3D Gaming by NVIDIA and Panasonic
NVIDIA wants to show you how awesome 3D video games and movies can be, and it has teamed up with Panasonic for a US-wide road tour to display case the latest in 3D home the stage technology. As part of the tour, you’ll be able to test out PCs organization NVIDIA’s 3DTV Play software with Panasonic’s 3D HDTVs and close glasses (what a mouthful!).
3DTV Play let you play 3D games or watch 3D video from your PC, and it mechanism with well-matched GeForce GPUs, over 400 games out of the box, and supports 3D TVs with HDMI 1.4, with resolution up to 1080p at 24 frames per second. 3DTV Play isn’t now for gaming; it lets you watch 3D movies, view 3D images, and even look through 3D Web sites. There’s no release date yet for the app, but NVIDIA says it’ll be “available later this spring” for $39.99. Though, if you’re an NVIDIA 3D Vision owner, the software’s free.
While current PCs with NVIDIA GeForce cards will support 3DTV Play, 3D gaming requires twice the frameratw of 2D gaming, so newer, faster machines will provide the best experience for 3D. An NVIDIA rep told Gizmodo that the demo rigs used for some press previews were “inside a 3.5-foot-tall tower with a plexiglass side to show off the water cooling inside,” which I can only guess will not be cheap.
Consumers Very Impressed by Newest 3D TV Technology
New 3D TV technology is so impressive, if you are in the market for HDTV, you might want to wait to examine more models, shell out the extra few hundred dollars for 3D TV instead and move to the head of your gadget-packing peer class.
That’s the news from initial findings in preliminary tests of three of the newest 3D models, two 46-inch LCD models from Samsung and a 50-inch plasma set from Panasonic, conducted by Consumer Reports (CR), the respected, independent tester and rater of consumer goods and services.
Preliminary tests “have been impressive,” the non-profit Consumer Union operation reported.
“The high-definition, 1080p images on these TVs have excellent three-dimensional depth, color, and detail — especially with animated content — creating a compelling and realistic three-dimensional experience. You’ll be ducking when that Frisbee comes flying toward you!” CR reported.
While largely positive, preliminary tests revealed only minor “performance differences between the models, which in the 3D mode are mirroring some of the differences we see when we test LCD and plasma TVs with regular high-definition programs.”
CR said as of mid-March, there were three 3D TVs in stores: two LCD sets from Samsung, the 46-inch UN46C7000 — $2,600 at Sears; and the 55-inch UN55C7000 — $2,970 at Best Buy and $3,300 at Sears.
CR said the 50-inch Panasonic TC-P50VT20 plasma it tested was available in select Best Buy Magnolia stores for $2,500.
Models from LG, Sony, Toshiba, and Vizio are coming down the assembly line and expected to arrive in a few months.
“The big one (question), of course, is whether these new TVs can recreate the 3D excitement we’ve been getting in movie theaters in our own homes. Based on our exclusive tests of the first models available, the answer is a resounding “yes,” the publication reports.
With real 3D TV programming still on the horizon, 3D TV buyers will have to also shell out up to $400 for a 3-D Blu-ray player to watch 3D DVDs. While most 3D TV models are packed with a pair of two of the cool-looking 3D shutter glasses, you’ll have to shell out another $150 a pair for full family fun, according to Jim Wilcox, senior electronics editor at Consumer Reports.
Get the full scoop from CR in “7 things you need to know about 3D TV” as well as from additional CR 3D TV research, test results and content.
Panasonic Full HD 3D Camcorder Available in Fall
Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) will release the world’s first* professional, fully-integrated Full HD 3D camcorder in Fall 2010. The company will begin taking orders in April. Engineering samples of the professional Full HD 3D solid-state camcorder will be exhibited at the Panasonic booth (Las Vegas Convention Center, Main Hall, #9405) at the 2010 International CES in Las Vegas, USA, from January 7-10.
