The Official 3D Thread - Page 8

Originally Posted by Vincent Shaw

I dunno. Given the undoubted commitment by studios, filmmakers and theater owners, and given the massive slate of movies already in the pipeline (there are almost 30 3-D features in the works for 2009, with more to be announced in due course), this wave seems more than a little... permanent.

The only thing that's going to kill it is an ongoing diet of mediocre films, and while the current slate is top-heavy with family/animation productions, the growing number of titles means there will soon be something for everyone. Me? I'm looking forward to MY BLOODY VALENTINE and FINAL DESTINATION 4 more than I'm looking forward to anything by Disney or DreamWorks et al. There again, I'm the kinda guy who thinks AMITYVILLE 3-D is the heights of stereoscopic sophistication! And I'll argue that contention to the grave, y'hear?!

I keep being told that 'gimmickry' (ie. things popping out of the screen) is universally hated and amounts to 'bad' 3-D, but I happen to love that kind of thing, so long as it's done sparingly and integrated into the plot (hence my love for AMITYVILLE 3-D!). I suspect the same thing is true of most audiences, too. Mind you, critics only seem to call it 'gimmickry' when it's used by low-budget independent productions. Apparently, A-list productions are above the fray. Not...

Nothing wrong with a little ballyhoo, sez I. And gawd knows, current movies could certainly do with some of that.

Originally Posted by Lee Stewart

And we now see a surgence of Super 35 instead of Panavision.

Originally Posted by Lee Stewart

Novelties have a tendency to wear off.

Originally Posted by Lee Stewart

There are issues with people who wear glasses - a large part of the population.

Originally Posted by Vincent Shaw


Nowadays, almost all those problems are a thing of the past, especially in exhibition, where Digital 3-D has revolutionized (and simplified!) the entire process of projection.

Originally Posted by darinp2

Maybe somebody should go into the business of making prescription 3D glasses.

I don't wear glasses so it doesn't affect me, but seems like they could give people who go to the digital 3D presentations a choice of a pair of the regular glasses, or something that clips onto glasses somebody already has. Unless prescription glasses would cause a problem with the polarization, or something like that.

--Darin

Originally Posted by David Susilo

Yet many 3D theatres don't calibrate their brightness and colour level for 3D presentation making the colours dull and brightness extremely murky.

Originally Posted by darinp2

Maybe somebody should go into the business of making prescription 3D glasses.

I don't wear glasses so it doesn't affect me, but seems like they could give people who go to the digital 3D presentations a choice of a pair of the regular glasses, or something that clips onto glasses somebody already has. Unless prescription glasses would cause a problem with the polarization, or something like that.

--Darin

Originally Posted by Joe Bloggs

Does anyone know when the UK will get the Mitsubishi 3d player (or a similar standalone player that can create 3d from 2d DVDs/Blu-rays) thingy?
I've been waiting ages

Can it create the Red+Blue type of 3d too (I see no reason why this type couldn't be used on an LCD - even though it might not be the best form of 3d)?

Originally Posted by Lee Stewart

This player is truly a vaporware product.



No - it can't. A movie has to be encoded with the Cyan/Red system

Dear Company:

The DVD Forum is planning to study (the “Proposed Study”) the possible incorporation of 3D movie technology into The DVD Forum format specifications for DVD-Video and HD DVD-Video (the “DVD Format Specifications”). The DVD Forum plans to study only the feasibility and potential merit of incorporating 3D movie technology into the DVD Format Specifications. Please note that The DVD Forum has made no decision to incorporate such technology into the DVD Format Specifications and does not intend to select any specific 3D movie technology for inclusion at this time. After studying each proposed 3D movie technology, The DVD Forum will decide whether 3D movie technology should be incorporated into the DVD Format Specifications. As part of this study, The DVD Forum may also consider whether measures to achieve compatibility with existing DVD-Video and HD DVD-Video players would also need to be implemented in the event 3D movie technology is incorporated into the DVD Format Specifications.

The purpose of this request for information is to gather information to assist The DVD Forum in connection with the Proposed Study. Interested companies are encouraged to submit information and proposals to The DVD Forum for consideration

Originally Posted by Lee Stewart

DVD Forum To Explore 3D Technology.



http://www.dvdforum.org/announce-3d.htm

Originally Posted by Joe Bloggs

Or are they thinking of re-introducing some HD-DVD type player (other than the super up conversion ones that don't actually contain a HD encode on the discs)??

