Tag Archives: 3D

Avatar in 3D coming home to a 3DTV near you in 2011 [UPDATED]

March 23, 2010Movies, News3D, avatar, Avatar home release, Blu-Ray, DVD, releaseScott Meisner

I’m going on a hunch here and assuming you’ve seen Avatar in theatres. I mean, $737 million in domestic ticket sales doesn’t just spring out of no where. And I bet you can’t wait to get your mits on your own copy. Avatar is set to release on DVD and Blu-Ray on April 22 to coincide with Earth Day (how cute). The April DVD/Blu-Ray release will not include any bonus features. That means no deleted scenes, no behind-the-scenes featurettes, no nothing. Why, you ask? “Sources at Fox said the April disc will come without extra features so that all available storage space can be used for the best picture and sound possible.” So where’s all the extra features then? Apparently they will be packed into a second release (dubbed “The Ultimate Edition”) of the DVD/Blu-Ray packages in November. And what about the 3D version of the movie; when can we watch it at home the way it’s meant to be seen? That won’t come until sometime in 2011. Consumers likely won’t have 3D TVs to play it on until then anyway. So your safest bet is to wait until November to snag all the extras and play the rest by hear; who knows how fast 3D tech in the home will catch on.

Update: Sorry 3D fans, this update does not push forward the Avatar in 3D release. But it does fix the no bonus features ’til November fiasco. A fresh press release reveals The Avatar Program: “Connecting the two releases in April and November is “The Avatar Program,” an interactive consumer experience that offers an online hub for exclusive content, discounts and more.” The Avatar DVD/Blu-Ray release on April 22 will come with a unique code that can be used to access bonus features online and adopt a “virtual hometree.” Full PR after the break.

[Via Reuters; Gizmodo; BoxOfficeMojo; Engadget] Continue reading Avatar in 3D coming home to a 3DTV near you in 2011 [UPDATED] →

Cameron’s Titantic goes 3D for 100th anniversary

March 16, 2010Movies, News3D, James Cameron, re-release, TitanicScott Meisner

Hot off the heels of creating the most financially successful movie of all time, visionary director James Cameron plans to splay his 3D tech on top of the (now) second highest grossing movie, his Titantic. Says Cameron: “We’re targeting spring of 2012 for the release, which is the 100 year anniversary of the sailing of the ship.” Can you imagine re-watching the sinking of the ship and all those dead bodies floating in the bloody sea in 3D? I know I can’t.

[Via BusinessInsider]

Nintendo DSi uses camera & motion tracking to produce a 3D image

February 28, 2010Technology, Video3D, camera, illusion, motion tracking, Nintendo, Nintendo DSi, Video gamesScott Meisner

Finally, the Nintendo DSi’s camera is being put to exciting use. An upcoming Japanese-only game called Rittai Kakushi e Attakoreda will utilize the DSi’s (inner) camera and motion tracking software to follow your eyes and create a 3D illusion that you are looking behind or in front of certain objects in the virtual world. The tech being used here is not so different from Johnny Chung Lee’s Wii head-tracking experiments. Watch the demo above and it’ll all make sense. Magical, isn’t it?

[Via BoingBoing; Gizmodo; Nintendo Japan]

Early demonstration of Samsung’s 3D TVs

February 28, 2010Technology, Video3D, 3D HDTV, 3D TV, demo, demonstration, HD, HDTV, LED, LED TV, Samsung, TelevisionScott Meisner

Yeah it’s around seven minutes long, but if you are even slightly interested in 3D TVs and the forthcoming slew of them entering the market this year it’s worth a viewing. In the video preview a Samsung rep details the Samsung C7000 LED TV, giving us an early peek into the brand new 3D tech that’s embedded inside. There’s SD/HD modes, a 3D mode (duh), a 2D to 3D converter, a sleek remote, and the sporty 3D shades. Man I wish I had a British accent.

[Via Which?; Engadget]

Solid Snake to infiltrate arcade machines, 3D head-tracking style

February 22, 2010News, Technology3D, arcade, head-tracking, Konami, Metal Gear, Metal Gear Arcade, Video gamesScott Meisner

Konami has brought the Metal Gear experience to an arcade cabinent with Metal Gear Arcade. Arcade is based on Metal Gear Online and the gameplay features “Integral Vision.” The included headmount enables a 3D effect and supports head-tracking movement (where you look, the on-screen character looks). The arcade cabinent also includes 5.1 surround sound, a built-in mic for voice chat, and physical gun controllers to help immerse you even further into the game. Metal Gear Arcade debuted this week at the AUO Expo in Japan; there’s no word as to when it will hit the market. Check out the trailer here and screenshots in the gallery below.

