscopic content to the new generation of 3D-enabled displays, which will soon be prevalent in the home, office and public spaces. Based on 30 years of 3D development experience, RealD’s simple, secure solution delivers high-quality 3D content to any 3D-enabled LCD, plasma or DLP® display using today’s existing high definition infrastructure, enabling the home market faster and with lower costs.

“With decades of experience in 3D and a single minded focus, we’re proud to demonstrate our solutions for the home market,” said Joshua Greer, president of RealD. “With this technology already piloting mission-critical applications in science and research, bringing it to bear to change the face of the home market quickly and cost-effectively is a natural progression.”

About RealD

RealD is the global leader in 3D, bringing the most advanced and enjoyable digital 3D experience to cinemas worldwide. RealD’s next-generation technology, deployed across the world’s largest 3D platform in 34 countries with more than 1,600 installations worldwide, provides a stunningly realistic viewing experience. Beyond cinema, RealD is the worldwide inventor and provider of key stereoscopic technologies used in science, manufacturing, marketing, and other industries, with thirty years of scientific development behind its systems. RealD’s mission-critical 3D visualization technologies are used by organizations such as NASA, Pfizer, BMW, Boeing and more. For more information, visit www.RealD.com.