Kerner Optical Opens for Business
3D-News Posted: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 (4:48 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Kerner Optical Llc., the new production company based in San Rafael, California, has officially opened for business. The company recently completed a deal finalizing its purchase from Industrial Light & Magic. Kerner Optical will be managed by ceo Mark Anderson and several of his colleagues, all veterans of ILM. The new company includes a model and creature shop; special effects and pyrotechnical effects; fully operational stages for interior and exterior filming; stereoscopic 3-D and blue/green screen capabilities; and fully customizable camera, motion control, lighting and grip packages. Kerner Optical was founded by Anderson, Kevin Duncan and Yuska Siuicki. Anderson worked at ILM for 18 years, beginning as a modelmaker and, most recently, as director of physical production. Siuicki is owner of Technology Application Specialists with 12 years of experience in stereoscopic 3-D hardware and software development for film production, broadcast and gaming. Duncan is a Denver businessman who is supporting the purchase of Kerner Optical from ILM. He also runs a film production company, Front Range Films, with his partner James Seale.

	Identify the Key & Niche Companies Operating in the World's Holography for Industrial Applications Industry
3D-News Posted: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 (2:33 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Research and Markets has announced the addition of Holography for Industrial Applications - Global Strategic Business Report to their offering. This report analyzes the worldwide markets for Holography for Industrial Applications in Millions of US$. The specific End-use segments analyzed are Holographic Scanning, Holographic Industrial Testing, and Holographic Optical Elements. The report provides separate comprehensive analytics for the US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Rest of World. Annual forecasts are provided for each region for the period of 2000 through 2010. The report profiles 135 companies including players worldwide such as 3D AG, Ahead Optoelectronics, Inc., American Bank Note Holographics, Inc., API Group Plc, Applied Optical Technologies Plc, Broadbent Holographics, CFC International, Inc., Crown Roll Leaf, Inc., Danaher Corp., Accu-Sort Systems, Inc., Diffraction Ltd., Digital Optics Corporation, Dimensional Arts, Inc., De La Rue Holographics, DuPont Holographics, GSI Lumonics, Inc., Holographic Dimensions, Inc., Hologram Industries, Holtronic Technologies, Holographix, Inc., Headwall Photonics, Inc., ITW Holographics, James River Products, Inc., K Laser Technology, Inc., Hologram Business Unit, Electro-Optical Business Unit, Kaiser Optical Systems, Inc., Laser Technology, Inc., Light Impressions International Limited, Melles Griot, MEMS Optical, Inc., Metrologic Instruments, Inc., Microvision, Inc., Optaglio Limited, Optometrics LLC, Physical Optics Corp., Ralcon Development, Spatial Imaging Limited, Spectratek Technologies, Inc., and Zebra Imaging, Inc. For more information, see http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c41325

	3D-Presentation at Venice Film Festival
3D-News Posted: Tuesday, August 29, 2006 (5:01 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
As part of QuVIS' ongoing effort to promote Digital Cinema, including 3D, Mr. George Scheckel will provide a presentation at the Venice Film Festival convention entitled "Digital Cinema and 3D Stereoscopic Films: Opportunities for Art and Business". The convention is organized by SMPTE, in collaboration with Venice Biennial. This is the second consecutive year QuVIS has presented at a Festival convention. The Venice Biennale will be held on the Venice Lido from August 30th to September 9th, 2006.