This Full HD 3D camcorder will offer the following core benefits:
Easier to Use
Current 3D systems are large-scale setups in which two cameras are fitted to a rig in parallel, or vertically intersect across a half-mirror. Separate recorders are also required. In Panasonic’s new Full HD 3D camcorder, the lenses, camera head, and a dual Memory Card recorder are integrated into a single, lightweight body. The camcorder also incorporates stereoscopic adjustment controls making it easier to use and operate.
The twin-lens system adopted in the camcorder’s optical section allows the convergence point** to be adjusted. Functions for automatically correcting horizontal and vertical displacement are also provided. Conventional 3D camera systems require these adjustments to be made by means of a PC or an external video processor. This new camcorder, however, will automatically recalibrate without any need for external equipment, allowing immediate 3D image capture.
More Flexible
The solid-state memory file-based recording system offers greater flexibility to produce Full HD 3D videos in more challenging shooting environments. The camcorder is lighter weight and smaller than current 3D rigs, while providing the flexibility of handheld-style shooting. Setup and transportation is simplified, making it ideal for sports, documentary and filmmaking projects.
Solid-State Reliability and Workflow
Right and left Full HD video streams of the twin-lens 3D camcorder can be recorded as files on SDHC/SD Memory Cards, ensuring higher reliability than on other tape, optical disc, HDD or other mechanical-based recording systems. This solid-state, no-moving-parts design will help significantly reduce maintenance costs, and the 3D camcorder will be better able to perform in extreme environments and be more resistant to temperature extremes, shock, and vibration.
And users will enjoy a fast, highly-productive file-based workflow, with instant, random access to recorded content; easy plug-in to both Mac and PC-based platforms; and longer recording capacity.
More Affordable
Using a standardized, fully integrated design, the Full HD 3D camcorder will be offered at a much lower price than traditional 3D rigs. Transportation expenses for this handheld unit will be less and faster setup times reduce labor costs. Using standard, re-recordable SDHC/SD Memory Cards available already everywhere, media costs become almost insignificant.
In addition to a camcorder, Panasonic also plans to offer a professional-quality 3D Full HD LCD monitor for field use as well as a professional HD digital AV mixer for live event production. Panasonic will offer professional production equipment to allow video professionals to efficiently create 3D content, so consumers can enjoy 3D video using Panasonic 3D home theater systems.
Major Specifications (tentative)
* Product Name: Twin-lens Full HD 3D camcorder (made-to-order)
* Suggested Retail Price for Main Unit: $21,000
* Available: Fall 2010 (made to order)
* Power Consumption: Under 19 W (main unit only)
* Weight: Under 3 kg (main unit only)
* Recording Media: SDHC/SD Memory Card
* As an integrated twin-lens Full HD 3D camcorder capable of recording Full HD 3D video to Memory Cards. As of January 2010 (based on our investigation)
3D Camcorders and 3D TV Options Available from Panasonic
Following on the announcement of a broad range of Full HD 3D TV products, from VIERA consumer 3D TVs to a Prosumer Full HD 3D camcorder, at the recently concluded Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Panasonic is now unveiling its fully operational Blu-ray 3D™ Advanced Authoring Center located at Panasonic’s R&D facility, Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory. The Advanced Authoring Center was recently upgraded and equipped with the latest 3D technological innovations, based on standards developed by the Blu-ray Disc Association. The Center now offers studios and filmmakers Blu-ray 3D™ image processing, interactive programming, as well as authoring and disc certification services, which are capable of making Blu-ray 3DTM Discs commercially available as early as Spring 2010.
Long before the Blu-ray 3D™ specifications were finalized within the Blu-ray Disc Association, Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory collaborated with studios and the creative community in Hollywood to conduct Blu-ray 3D™ encoding as well as menu and subtitle authoring trials. This type of early collaboration and research has given the Advanced Authoring Center expertise in guiding and advising companies during the key early planning stages of a Blu-ray 3D™ title.
