Hitachi believes that digital marketing is something that everyone is on board with, and unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last ten years, you have to agree.  The company’s rendition of a hatching chicken shows the improvements they have been making to autostereoscopic technology, and while we have seen their glasses-free 3D renditions before, it’s where they plan on implementing it that makes you take a moment to admire…

First off, let’s talk about the technology itself.  They are using the autostereoscopic platform that detects viewer positions to create the same 3D effect for everyone without specs.  I know, you’ve heard all of this before, right?  But, they aren’t just working on making your movie experience better.  In fact, they believe that they can generate quite a buzz by bringing this to the marketing world, and changing the way we see signage forever.

The concept is something that would have obviously occurred anyway, but because they’re one of the first giants to really pursue that particular avenue, it makes our front page here.  Already known to be knee-deep in the 3D movement, Hitachi says that they intend to continue advancement on the auto-3D platform, ensuring that all of you get a great look at the bananas that you plan on buying at the local grocery store.  See, that’s an application we can…sink our teeth into…nevermind…that was horrible…

Image credit: 3dstreaming.it

They call the project Cinevation – a network that can allow audiences to view 3D content without the use of glasses.  This is what Pearl & Dean looks to add to the 3D platform, and if they can get the proper sponsorship, this could be incredibly big for the industry as a whole.  By putting the screens in about 50 cinemas, they hope that they can prove that great 3D visuals don’t need to be facilitated through uncomfortable specs.  Are you interested in something like that?  Who isn’t, right?!

Basically, we’ve already heard about the technology, as the company converts stereoscopic video into autostereoscopic.  Don’t worry, there won’t be a spelling exam afterwards, but understanding these concepts can help you to see exactly what’s been advancing in the content world.  Because there are multiple viewpoints in the technology, a large audience could all watch the feature without losing any of the effects. 

England will be the backdrop for the initial release, and whether or not Pearl & Dean actually end up going global, rest assured the technology will find its way around the world in no time if the initial push generates results.  They tout the ability to create stunning 3D without expensive equipment, and their response to the comparisons to active shutter or passive 3D technology:  “[as if now] it is probably 95% as good as what you are getting with glasses.”  Now you’re speaking directly to my heart fellas…directly to my heart.

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Make no mistake about it, I love optimism, and while there have been several detractors regarding the Nintendo 3DS, I have always wondered why many aren’t realizing what we are actually witnessing:  the first generation 3D gaming device that will undoubtedly lead to massive changes in the industry.  Sony sees what we’re talking about, and Mick Hocking of Sony London Studios obviously has 3D on his mind.  In mentioning the current 3D landscape, he mentions that the future of 3D as a “creative medium” will continue to push what we believe, as gamers, is possible.

I couldn’t agree more, as I’ve told everyone that the 3DS has offered so much beyond the gaming experience of the console itself.  That being said, I love my 3DS and haven’t had any issue with the release.  Sony apparently plans on integrated 3D technology with the Playstation Move, so things like Resistance 3should begin to show us what is in store for 3D gaming.

Properly understanding where we are in 3D technology can help consumers accurately project where things will be in a few years.  Sure, we’re starting to see plenty of glasses-free 3D units, but it will take time to perfect.  After all, flat screens underwent a similar trial by fire.

Image credit: joystiq.com

Everyone at IFA was buzzing about 3D rumors, and Sony wasn’t going to let themselves get left out of the action.  They announced that the Sony VAIO S notebook was getting a 3D overlay screen that will allow users to enjoy a glasses-free 3D experience, creating an interesting new “gadget” for those that are interested in experimenting with 3D technology.  The screen is 3mm thick and will clip onto the 15.5-inch display, delivering great looking 3D for videos or pics without the use of specs.  Now we’re talking…

We expect Sony to expand the technology to other devices, but for now, it seems that they want to experiment with the VAIO S series.  Wondering about the viewing angles and how the 3D will look if you move?  The webcam will have an app that tracks your head, giving a great 3D visual regardless of how you’re situated in front of your laptop.  There are limitations, however, as you’ll want to be between 30CM and 1 meter of the screen. 

This is great stuff as we expect to see a greater adoption rate of 3D technology.  Nothing can initiate the trend like creating gadgets like this one that simply upgrade your existing equipment, allowing for a cheaper delve into the 3D craze.  Interested in turning that 2D VAIO into a 3D machine?  Check out Sony’s latest concoction and see what the fuss is all about.

Image credit: westcoastgadgets.com

Japanese developers are introducing the use of white light to create a glasses-free 3D and hologram experience.  This is groundbreaking as many holograms that we’ve seen to date have been lacking in the color department.  Expect to start seeing technology using this new development in the very near future.

How do they do it?  Well, white light is beamed through three different angles onto a very thin metal film.  Because of the angle and color differences of each beam, when the light shines through an RGB hologram, the end result is a 3D image in full color.  To date, there hasn’t been a way to create holograms efficiently, but this should change everything.

The problem with hologram technology has always been the lack of color and limited viewing angles.  But, as we’re seeing more 3D technology get rid of the glasses, this should propel things further.  Already thinking of the ramifications?  Yep, we are too.  Imagine watching television on your coffee table instead of on a screen.  Gaming with holograms could be the greatest gaming experience in history, so we’ll keep you posted as we learn more about the technology advancement here.