	GDC Technology launches second generation Digital Cinema Server
3D-News Posted: Tuesday, August 29, 2006 (4:56 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
GDC Technology launched its second generation digital cinema (d-cinema) server at the recent Beijing International Radio, TV & Film Equipment Exhibition 2006 (BIRTV). Succeeding on the same reliable platform that has made its flagship SA1000 server one of the most widely deployed digital cinema servers worldwide, the SA2000 DSR™ Digital Film Server is a "hybrid" server that supports DCI MXF JPEG2000 and MXF MPEG2 Interop formats. The SA2000 Server allows users to exhibit d-cinema contents on JPEG2000 format, which is adopted by the Digital Cinema Initiatives, LLC (DCI) and maintains its backward compatibility with the MXF MPEG2 Interop format. The same SA2000 Server also plays out alternative contents such as pre-show entertainment, on-screen-advertisement and HDTV live-events in high quality MPEG2 4:2:2 format without the need for another server. In addition, the all-in-one SA2000 Server supports stereoscopic 3D playback and HDTV live-streaming/recording. At the China Beijing Digital Cinema Forum held on August 25 during BIRTV where latest updates on d-cinema businesses and technologies were presented, Dr. Man-Nang Chong, CEO of GDC Technology presented the versatile all-In-one SA2000 d-cinema server. "There is no secret that most digital cinema server manufacturers adopt the same digital cinema technologies from SMPTE dual-link HD-SDI standard, Analog Devices for JPEG2000 decoding, Thomson for forensic watermarking and Texas Instruments for link encryption and subtitle" commented Dr. Chong, "With the same picture and audio quality achievable with these digital cinema technologies, the educated customers will now compare the functionalities, cost-performance ratio and reliability of the digital cinema servers when making a buy decision." added Dr. Chong. At the Digital Cinema Forum, GDC Technology's SA2000 was selected with BARCO DP100 projector for the screenings of the latest Hollywood feature film trailers encoded in JPEG2000 12-bit 4:4:4 "XYZ" color space. For the delegates' comparison and evaluation, ASC-DCI's "Standard Evaluation Material" ("StEM") was showcased in both JPEG2000 and MXF MPEG2 Interop formats on the same SA2000 Server; the content was encoded using GDC Technology's new EN2000 Digital Mastering System that encodes in both variable-bit-rate JPEG2000 and MPEG2 formats and seamlessly packages the content with a common MXF format that is adopted by DCI. A second unit of SA2000 Server had been screening the same JPEG2000 content on BARCO DP90 projector at the BIRTV exhibition booth from Aug 23 – 26. Along with the availability of the second-generation SA2000 Digital Cinema Server, existing SA1000 servers installed worldwide in many of the world's best cinemas may also be upgraded with the JPEG2000 upgrade kit, announced at ShoWest earlier this year.

	4D Theater Opens at The Weird & Wacky World of Ripley's Believe It or Not! in Williamsburg
3D-News Posted: Saturday, August 26, 2006 (7:03 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and Ripley's 4D Theater have opened their doors in Williamsburg, Va. and are doing gangbuster business! "We're excited to add Williamsburg as another home for a Ripley attraction, making it the 29th Ripley's Believe It or Not! museum now operating in 10 countries," said Bob Masterson, President/CEO of Ripley Entertainment. "We have been interested in the Williamsburg area for a long time and we know our unusual and one-of-a-kind oddities will be enjoyable for both locals and visitors." Located at 1735 Richmond Road in Williamsburg, the museum and theater will be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. (757) 220-9220. Visitors can wander the 11 galleries and experience some of Ripley's strangest oddities from around the world. Among the artifacts, the Williamsburg odditorium will house an albino and mane-less lion from Africa, a dress made entirely of guitar picks, a U.S. flag that was flown to the moon aboard Apollo 16 in 1972, and of course a collection of traditional Ripley artifacts including a genuine shrunken head! Adjacent to the odditorium is Ripley's 4D Theater, a high-tech dynamic theater that features several film experiences. Guests wear 3D glasses making them feel as if they are an intimate part of the movie. In addition, they will experience a fourth dimension – wind, water and other elements.

	High-flying Hungarian company is no illusion
3D-News Posted: Friday, August 25, 2006 (6:09 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Looking to make 3DTV a reality in millions of homes around the world is the dizzying ambition of Hungarian high-growth company, Holografika. Holografika supplies a proprietary 3D holographic display technology, called the HoloVizio™ system, which provides multiple viewers with a natural 3D view without the need for special glasses or tracking equipment. How does HoloVizio™ work? Well, for starters, it is not the same as so-called auto-stereoscopic 3D systems, developed by companies such as Sharp, which involve showing a viewer two slightly different 2D images – one for the left eye and one for the right eye – and the viewer's brain fusing them to produce a single perceived 3D image. Holografika's approach aims to mimic that of a viewer looking straight out of a conventional window - which is essentially a 2D object – but nevertheless perceiving the outside environment as a perfect 3D image. In this situation, the viewer perceives a 3D effect because the light patterns at each point on the window change subtly according to what is behind it and the angle it is being viewed. Consequently, HoloVizio™ involves a viewer looking at a 'digital window'. Tibor Balogh, Holografika's CEO and Founder, explains: "It uses a holographic screen. When beams inside the device strike the screen, each point of the holoscreen is able to emit light beams of a different colour and intensity in different directions." Balogh established the company in 1989 whilst working as an Assistant Professor at the Loránd Eötvös University of Science in Budapest. Since 2004, the company has been supplying HoloVizio™ displays for scientific visualisation and medical applications as well as automotive computer-aided design. In 2005, the company received an undisclosed first round of investment from Hungary's largest electronics manufacturer, Videoton Holding. "Today, Holografika is looking to raise 12m euros in order to finance the expansion of international sales and distribution activities," says Balogh. Holografika is currently involved with three IST funded projects focussed on holographic developments. The company has been leading the 3.7m euro COHERENT project which has created a new networked holographic audiovisual platform that can support real-time collaborative 3D interaction between geographically-distributed teams. Holografika produced especially a 1.8m sized high-resolution display that was successfully evaluated within a collaborative medical visualisation system (COMEDIA) and a collaborative design review system for the automotive industry (COLLAUDA). Similarly, the company has been coordinating the ongoing, 3m euro HOLOVISION project. With a consortium that includes BAE System, Holografika has been developing a new generation of holographic 3D displays with excellent resolution, brightness, contrast and size. Finally, the company is supporting the 4m euro HOLONICS project that is researching new technologies for the automatic acquisition, management, presentation and delivery of 3D information. Holografika's impressive achievements have not escaped public attention: it was recently designated a Technology Pioneer for 2006 by the World Economic Forum. "Having been selected a Technology Pioneer," notes Balogh, "gives us the attention to promote our mission, sharing our ideas with top decision makers and to make us visible for those who would like to invest in this booming field."