“Given Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory’s vast experience with HD image processing, we are confident that we lead the industry with MPEG-4 MVC (Multiview Video Coding) 3D image compression technology,” said Jeannine Patton, Vice President & General Manager of the Advanced Authoring Center. “This laboratory, located as we are in the world’s entertainment capital, is proud to offer the filmmaking community the industry’s first complete, end-to-end Blu-ray 3D™ encoding and authoring facility. Blu-ray 3D™ is an exciting new space for the home entertainment industry and our early research and collaboration was extremely helpful in determining what will provide the most compelling experience and optimum performance when designing for Blu-ray 3D™.”
Panasonic Develops 50 Inch HD 3D Compatible Plasma Display
Panasonic Corporation, a leader in high definition TV technology, has developed a 50-inch Full HD 3D compatible plasma display panel (PDP) and high-precision active shutter glasses that enable the viewing of theater-quality, true-to-life 3D images in the living rooms. Aiming to bring Full HD 3D TVs to the market in 2010, the company steps up its efforts in developing the related technology. Prototype Full HD 3D TV and glasses will be displayed at CEATEC JAPAN 2009 to be held from October 6 to 10 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba City, east of Tokyo.
The new PDP and glasses evolved from Panasonic’s world-first Full HD 3D Plasma Home Theater System1 that was developed in 2008 and comprised of a 103-inch PDP and a Blu-ray Disc player. The prototype PDP has a 50-inch screen, which is expected to become the most popular size for home theaters.
This 50-inch PDP uses Panasonic’s newly-developed high-speed 3D drive technology that enables rapid illumination of pixels while maintaining brightness. The panel also incorporates a crosstalk reduction technology allowing for minimizing double-image (ghosting) that occurs when left- and right-eye images are alternately displayed. PDPs have excellent video response with full moving picture resolution2. The new panel offers even improved performance, achieving clear, high-quality and high-resolution images in 3D. The high-precision active shutter glasses incorporate Panasonic’s technology that precisely controls the active shutters with the left- and right-eye images shown on the PDP.
these technologies work in tandem with each other to create Full HD 3D images that deliver an immersive, movie-theater-like experience in which the viewers can feel as if they were part of the scene. They represent Panasonic’s concept of 3D products: “Bringing the movie theater experience into the living rooms.”
Panasonic has been working to develop its original Full HD 3D technology3 to create synergy between PDPs, which excel in moving picture resolution and color reproduction, and Blu-ray Disc players, which are able to faithfully reproduce high quality Hollywood 3D movies. Panasonic continues to work on developing 3D products to allow its customers to enjoy the immersive 3D world in their living rooms, targeting to launch the products in Japan, Europe, and the U.S. in 2010. (Subject to approval of the 3D Expanded Standard4.)
World’s Largest HD Plasma TV – 152 Inch
Panasonic Corporation, a world leader in the HDTV technology, has developed the world’s largest1) 152-inch 4K x 2K definition Full HD 3D plasma display. The display features a revolutionary new plasma display panel (PDP) Panasonic developed with its new super-efficient quadruple luminous efficiency technology2). The technology enhances PDP’s unique advantages as self-illuminating device, contributing to delivering an overwhelming immersive experience to viewers. The Panasonic 152-inch Full HD 3D PDP creates a true Full HD 3D world by faithfully reproducing 3D content such as Hollywood 3D movie titles11).
Self-illuminating plasma panels offer excellent response to moving images with full movition picture resolution3), making them suitable for rapid 3D image display. By employing the newly-developed ultra high-speed 3D drive technology, which adopts the super-efficient quadruple luminous efficiency technology, the new panel achieves a higher illuminating speed, about one fourth the speed of conventional Full HD panels4). This technology enables high-quality Full HD 3D display on the ultra large 152-inch 4K x 2K (4,096 x 2,160 pixels) panel.