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 28th 2008 at 5:17PM


If you're vaguely remembering a mention of MLD, you're not crazy. Around this time last year, PureDepth announced that it was teaming up with Samsung to crank out a 46-inch Multi-Layer Display LCD. Fast forward to now, and we're hearing that the first MLD wares should be hitting the streets relatively soon. The technology itself consists of building displays that are in fact two or more layers of LCD panel that share a common back-light source, thus creating a depth effect when viewing material. As it stands, the outfit has signed agreements with Samsung (obviously) for development of displays in mobile handsets and Sanyo for mobiles, gaming solutions and automotive electronics (including in-car navigation). Interestingly enough, Q1 2008 saw quite the surge in support for the 3D sector, making the launch of MLD that much more applicable to the apparent desires of content viewers. Check out a few sample images and product prototypes in the gallery below.

Originally Posted by Lee Stewart

PureDepth's Multi-Layer Display technology to ship soon


http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/28...-to-ship-soon/

Originally Posted by Lee Stewart

PureDepth's Multi-Layer Display technology to ship soon


http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/04/28...-to-ship-soon/

Pace of upgrades make March target tough
By Carolyn Giardina

May 4, 2008, 04:54 PM

Corrected: May 4, 2008, 08:08 PM


"Monsters vs. Aliens"

At least 10 3-D digital features are planned for 2009, but the clock is ticking ominously when it comes to the deployment of digital theater installations.

"(DreamWorks Animation CEO) Jeffrey Katzenberg has stated that he wants 5,000 3-D-ready digital-cinema screens by March," National Association of Theatre Owners president John Fithian said. "That is aggressive. We can get there, but I kind of doubt it."

DWA's "Monsters vs. Aliens" is slated for release March 27. But with that date less than a year away, out of an estimated 39,000 screens in North America, there are now just 5,000 d-cinema screens -- including a little more than 1,000 with 3-D capabilities.

Fithian warned in April during the National Association of Broadcasters Show that "unless digital cinema deals are made in the next one to two months, we will not have time to deploy the screens for 2009."

More than a month since NAB, new d-cinema deals remain at an impasse. Deployment deals generally rely on a virtual print fee model through which studios contribute an agreed fee per screen, per movie to offset exhibitors' installation costs.

"In the last 30 days, things have not progressed as well as I had hoped, expected and, frankly, been committed to by all the parties involved," Katzenberg said last week. "It's ongoing as we speak, but in terms of getting the big three exhibitors (Regal, AMC and Cinemark) on board and actively moving forward, I feel as though things have dragged along."

Responded Fithian: "Jeffrey has his concerns about exhibitors, I understand that, that's his job. I have my concerns about a minority of the studios not working hard enough to reach a deal. ... We need all the studios to participate in this process for this to happen quickly, and that is not happening right now."

Fithian didn't name names, but insiders point a finger at Warners for dragging its heels.

The Digital Cinema Integration Partners -- a joint venture owned by Regal, AMC and Cinemark that represents 14,000 screens in the U.S and Canada -- is in negotiations with the studios.

In March, Access Integrated Technologies -- the integrator for the majority of digital installations in North America -- introduced a "Phase 2" program that incorporates virtual print fee deals that already have been established with Disney, Fox, Paramount and Universal, all of which have committed to provide movies to as many as 10,000 d-cinema systems in the U.S. and Canada. Added company president Chuck Goldwater, "We are making good progress with Sony and Warner Bros."

AccessIT CEO Bud Mayo said the company is making "excellent progress" toward securing debt financing based on the virtual print fee model, and Phase 2 deployment is slated to begin in July.

Last month, the Cinema Buying Group -- a buying program for small and independent theater operators -- inked a deal with AccessIT, making the d-cinema deployer the integrator for the CBG's 600-plus members. That move represents more than 8,000 CBG screens, the majority of which are expected to fit into Phase 2 deployment.

At Kodak Digital Cinema, Bob Mayson reported that a financing plan is in place, and Kodak has two studio VPF deals, which he declined to name, completed. He hopes to announce a complete plan late in the second quarter, with deployment beginning during the second half of the year.