Image credit: blog.moviefone.com

We all noticed just how quickly the talk escalated around 3D when Nintendo released the 3DS, but, while many still consider whether or not 3D technology is worth of the investment for the home, let’s think about what a glasses-free 3D experience could really mean.  Mobile devices are already getting involved with the movement, and with companies like Toshiba already beginning to release glasses-free 3D TVs to the public, we may be getting close.

Sure, the screen sizes weren’t magnificent as they only came out with 12- and 20-inch models, but it’s the fact that we’re getting closer and that the technology is advancing that really revs the proverbial engine.  But, in certain, illustrious segments of the market, we’ve seen models that offer the glasses-free 3D visuals on screens upwards of 65-inches.  While there may not be many that believe it will stick, it’s no doubt that a tech revolution of that magnitude will create some serious waves.

Many are speculating that we’ll begin seeing shelves full of 3D televisions that don’t rely on glasses within the next two years.  That should do plenty to excite a market that has obviously shown interest in the technology, but are simply a bit apprehensive regarding diving in until the market has settled a bit.  Either way, once there are 70-inch 3D TVs that don’t require specs to get the effect, I’m all over it.

Image credit: technabob.com

Did you see the information regarding engineers in France that had created a sort of 3D effect by using the front facing camera to create some glasses-free 3D visuals?  Yeah, we got pretty excited to, but that seems to pale in comparison to what’s coming out of Japan.

NewSight Japan, a Japanese technology firm, is proudly showcasing their 3D iPad at the Display 2011 convention.  Basically, what they’ve done is create a thin screen cover that will cover your iPad screen and give you some glasses-free 3D.  By combining software and the screen cover, users can enjoy the touchscreen capabilities with the 3D effects that so many crave.

What’s your take on this?  Sure, it isn’t native…yet.  But, with so many looking to create 3D tablets, there’s no doubt that the 3D will in involved in the next iPad release.  Apple rarely allows wiggle room for others to utilize their products when they know they can create an effect with ease.  They will, as we know, and we’re eager to see just what they concoct in their next iPad unit.

Image credit: maclife.com

So, have you been following any of the drama regarding active and passive 3D technology?  We’ve heard both sides trade jabs, call each other names, and even schedule steel cage matches to the death…however, all of that may be a think of the past if Dimenco has anything to say about it.  The company is comprised of former Phillips engineers, so expect some great things from the organization.  If this is a sign of things to come, we may have a new kid on the block in terms of “big dogs” in the 3D TV industry.

There are questions regarding the effectiveness of such technology, however.  Sure, we’ve seen the 3DS work well with the dual-screen design, but the use of a single, large screen without 3D glasses?  This we gotta see…but, if you want to be the first to get one of these, it’s going to cost you.  The BDL5231-3D2R will cost you around $20,000 USD, so it’s likely going to be a novelty until more affordable units hit the market.

This isn’t the first glasses-free 3D TV we’ve heard about, as Toshiba already has a unit on Japanese shelves.  Samsung claims to have one in the works, but maintains that the technology simply isn’t there yet and doesn’t want to release an inferior product.  But, with so many complaining about the glasses involved in 3D, this trend could change everything.

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Well, T-Mobile’s G-Slate pushed the envelope for a moment, but it seems that Toshiba is upping the ante.  At SID, they showcased a tablet-sized 3D screen that doesn’t need glasses to create the effect.  Wait, what?  Does this mean that the new generation of tablets will offer up glasses-free 3D?  How could it not, right?

Now, they aren’t tipping their hand with the applications of such a screen, but there’s no doubt that this will change the tablet game in a hurry.  They’re still trying to expand the technology to larger screens, however, so we’ll have to wait on getting that 50-inch glasses-free LCD for awhile.  Apparently, the picture quality takes a huge hit when you expand the size of the viewing window, but for now, this news suits us just fine.

The screen that Toshiba was showing off is 8-inches in size and the quality was outstanding.  There are still some issues that need to be resolved regarding viewing angles, but when using a tablet, it’s usually going to be only one person viewing anyway.  In light of this news, expect the next generation of tablets to take the 3D experience to the next level.  Glasses…we’ll see ya later!!!

Image credit: engadget.com

Sony isn’t pulling any punches these days, and while everyone swooned over the 13.3-inch flexible e-paper they were showing off, it wasn’t until later that they unveiled 2 glasses-free 3D panels.  SID was dominated by the e-paper technology, but many were left scratching their heads…weren’t there supposed to be flexible screens?  Oh, there were…you just had to be invited to the private party to see them.

The 3D LCD displays from Sony have screen sizes from 10 to 23-inches, and can deliver 3D directly to the viewer without the use of glasses.  What can this mean to the ongoing active vs. passive 3D war?  Maybe the entire thing is moot with so many companies pursuing the glasses-free 3D technology.

By using a backlit LCD panel, and a separate backlight for 2D content, the screen is easily switched between the two.  We’re getting information about their release soon, so stay tuned, but if these panels deliver the way we expect them to, look for Sony to all but end the active/passive conflict with one fail swoop.  And, to make things even better, they aren’t the only ones pursuing this avenue.  We’ll post more details as we get them, but the bottom line is that the glasses-free 3D is coming.  The market is about to get a huge upheaval in that department, that’s for sure.

Image credit: techfresh.net