The panel also incorporates a crosstalk reduction technology, essential for producing clear 3D images. Compared to other display technologies that use line-at-a-time driving method5), PDPs use frame-at-a-time driving method6) that gives PDP TVs an advantage in crosstalk reduction in principle. Panasonic has successfully developed a unique technology to minimize double-image that occurs when left- and right-eye images are switched alternately. The development has resulted in the 3D compatible plasma display that can render clear and smooth high-quality pictures by accurately reproducing video sources.
The ultra-large 152-inch Full HD 3D PDP, which delivers true 3D movie-theater experience, follows the development of the industry’s first 103-inch Class size Full HD 3D PDP Panasonic introduced in 20087) and the home theater size 50-inch Class Full HD 3D PDP in 20098).
This year, which is really the first year of 3D Television, 3D TVs are expected to accelerate the growth of the flat-panel television market by providing new values to customers.
Television has evolved over the years through technological innovations. It started as a device to produce images to be simply watched and then it became a tool when connectivity with other AV devices is added. Now, with the 3D technology, it has developed into a device that delivers an immersive viewing experience, moving into literally an era of “next dimension.”
Panasonic launches its first Full HD 3D TVs in 2010 with PDP technology, which is highly suitable for 3D TVs, to offer the utmost picture quality. Panasonic’s new 3D TVs will deliver a true full HD 3D quality to create new and exciting television experiences.
Because 3D plasma displays can reproduce highly realistic images, they are considered ideal not only for home theater use but also for a wide variety of uses such as business, medical, education and commercial applications.
Panasonic will make the First Year of 3D Television as a springboard to boost its popularity, capitalizing on the company’s ability to offer complete end-to-end solutions from professional 3D camcorders and Blu-ray Disc authoring service to consumer use 3D TVs and displays and 3D-enabled Blu-ray Disc players.
Furthermore, Panasonic strives to accelerate the spread of 3D products and drive growth in the the flat-panel television market, focusing on the development of a 3D infrastructure including 3D content through increased cooperation with Hollywood studios and broadcasters. The company hopes to contribute to the enhancement of 3D related business and the development of a new industry, which may be called 3D economic system that can be brought about through interactions among the related businesses.
Using the super-efficient quadruple luminous efficiency technology, Panasonic developed 3D ultra high-speed drive technology. Compared to the conventional full HD panels4), the technology allows the new panel to achieve the same brilliance at about one-fourth speed. The new 152-inch panel also uses a new technology that enables even and stable discharge. Thanks to this discharge technology, the new panel can provide full HD images for left and right eyes formed with twice the volume of information as regular full HD images across the vast expanse of the screen equivalent to nine 50-inch panels with super high resolution (4,096 x 2,160) – four times the full HD (1,920 x 1,080) specification – while maintaining the brightness.
The new advanced PDP delivers high-quality 3D images, with virtually infinite 5,000,000:19 contrast ratio, accurate color reproduction and subtle gradation tones, on the ultra-large screen. With characters in the screen approach the viewers in life size, the new panel creates an overwhelmingly immersive experience.
Because displaying 3D images involves alternate displays of left- and right-eye images, reducing the overlap (cross-talk) between these images is essential for high-quality 3D images. Unlike 3D LCD panels that use line by line scanning method, PDPs use frame-sequential method that displays images frame by frame very quickly, giving PDPs a tremendous advantage in crosstalk reduction. Incorporating newly-developed phosphors with short luminescence decay time – one third the time of conventional phosphors4) – as well as illumination control technology, the cross-talk reduction technology has succeeded in minimizing double images.
Enhancing the video reproduction capability of PDP, which has full moving picture resolution, the technology enables crisp and clear, high-quality 3D images by faithfully reproducing video sources.