Technicolor Digital Cinema has VPF deals with DreamWorks, Fox, Sony, Universal and Warners and is working on the financing.

Noted TDC's Curt Belmer, "Today it's still challenging due to the tight market and the gap that continues to remain between studio subsidy and exhibitors willingness to pay."

Even once VPF deals are reached, plenty of work remains.

"There are a limited number of technicians who know this stuff," Fithian said. "It is a question of how much time it takes to install these systems and get them up and running."

Goldwater reported that at AccessIT's peak, the company was installing systems for nearly 500 screens per month. He added, "That was with a single vendor (Christie). We expect not only could we repeat that, but with additional vendors that Phase 2 will include, we can multiply our capacity at a greater rate."

"We can install 10 screens a day," Kodak's Mayson said, adding that if the deals are made quickly, it still is possible to make Katzenberg's goal.

Originally Posted by Russ Rubman

I am considering this Plasma display and can't find any info anywhere as to whether it is 3d capable or not? I have heard that the new Samsung plasma's are 3D ready but not even the rep at Samsung USA can tell me if THIS one is or not.

If NOT - can anyone tell me if there are any 1080P displays, Plasma or LCD, that are?

I am looking for 50" or larger.

THANKS ALL!
RUSS

Originally Posted by zalirb

I would also like to know if anyone is aware of a reliable list of 3d capable current lcds or plasmas. I am looking at the Panasonic 46pz800u which i have been told by a sales rep is 120 hz capable (supposedly all 8 series are) but i can't find any tech literature, specifications, etc. that support this statement. Any help on current 2008 year model lcd or plasmas ( i know about the pavv 450p by samsung) would be greatly appreciated. Especially anyone who has one and tried to get it working even just as a 3d game monitor.

Originally Posted by zalirb

I would also like to know if anyone is aware of a reliable list of 3d capable current lcds or plasmas. I am looking at the Panasonic 46pz800u which i have been told by a sales rep is 120 hz capable (supposedly all 8 series are) but i can't find any tech literature, specifications, etc. that support this statement. Any help on current 2008 year model lcd or plasmas ( i know about the pavv 450p by samsung) would be greatly appreciated. Especially anyone who has one and tried to get it working even just as a 3d game monitor.

Originally Posted by Lee Stewart

120Hz is not enough to be considered a 3D ready display. The list of FPD's that are 3D ready is VERY short.

Originally Posted by Wesley5

120 Hz is pretty much enough, actually even 100 Hz is acceptable though some people may find flickering too much to bear. For systems using active glasses, there is nothing special about displays in terms showing stereo images, a display just takes whatever incoming stereo signal and shows it, nothing else involved. I can display stereo images on my regular desktop 60 Hz LCD and see if, it's just 30 FPS for each eye is too slow and causes quite a headache.

Samsung's product lineup for 2008 includes 3D-capable plasmas, powered by DDD Group's TriDef 3D

Author: CHRIS TRIBBEY
ctribbey@questex.com
Posted: June 13, 2008
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The epiphany for launching the 3D@Home Consortium came to co-founder and managing director Chris Chinnock last year. But the affirmation came in April during a trip to Japan.

Over-the-air 3-D content is being broadcast there, but only for short-form programming. Also, 3-D TVs and accompanying 3-D glasses are given front billing in electronics stores, but the quality is poor and the set-up is clumsy, said Chinnock, president of Insight Media.

“I put on the glasses, and it’s just not a very compelling image,” he said, adding that the set-up was not consumer friendly. “That’s a major problem: you’ve got to make it idiot-proof.”

Making things easier and enticing for consumers, and for companies interested in capitalizing on the resurgence of theatrical 3-D are what the group is about.

The Consortium has attracted the likes of Philips, Samsung, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, NBC Universal, Imax, Thomson and a host of 3-D-specific groups.

“The reason you’re seeing a lot of heavy hitters is because they’re seeing the same things,” Chinnock said. “Hollywood’s committed, the sports people are interested, and the gaming industry gets it.”

The Consortium’s mission is to speed up the delivery of 3-D into homes. High priority discussion items for the group include helping determine the best file formats for home 3-D product, working within DVD and Blu-ray Disc standards, and coordinating with other 3-D groups in Europe and Asia.

