Though the US Open Tennis Championships have come and gone, we’re just now learning the impact of the 3D broadcasts that Panasonic, CBS Sports, and Direct TV teamed up to deliver.  Because many fans who were new to the broadcasts loved the feeling of being in the stands watching the matches first hand, numbers were through the roof, and the event is one of the largest ever viewed 3D sporting broadcasts that DirectTV has ever experienced.

The coverage consisted of 2 full days of broadcasts over the week-long tournament, which was a solid increase over the 40 hours that were broadcast last year.  Additionally, the cameras that were implemented to capture the 3D content doubled, which means that there’s an obvious investment on the part of the broadcasting organizations. 

There are several sporting events that are bring 3D broadcasts into the fold, but with Wimbledon and the US Open events stepping up, it seems that tennis fans are going to be the first ones on the wagon.  Panasonic is touting the event an absolute success, and it’s hard to find the gumption to refute it.  Are sporting fans embracing 3D technology?  They had better be, as the platform is perfect for live events, and with so many 3D broadcasts planned in the near future, those that don’t adopt it will end up watching them at a friend’s house who did.

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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…

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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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If you want to see some more upgrades to 3D home entertainment, then look no further than the Digital Video Broadcast Group, or DVB, as they are looking to take things up a notch in the coming year.  By adding Depth Range Control and attempting to bring Full HD into the 3D fold, there could be quite a few units hitting UK markets that make you drool.  That’s right, we said drool…

With both of these improvements slated to be included in the Phase Two 3D TV releases, the arrival of improved depth on flat screen should induce many younger viewers to jump into the deep end of the 3D TV pool.  After polling the market, the DVB realized that older viewers are completely satisfied with the flat picture, while younger people are left craving better depth perception.  Well, you asked for it, and now you’ve got it!

The big question is, “How will they get the upgrades to fit into the current design?”  Ah, well, we’re glad you asked.  Or, David Wood, chairman of the DVB commercial module is glad you asked…

The plan is to bring the Blu-ray MCV format into the units, but it will require an extra investment on behalf of consumers.  By getting your hands on a compatible TV and break-out box, you will be increasing the overall depth and resolution of your 3D unit.  Another contingency relies on maintaining the HD standard currently involved and sending in a secondary signal that allows for the Full HD effect.  Now, we’re talking!

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Sure, you made a great student film and have aspirations of being the next James Cameron, but how can you compete when all of the movie studios are now creating 3D juggernaut titles?  Marshall Electronics understands your plight which is why they have developed the Orchid OR-70-3D monitor that should help you create the next 3D epic.  The monitor features a 7.2-inch screen that offers up great resolution – 1600 x 600 to be exact.  And, just to make sure they got your attention, the entire 3D effect doesn’t require glasses!  Now we’re talking.
But, before you get all excited about making the next 300, it’s time to discuss price.  As of now, you’ll be shelling out $7,899 to get your hands on this puppy.  We know, that was probably more than your last film’s entire budget, but when you have the ability to tune up your shoots to professional 3D levels, the sky can definitely be the limit.
This is likely the first step toward creating tools that smaller directors can use to make movies on par with higher-level studios.  The investment could be worth it if you have the skills to match the technology.  Look for more releases in the near future, and start making movies that you only dreamed were possible.  Now, if they can just make something that will help me write better scripts…

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Just when you thought that you had finally caught up with 3D technology, researchers in Japan take things to an entirely new level.  At Keio University, a team is developing a system they call RePro3D.  The concept is to create 3D holograms that react to your touch.  That’s right – we’re getting the best of touch screen technology and 3D technology and ramming them together like a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.  Man, I love those things…

Anyway, let’s talk about the technology involved, shall we?  First, the group took a glasses-free 3D display and implemented an infrared tactile interface.  The end result is a hologram that actually responds to your touch.  While this can have all kinds of ramifications to techies everywhere, for now, it’s just in the research phase.

Where will they go from here?  The goal now is to create a wearable device that will give the user the feeling that they are being touched.  This should take digital interaction to an entirely new level.  Expect several “ideas” from people everywhere of how we’re going to utilize this one…

Whether or not you’re a fan of James Cameron’s work is irrelevant when he speaks on 3D technology. As a huge initiator of the platform in theatres everywhere with Avatar, Cameron is again talking about 3D, but this time the subject is overall technology adoption. He explains that 3D technology was definitely boosted by the movie visibility, but doesn’t believe that theatres are enough to generate the home integrations that many companies are considering. Instead, he points to tablets as the portal that’s necessary to bring 3D into the home. Because many are developing glasses-free 3D technology, expect many to start taking a chance on the platform in general.

Cameron goes on to explain why the glasses-free 3D element is important. Autostereoscopic TVs are the likely solution to the hindrance that so many have cited: the glasses themselves. We already have smaller screens utilizing the technology, but until we see everything done on a larger level, 3D sales may continue to sag a bit.

James Cameron is a huge advocate of 3D technology, and he believes that consumer actually want the necessary hardware but simply don’t want to wear specs to get the effect. Toggling between 2D and 3D visuals will become commonplace in the future, and with so many already releasing 3D laptop initiatives, look for the same push to begin making headway into large screen home units.

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IFA hosted plenty of tech juggernauts that were bragging about their latest release, and LG held up their end of the bargain by reminding us that the passive Cinema 3D line can hold its own.  In fact, the company’s displays at IFA were an absolute hit, and there was no doubt that they plan on sticking with the passive technology. 

LG has long battled the competition when it comes to passive 3D technology, and with some Hollywood producers stepping out and admitting that the use of such a platform would likely help adoption rates (of 3D, not children), it seems that LG is just getting started.  We saw Cinema 3D launched in April, and since, have noticed that many are gasping at the quality they get through the units.  Why does passive 3D technology intrigue us, so?  Ah, let us count the ways…

Primarily, the glasses are much lighter and do not need batteries.  Because of the aforementioned design, passive 3D glasses are also much cheaper.  Further, research is showing that many are turning toward the passive option due to these factors plus a few more involving the cost of the units themselves. 

When considering how gamers feel about it, don’t sleep on the fact that passive technology is working up the “dual-view” option for gamers, essentially giving you two screens for head to head action.  With all of these things in mind, there’s no doubt that LG has plans for the Cinema 3D passive line, and after IFA, I think everyone is starting to believe…

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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

There’s something about 3D glasses that drives everyone crazy, and while we always love covering tech conferences, there was something about Berlin’s IFA that really got our blood pumping… and that thing was Toshiba’s showcasing of glasses-free 3D technology that will definitely shake things up in 3D-land.  The autostereoscopic utilizes filters to get the 3D effect, and when you’re viewing 2D content, you’ve still got quite a television screen on your hands.  It’s a win-win for everyone involved…well, mostly a win for us…

The 55ZL2, for example, features WebPort, the cloud-based media functionality.  With a bevy of Toshiba apps, USB connectivity for recording and content management, and of course, a full HD, glasses-free 3D experience, there’s no doubt that when these babies hit the market in December, there will be quite a few holiday lists that have them near the top.  Prices have yet to be announced, which is probably a good angle to take, as we can all salivate before ever knowing if we can really afford it!

There are active and passive 3D units on the way from Toshiba, as well, but on the heels of news regarding glasses-free 3D home entertainment, it’s all quite common place to talk about 3D with specs.  After all, 3D through glasses is soooo last week.

Image credit: 3dtvwatcher.co.uk