[Via Joystiq; Engadget]

3D is coming to PS3 this summer

February 10, 2010News, Technology3D, firmware, Playstation 3, PS3, Sony, Sony Playstation 3, update, upgrade, Video gamesScott Meisner

We knew it was coming but now it’s getting official. SCEA’s John Koller spills the beans: This summer, two firmware updates will transform the PlayStation 3 into a 3D Blu-ray and 3D gaming machine:

3D is a major part of our initiatives in 2010 and we’re currently developing 3D stereoscopic games to come in conjunction with the launch of Sony’s 3D compatible BRAVIA LCD TV in summer 2010. The amazing thing about the PS3’s technology is that all PS3 units that exist in homes and markets will be able to play 3D stereoscopic games as well as 3D BD movies through separate firmware upgrades – something that other platforms are unable to do. We’ll be announcing actual game titles separately later, but we think that 3D stereoscopic gaming has a ton of potential, particularly in placing consumers within the actual experience.

[Image and info via Gizmodo; Pocket-lint]

LittleBigPlanet to be brought into a 3D universe later this year

January 26, 2010News, Technology3D, LBP, LittleBigPlanet, PlayStation, PS3, Sony, Sony Playstation, Sony Playstation 3, Video gamesScott Meisner

Get your Sackboy (or Sackgirl) ready! It’s been teased that Media Molecule’s LittleBigPlanet will be undergoing a 3D makeover just in time for the Playstation 3 firmware update that will enable 3D gameplay on all PS3s later this year. LBP joins SuperStarDust HD and Gran Turismo 5 as one of many games that will likely make the conversion to 3D formats. 3D effects will only add to the great depth and vastness that LBP already has to offer. In the behind-closed-doors demo of LBP in 3D it’s been reported that when Sackboy puts on 3D glass in-game the game environment itself transforms from 2D to 3D. Rad!

[Via Eurogamer; Kotaku]

3D wall projections appear frightenly realistic

January 26, 2010Architecture, Technology, Video3D, 3D projection, projection, projector, wall projectionsScott Meisner

From NuFormer Digital Media comes intruiging wall projections on buildings. They’ve created these “high-skill 3D video mapping projections” that can be custom-made to fit a variety of buildings. My favorite projection is the one that makes the structure look like water is shooting out from all crevices. What’s yours?

[Via KPeriera twitter page; YouTube]

Zemeckis finds his Fab Four for ‘Yellow Submarine’ 3D remake

January 16, 2010Movies, News3D, actors, remake, Robert Zemeckis, The Beatles, Yellow SubmarineScott Meisner

Director Robert Zemeckis (A Christmas Carol (2009), The Polar Express), in collaboration with Disney, is remaking The Beatles’ Yellow Submarine feature film. In 3D. The original 1968 movie was animated and trippy and featured a soldier named Old Fred, the Blue Meanies, and of course The Beatles and their brilliant soundtrack. Zemeckis will be using 3D performance-capture technology for the remake. And the (new) Fab Four are: Cary Elwes, Dean Lennox Kelly, Peter Serafinowicz and Adam Campbell are George Harrison, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr, respectively. Look after the break to compare the actors to the real fab four.

Not so sure how all this is going to turn out. But I’ll give it to the casting crew: all four selections are British and Serafinowicz was raised in Liverpool. And I love Beatles music.

[Via EW-MusicMix; TheHollywoodReporter]

Continue reading Zemeckis finds his Fab Four for ‘Yellow Submarine’ 3D remake →

ESPN & Discovery to broadcast first 3D programming

January 14, 2010News, Technology, Television3D, 3D HDTV, broadcast, Discovery, ESPN, HD, HDTV, high definition, progamming, Television, TVScott Meisner

In addition to the 3D programming DirecTV promises to bring this year, ESPN and Discovery have stepped up to the plate with plans to share 3D broadcasts of their own content.