	International Stereoscopic Union updates Web Page - Online payments accepted
3D-News Posted: Thursday, August 24, 2006 (18:13 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
The International Stereoscopic Union (ISU) now accepts online payments on their website, http://www.ISU3D.org or http://www.stereoscopy.com/isu. Back issues and memberships can be purchased using a new shopping-cart system, and payments are accepted on-line via PayPal. This facilitates the previous procedure considerably. The International Stereoscopic Union (ISU) was founded in 1975 and is the only international 3D association in the world. The ISU is a club of individual 3D enthusiasts as well as a club of stereo clubs. The ISU's members currently number 800 and come from 34 countries world-wide. 3D-Photography, 3D Video Imaging, Computer Stereo, Holography, Virtual Reality and all other stereoscopic photography techniques are used by members of the ISU. The quarterly Journal of the ISU, "Stereoscopy - the publication of 3D image-makers", is circulated to all ISU members. Apart from tuition in 3D photographic techniques, the Journal carries information and articles from around the world on new equipment, literature and all manner of related subjects. Many articles being well illustrated with 3D drawings and stereo photos. A major activity of the ISU is the organization of a Congress every second year in one of the major member countries. The next congress will be held from July 10-17, 2007 in Boise, Idaho (USA).

	REELMaster 3D - An Affordable Solution for Blank Reel Mounts
3D-News Posted: Thursday, August 24, 2006 (17:50 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
REELMaster 3D reel mounts are a brand new product on the market offering an inexpensive alternative to vintage View-Master personal reel mounts. Designed as a do-it-yourself kit, users create their own reels from suspended pre-punched and pre-printed reel mount halves. The steps are made simple by applying adhesive (glue stick on the left half); film chips cut from cutter are laid in place using the printed numbers and spider outline as placement and alignment guides. When all film chips are in place, the right half is then spread evenly with glue stick and folded over fitting exactly in place over the left half. The completed reel mount can be easily punched out and the mount is ready after drying. REELMASTER 3D reel mounts are constructed of sturdy, high gloss coated cardstock with precise measurements that fit in View-Master and similar reel viewers. Although a bit more crafty than original personal reel mounts, the REELMASTER 3D do-it-yourself kit offers affordability as well as availability. Tweezers for film chip placement, Permanent Glue Stick, and small Lightbox (light table) are recommended for reel construction. Currently, REELMASTER 3D kits are sold in packs of ten and can be purchased at the 3D Stereo website: http://www.3dstereo.com/viewmaster/rm-rlm.html