To reproduce 3D images, the new PDP uses the full HD x 2 frame10) sequential method that displays time sequential images, alternately reproducing discrete full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) images for the left and right eyes on the display frame by frame. By adopting the method which is used in showing Hollywood 3D films in theaters, the new panel accurately reproduces high-quality 3D images in the living room.
Sony Will Launch 3D TV in Japan in June 2010
Japan will be one of the first countries to have Sony’s 3D product lineup. Although several new 3D TV models will be launched there this summer, we are unsure how well sales will be. Considering the additional cost of 3D technology, are Japanese 3D fans going to rush out to buy one?
A 46-inch 3D screen will cost around 350,000 yen ($3,898; £2,608), 52% more expensive than a regular Sony flatscreen television.
Sony hopes to “liberate 3D from the confines of movie theatres,” says senior vice-president Yoshihisa Ishida.
The success of 3D films like Avatar, which won three Oscars on Sunday, has boosted hopes that 3D television could take off.
Widespread Launches Announced
Panasonic will begin selling 3D televisions in the US from Wednesday, in co-operation with electronics store Best Buy.
Samsung and LG are already selling 3D televisions and expect to launch their products in the UK and Europe over the next couple of months.
Included with the Sony television will be two pairs of special glasses and a camera sensor that will adjust sound and picture quality depending on where you sit.
The glasses cost around 12,000 yen each time you need an extra set.
They operate on an “active shutter principle” and present slightly different images to each eye, which Sony claims will provide realistic depth and crisp pictures.
ESPN, the sports network owned by Walt Disney, plans to launch a 3D sports channel this summer.
Early adopters might also be motivated by playing computer games – many of which are inherently three dimensional.
‘Barriers to growth’
But in a downturn will consumers pay for fancy features like 3D?
“I’m not very optimistic about 3D TV as it is today, I see more negatives than positives,” says Fernando Elizalde, from research firm Gartner.
“The biggest barriers to growth in 3D TV are the lack of content, the inconvenience of wearing glasses and that millions of consumers have only just upgraded to high-definition sets.”
“Sony has one advantage: it has arms that make TV sets, produce content and make filming equipment.”
Sony Betting Big on 3D TV
Sony has ambitious growth forecasts for 3D set sales.
It wants to sell 25 million liquid crystal display (LCD) televisions in the financial year April 2010 to March 2011, and hopes 10% of these will be 3D.
They will be hoping for a rush of orders before Japan’s analogue TV signal is turned off in July 2011.
Sony is betting big on 3D. Its president, Sir Howard Stringer, calls it “the next great consumer experience”.
The firm has implemented a programme of restructuring, cutting costs, reducing the number of manufacturing sites from 57 in December 2008 to 45 by May 2010.
Nevertheless in February, Sony said it expected to make a net loss of 70bn yen in the financial year ending March 2010. In the previous financial year it made a loss of of 98.9bn yen.
LG LD360 3D TV News
The launch of the 3D TV by LG model LD360 is scheduled to be launched in the United Kingdom and was suppose to be announced at the same time as Sky TV. However the launch was deferred a few weeks because of unforeseen delays. No exact dates have been given for the official launch since the delays occured.
This amazing new 3D television set is the only one that has passive technology intended for professionals (bars, restaurants, event-driven companies) It could be the only manufacturer on the market aside from Samsung during the first few weeks with the launching of his range (range 3DTV C7000) before the arrival of competitor Panasonic and in particular of model TC-P50VT20.
Stay tuned as we monitor the roll out of several models of 3D televisions by LG and other major television manufacturers.
3D TV Available for Purchase in the US by Panasonic Through Best Buy
Panasonic 3D TVs are coming to United States this week. The new Panasonic 3D televisions will be available at Best Buy as well as other top electronic retailers. Further announcements are expected very soon.
The maker of Viera flat-panel TVs said it expects a 50-inch model to retail for $2,500, and aims to sell 500,000 3D TVs in the United States in the first year of their launch, half its annual global sales target.