“We need to bring this stuff to the home — that’s what’s important,” Chinnock said.

In the home already

In some ways at least, 3-D in the home, is already in the home: more than 1 million HDTVs sold so far in the United States are 3-D ready, Chinnock said, and another million are expected to be in American households by the end of 2008.

TV broadcasters and gaming are showing signs of 3-D interest. In April 3ality Digital demonstrated the ability to broadcast a live, 3-D feed via the existing 2-D infrastructure for an episode of “Deal or No Deal.” And Illinois-based TDVision recently unveiled a video codec that encodes 3-D content for delivery to existing 2-D set-top boxes.

“We believe the next step in the evolution of TV will be 3-D technology,” said Sungho Kim with Samsung Electronics, which introduced its 3-D DLP TV in 2007 and 3-D plasma HDTV this year.

Only a few dozen DVDs with 3-D have been released, packaged with glasses. Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is the first studio using Blu-ray for 3-D, with its Aug. 19 release of Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds 3-D Concert. A two-disc DVD is also being released, and both it and the Blu-ray will come with 3-D glasses.

Also, 3-D company TDVision Systems in May showed off technology that converts standard Blu-ray Discs to 3-D on certain 3-D capable TVs.

“We see a host of new opportunities for cooperation and innovation on the horizon — not only for display providers, but for those within every facet of the 3-D technology chain,” said U.S. Display Consortium (USCD) CTO Dr. Mark Hartney. USDC is the other co-founding organization of the 3D@Home Consortium.

DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg admitted the studio is looking beyond the theater for its 3-D content. His company will release all of its theatrical films in 3-D beginning in 2009.

“Whether or not it achieves the fullest potential [is unknown],” he said in a conference call with DreamWorks investors April 29. “There will be a time in which this will migrate on to other platforms and have, I think, again, premium value, but that’s down the road a bit.”

The theatrical factor

The interest in at-home 3-D is being fueled by the resurgence of 3-D in theaters: According to research from Screen Digest, per-screen ticket sales for 3-D movies are more than double those for the same movie in 2-D.

By the end of 2009, more than 4,000 3-D capable screens will be up and running. That’s thanks in large part to a recent agreement by Regal Entertainment Group to install 1,500 RealD 3-D screens in its theaters, eclipsing the total Imax and Dolby have installed combined. There were less than 100 digital 3-D screens nationwide for Disney’s Chicken Little in 2005.

“Why is it finally time for 3-D to happen?” said 3Ality Digital Systems co-founder John Modell. “We have synergy between content creators and the technology industry.”

The ‘holy grail’ of home 3-D

Mitch Perliss, senior business director of North American distribution at MagicPlay Entertainment, knows a thing or two about trying to get 3-D into the home. When he was with SlingShot Entertainment in 2002, the company paired Imax and horror DVDs with a set-top 3-D converter and two pairs of 3-D glasses, at about $100. But, much like the throwaway 3-D glass movies of old, the idea proved gimmicky.

“If you’re watching with five, six friends, and they all need glasses it could be expensive. And it looks goofy,” he said. “I think the answer is if one has the ability to do 3-D without the glasses.”

Philips is working on autostereoscopic (without glasses) 3-D TV technologies, and more than one company has released projector-based 3-D technology with no need for glasses. But nobody yet has found a way to do glasses-less 3-D in the home affordably and with the ability to deliver the same experience seen in theaters.

“There’s a significant amount of image trade-off when you try it without the glasses,” Chinnock said. “Showing a movie [without glasses], it just doesn’t work right now. The image is degraded just too much.”

Richard Doherty of The Envisioneering Group said there’s a market for 3-D in the home and that the glasses issue won’t be a big one forever. Getting the product — and the message — to consumers is the biggest challenge. “They are largely unaware, and challenges in showing [3-D] at retail exist,” he said.

“Starting as a glasses-based market, the consumer application market will soon transform into glasses-free consumer applications,” predicted Jos Swillens with Philips 3-D Solutions. Philips has an autostereoscopic 52-inch screen set for this winter.

While 3-D content will be slow to come into consumers’ hands at home, the future is bright, Chinnock said.

“The Holy Grail for TV, clearly, is glasses-less 3-D,” he said. “We’ll get there, but it may take awhile.”