	Spacecraft to view sun in STEREO
3D-News Posted: Friday, August 18, 2006 (12:50 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
At the end of this month, NASA is scheduled to put two eyeballs in orbit around the sun to provide the first stereoscopic views of the immense magnetic explosions on the sun's surface that fling particles at Earth and create storms in space. The twin spacecraft, called the Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory (STEREO), will explore these massive explosions, or coronal mass ejections, which erupt as billowing magnetic storms that can dwarf the sun. Often more than 6 million miles across - the sun is 860,000 miles in diameter - they can throw out a cloud of gas equivalent to the mass of Mount Everest at speeds of 5 million miles per hour. This gas reaches Earth and clashes with the planet's own magnetic field, disrupting radio communications and threatening satellites and astronauts while producing beautiful, Kodachrome auroras - the Northern and Southern lights. The spacecraft is scheduled to launch from Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 31, for a two-year mission. One STEREO craft will precede and one will follow Earth in its orbit around the sun to find out what the solar shock wave looks like elsewhere when Earth experiences an onslaught of charged particles. "With STEREO, we have an unprecedented opportunity to make simultaneous measurements at several points along Earth's orbit, to find out what coronal mass ejections look like at different locations and different times. We have never had that before," said Janet Luhmann, a research physicist at the University of California, Berkeley's Space Sciences Laboratory and a co-principal investigator on the mission. Luhmann led a team that built a suite of instruments for STEREO that measures the energy of electrons and ions from the sun and the intensity of the sun's magnetic fields. Called the In-situ Measurements of Particles And CME Transients (IMPACT), it is one of four instrument packages aboard the nearly identical spacecraft. Together, they provide data that will help pin down how and where the electrons and ions are accelerated in the sun's corona and atmosphere and how coronal mass ejections propagate through and interact with the steady solar wind. "By taking a multipoint perspective, imaging as well as in situ measurements with IMPACT of coronal mass ejections, STEREO is supposed to give a definitive answer to the questions: What are these coronal mass ejections? How are they shaped? How do they evolve? Where do they come from?" Luhmann said. As an experiment, UC Berkeley scientists also will turn the data sent back by IMPACT into stereophonic sound. "It will provide a sound track to any movies that come out of STEREO images," said Luhmann. "The sound is not just a gee whiz thing, but it conveys a sense of the physical processes in space, which are invisible." The "sonification" project is both a test to see whether researchers' ears can detect patterns in the measurements not obvious from visual or other analyses, and a way to engage the public in experiments that don't produce pretty pictures. Space Sciences Laboratory scientists have produced an educational and public Web site about the sonification project and IMPACT measurements. IMPACT incorporates seven instruments that will measure the energies of the solar wind "plasma" electrons, ranging from the slower ones produced by flares to the high-speed electrons produced by coronal mass ejections; the most energetic of the ions - protons, helium and iron nuclei; and the local magnetic field. Electron and magnetic field detectors are mounted on a 15-foot boom that points away from the sun. "We might find, for example, that the Earth would experience a huge storm if it had been at the position of the head STEREO spacecraft, but there is nothing there at the position of the Earth," Luhmann said. "We don't really have a good feeling for how broad these disturbances are. I think that with current modeling capabilities for space weather, combined with these multipoint measurements, we will finally sort this out and at the end be better able to forecast space weather." "In terms of space-weather forecasting, we're where weather forecasters were in the 1950s," said Michael Kaiser, STEREO project scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. "They didn't see hurricanes until the rain clouds were right above them. In our case, we can see storms leaving the sun, but we have to make guesses and use models to figure out if and when they will impact Earth." The twin STEREO spacecraft will be launched aboard a Delta II rocket and immediately slip into slightly different orbits near Earth. Then, two months after launch, a close flyby of the moon will sling one of them into a 388-day orbit that causes it to lag behind the Earth by 22.5 degrees. A month later, the second spacecraft will fly near the moon and be sling-shotted into a 346-day orbit at a position 22.5 degrees ahead of the Earth. Each year, these differing orbital periods will cause the spacecraft to drift farther apart - by 45 degrees each year - and farther from the Earth, until they eventually reach a point behind the sun from Earth's perspective. Each STEREO observatory, which is about the size of a golf cart, carries 16 instruments in all, including imaging telescopes for optical photos, equipment to measure solar wind and more energetic particles, magnetometers and radio antennas, which also were built at the Space Sciences Laboratory under the direction of Stuart Bale, assistant professor of physics. The United States, the United Kingdom and several European countries provided the various STEREO instruments. The instruments were integrated with the observatories by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., is responsible for the project management. The NASA Launch Services Program at Kennedy Space Center and Boeing are responsible for the launch. The total U.S. cost of the mission is $478 million, with an additional $60 million coming from European contributions. For more information, refer to the following webistes: STEREO Mission home page at NASA (http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/stereo/main/index.html) STEREO-IMPACT site at UC Berkeley's Space Sciences Laboratory (http://sprg.ssl.berkeley.edu/impact/) Additional STEREO images and animations (http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/stereo/multimedia/index.html)