Under the joint promotion, Best Buy will set up special sections at its retail outlets, where prospective customers can try out Panasonic’s 3D TVs. This will be the first opportunity most consumers will get to see the new 3D televisions by Panasonic live, for the very first time.
Panasonic, the world’s No.4 flat TV maker behind Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, LG Electronics Inc and Sony Corp, holds high hopes for 3D TVs as it aims to turn its TV business profitable in the year starting April.
The sci-fi blockbuster “Avatar” and other recent titles have sparked massive interest in 3D movies, raising TV makers’ hopes for a strong debut of 3D models.
Shares in Panasonic closed up 2.8 percent at 1,307 yen on Monday, outperforming the Tokyo stock market’s electrical machinery index, which gained 2.1 percent. Keep your eye on this stock to see how the launch of 3D TV effects stock price.
DirecTV Getting Into 3D
DIRECTV, Inc., the world’s most popular television service, and Panasonic, a world leader in HDTV and digital electronics, announced today a strategic relationship that, for the first time, will bring 3D TV, the next frontier of television entertainment, to the largest audience nationwide. Beginning in June 2010, millions of DIRECTV HD customers will receive a free software upgrade enabling them to have access to three dedicated 3D channels through their 3D television sets, such as Panasonic’s VIERA Full HD 3D TVs.
Panasonic will be the exclusive presenting sponsor of DIRECTV’s new HD 3D channels, which will deliver movies, sports and entertainment content from some of the world’s most renowned 3D producers. DIRECTV and Panasonic will leverage current relationships with programming partners and movie studios to obtain new and existing 3D content. DIRECTV is currently working with AEG/AEG Digital Media, CBS, Fox Sports/FSN, Golden Boy Promotions, HDNet, MTV, NBC Universal and Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., to develop additional 3D programming that will debut in 2010-2011. The sponsorship will feature Panasonic branding on all DIRECTV 3D channels for a one-year period.
“We led the way with HD and we are excited to do the same with 3D,” said Eric Shanks, executive vice president, DIRECTV Entertainment. “Adding the most HD channels to our lineup gave customers a viewing experience that was incredibly lifelike; adding 3D to the mix will take that one step further allowing them to become part of the cast as the picture comes to life in their living rooms. We are taking a technology that at one time could only be seen in a theater and bringing it into the living rooms of the largest audience in the United States. By partnering with Panasonic, we are bringing together two industry leaders to deliver the most advanced television technology available today and together we are continuing to set the standard for the best television viewing experience available.”
“Panasonic has been developing 3D standards for television for several years, and we believe it represents a fundamentally new experience in home entertainment because it adds the immersive nature of real life,” said Yoshi Yamada, chairman & CEO of Panasonic Corporation of North America. “Our relationship with DIRECTV is a core component of our ‘end-to-end’ strategy of building out an entire 3D entertainment ecosystem. From leading the development of the Full HD 3D standard for Blu-ray Disc to launching Full HD 3D stereoscopic prosumer camcorders; to now supporting broadcast of 3D content by DIRECTV; to introducing a broad line of Full HD 3D VIERA televisions and a Full HD 3D Blu-ray player in 2010; our commitment to 3D is unquestioned in the industry.”
At launch, the new DIRECTV HD 3D programming platform, powered by Panasonic, will offer a 24/7 3D pay per view channel focused on movies, documentaries and other programming, a 24/7 3D DIRECTV on Demand channel and a free 3D sampler demo channel featuring event programming such as sports, music and other content.
In addition, Panasonic is working to make available 3D production tools, such as Full HD 3D camcorders, professional monitors and related production technology assistance.
Panasonic will showcase its suite of Full HD 3D VIERA televisions and home theater system products tuned to a dedicated DIRECTV 3D channel with exclusive content from the motion picture, “AVATAR” and other sports, entertainment, documentary and music footage at its booth (Las Vegas Convention Center, Central Hall, #9405) at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