On June 11 ESPN will launch a brand new channel appropriately called “ESPN 3D” and will air their first 3D broadcast with a World Cup soccer match. According to USA Today: “ESPN 3D expects to showcase at least 85 live sporting events during the first year. There’ll be no reruns initially, so the network will be dark when there’s no 3D event. Among other events planned for 3D broadcast: the Summer X Games (extreme sports), NBA games, college basketball and college football.”

Discovery, Sony, and IMAX have joined forces to broadcast the world’s first 24/7 dedicated 3D TV network. Discovery was the first to bring a 24/7 basic cable HD channel in 2002, so this all makes sense, right? The trifecta plans to switch on such a channel sometime in 2011. Bummer, I know. At least we’ll have ESPN 3D to whet our appetite before we immerse ourselves into wild documentaries.

And remember kids–in order to watch HD 3D programming you are required to go out and purchase a compatible TV set along with those pesky glasses. Expect the first wave of 3D-enabled TV sets to hit stores this spring.

[Via USA Today; Engadget, here & here]

3D programming is coming to a non-compatible TV near you via DirecTV

December 31, 2009News, Technology3D, 3D HDTV, 3D TV, DirecTV, HD, HDTV, high definition, rumor, Television, TVScott Meisner

According to the HDGuru, DirecTV plans on launching the first 3D HDTV channel in the US sometime next year. It’s been reported that DirecTV recently shot a brand new satellite into orbit that supports the addition of a 3D channel plus other regular HD stations. The satillite becomes operational in March 2010, so that’s the earliest a 3D channel could pop up. HD Guru’s “sources” tell him that all current DirecTV set top boxes will receive a firmware upgrade that will enable it to receive the 3D programming. But remember, in order to watch 3D on your television, you need a TV that supports it. DirecTV is expected to make this announcement at next week’s Consumer Electronics Show; TV manufacturers like LG, Sony, Samsung, and Panasonic are planning on showing off their latest 3D HDTVs as well.

Thing is, I don’t think we are ready for 3D programming yet. Hell, we are just getting used to high definition! A hefty percentage of America finally owns decent HDTVs, and now the industry expects us to go out and buy a new 3D-supported TV. I think not. Let’s stick with 3D in the theatres for now (Avatar and Up were the first 3D movies I thoroughly enjoyed); slowly but surely the industry should allow it to enter the home.

[Via HDGuru; Gizmodo]

Blu-ray Association announces final 3D specification

December 18, 2009News, Technology3D, Blu-Ray, Blu-ray specification, HD 3D, HDTV, high definition, press release, spec, specificationScott Meisner

The Blu-ray Disc Association has announced the finalization of the “Blu-ray 3DTM” specification. So what does this mean? Now the home entertainment industry has the go-ahead to produce and ship full-blown high definition (1080p) 3D experiences to capable television sets for consumers. The specification allows Blu-ray players to display full HD in 3D to each eye. Also, it’s agnostic, meaning that capable Blu-ray players and TVs will be able to display HD 3D images regardless of display type (LCD, plasma, etc.). The spec features enhanced graphics for displaying menus and subtitles in 3D. All Blu-ray 3D-enhanced discs will contain a 2D version of the content, thus making them backwards compatible with standard Blu-ray players. Notice I’ve been careful to label Blu-ray players and TV sets as “capable.” In order to receive the high definition 3D experience, you must own a 3D-capable TV and Blu-ray player. This means that your current entertainment setup likely will not be compatible with the specification. It is worthy to mention that there’s a lone exception; the Sony Playstation 3 will be forwards-compatible with the spec. Sony has stated that it will become 3D ready via a future firmware update. Remember, though, that a new HDTV with IR emitters and those pesky 3D glasses are necessary. Expect all this new tech to release starting in 2010. Full press release is after the break.

What’s to come of all this? No one is certain of the future of 3D tech in the home. For starters, many have been skeptical of this idea, labeling 3D movies a gimmick with silly glasses. However, a number of people have admitted like movies like Pixar’s UP and the freshly released Avatar are better in 3D than 2D because instead of acting as in-your-face gimmicks they are great films that truly immerse you into the environment of the on-screen characters, making the movie experience better. The real question is whether or not manufacturers will have success helping consumers transition from standard HDTV sets to 3D-capable ones.

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading Blu-ray Association announces final 3D specification →