News from Engadget, who reported from CES that Magnetic3D’s autostereoscopic displays claimed up to 9 viewing angles, an improvement over Alioscopy’s 8, plus support for compressed MPEG-4 video and a smaller video player, key for the digital signage market these displays compete in.
The Engadget guys detected “a bit more pop from greater distances and angles than competing tech, but unfortunately what they didn’t see was any indication this technology is any closer to being ready for regular TV watching. The 3D film over the demo 1080p LCD still drops the resolution somewhat and makes 2D viewing a messy blur, so for the time being, these displays popping out ads from street corners or slot machines will have to do.”
The group which oversees the specifications for the now familiar High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) has released details of the next version of the format.
HDMI Specification 1.4a which is now available for public download includes developer information for the forthcoming 3D functionality of the interface standard commonly used by TV, PC and graphics card manufacturers .
“As the mainstream adoption of 3D is gaining momentum and content providers define and expand their 3D roadmaps, HDMI is ready to support this major market development,” said president of HDMI Licensing Steve Venuti.
The HDMI specification combines uncompressed high-definition video, multi-channel audio, and data in a single digital interface to provide crystal-clear digital quality over a single cable.
The purpose of this document is to provide public access to the 3D portion of version 1.4 of the HDMI Specification for those companies and organizations that require access to this portion of the Specification but have not executed an HDMI Adopter Agreement.
XpanD, a designer and manufacturer of a range of consumer electronics 3D solutions, announced it showcased its X103 active-shutter glasses at the 2010 CES show in Las Vegas. With the X103 glasses, XpanD said anyone can experience 3D technology in virtually any environment.
According to the company, the X103 glasses are designed to work with 3D-ready LCD laptop and desktop monitors, LCD, DLP and plasma televisions. Virtually anything capable of playing 3D-encoded content at 120FPS will be compatible with the X103 glasses, making it possible for users to enjoy immersive 3D environments for video games, movies, TV and presentations.
XpanD active-shutter glasses utilize a specialized fast-switching liquid crystal cell, called the “pi-cell,” as a shutter to alternately block each eye. Through switching, optimal extinction ratios, and a wide viewing field, the XpanD active-shutter glasses offer a flicker-free 3D experience.
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Warner Bros. will release the next two “Harry Potter” films in 3D. This is no surprise, considering the huge impact that “Avatar” has made in the movie universe. Studio executives have been looking at future film slates for opportunities to expand forays into 3D releasing. Warner has been testing footage from its upcoming “Clash of the Titans” and the tests have gone so well that the studio has decided to release not only “Titans” but also the two-part “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” in 3D.
Conversion expenses have been gradually decreasing, so each film will cost just $5 million to change into 3D. Warner also will take on an additional $5 million expense per picture to pay for 3D glasses for exhibitors handling the movies.
Electronics giant Philips recently announced their plans to release a 52-inch 3D display showing “2D-plus-depth†images. The extra bonus ultra super cool catch? Watching this 3DTV won’t require that you wear 3D glasses to get the full effect.
The 1080p display, which Philips says will ship near the end of this year, has some impressive numbers being touted with it’s release, including a 2000:1 contrast ratio and 8ms response time. Naturally. Philips hasn’t mentioned anything yet in terms of pricing.