	3D VuCAM StereoScopic Imaging System
3D-News Posted: Thursday, August 17, 2006 (9:43 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Simplifying and enhancing the 3D Photo capturing process, Stereovision Imaging introduces its 3D VuCAM™ to the market. With high quality 3.1 MegaPixel digital cameras seamlessly integrated into binocular optics, the 3D VuCAM™ delivers sharp and "eye-popping" magnified stereo images for viewing/printing or for integration into existing 3D professional applications. Based on Stereovision Imaging's patented technology, the 3D VuCAM™ offers – for the first time ever – an easy and versatile method of capturing stunning 3D photographs. The 3D VuCAM™, now available for purchase at http://www.stereovisioninc.com for a price of $1,999.95 and through strategic partners for shipments in September 2006, includes automatic image focus and exposure techniques to ensure quality 3D images - consistently - even by those new to 3D photography. Like a traditional digital camera or binocular, captured photos can be previewed on the unit's pop-up transflective LCD display and later transferred to the PC for regular 2D or 3D viewing. "The 3D VuCAM™ with its handheld packaging offers 3D professionals, enthusiasts, and nature lovers the ability to easily capture high-resolution 3D digital images for sharing with friends or for integration into existing 3D visualization applications" said Beverly Sutherland, Director of Marketing for Stereovision Imaging. "The portable nature of this product allows users to record magnified stereo images from anywhere including hiking trails, stadiums, roof-tops, your home, and many more locations". Thanks to advancements in 3D display technology, end-users can now enjoy viewing images captured with the 3D VuCAM™ on glasses-free 3D displays or on standard PC monitors using anaglyphic glasses. The 3D images can also be viewed on 3D polarized displays and on 3D projection systems. "DDD is pleased to be working with Stereovision Imaging on the launch of the 3DVuCAM™. Their stereo image capture system is unique in the industry and lends itself to many markets and applications. DDD's TriDef Photo Builder and TriDef Photo Viewer offer Stereovision Imaging's customers the ability to take the captured stereo images and display them on a variety of 3D displays, including Sharp's 3D display technology and DDD's 17" polarized glasses based LCD." said Robert Mannino, VP Professional Visualization Solutions.

	Dextroscope Changes the Neurosurgical Planning Paradigm
3D-News Posted: Thursday, August 17, 2006 (6:39 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
3D Virtual Reality System Puts Patients Images in the Surgeon's Hands Six Renowned Institutions - Stanford University Hospital & Clinics, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, St. Louis University Hospital, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Cornell University -NY Presbyterian Hospital - Johns Hopkins University Hospital - Among the First to Utilize Breakthrough Imaging Technology in the U.S.A. Imagine ... a technological breakthrough ... in which surgeons can virtually interact with imaging data and simulate their approach ... all before a surgery ever begins. Well, it's here and now, thanks to Dextroscope. Dextroscope is a virtual reality system which uses computer software to integrate tomographic images from CT and MRI into true 3D volumetric objects that can be viewed stereoscopically. A surgeon can perform a "virtual drill", if you will, by taking patient-specific images, and literally, (or, rather, virtually) hold them, turn them, work with them, and evaluate different surgical approaches from any angle, long before ever laying a hand on the patient. Dextroscope provides a deeper understanding of complex anatomical relationships and pathology for surgical planning and evaluation. Dextroscope utilizes two six-degree-of-freedom (6D) positional controllers, one in each hand, that work as extensions of the surgeon's hands, providing the ability to interact with patient images. In addition to pre-surgical planning, surgeons can show and explain to patients exactly what's going on, why, and what they plan to do to correct the problem. "Dextroscope adds a higher level of sophistication to the most complex and demanding types of neurosurgery, while taking much of the mystery and uncertainty away," explained Joe Balogh, General Manager, Volume Interactions. "Ultimately, Dextroscope is an 'insight' resource. It gives surgeons a clearer roadmap to follow which may improve their surgical confidence." The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) is one of the first medical institutions in the United States to work with Dextroscope. At UMDNJ, neurosurgeons are now able to use this system to diagnose and treat neurological, temporal bone and spine disease, disorder and injury such as brain tumors, complex cerebral aneurysms, and neurological trauma. "We can look at the brain or spine from any angle that we want, either in two dimensions or in three dimensions," said Michael Schulder, MD, Vice Chairman of the Department of Neurological Surgery, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School. "We can rotate the model any way we want. And it's really like holding an actual model of a brain or a spine in your hand - except in this particular case, it's of a particular person. It's of the patient who's about to undergo surgery." The other major medical institutions that have begun utilizing Dextroscope in the United States include: The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University /New York Presbyterian Hospital, Stanford University Hospital and Clinics, St. Louis University Hospital, and Johns Hopkins University Hospital. "This is breakthrough visualization technology, and it's been embraced by the institutions that are on the leading edge of academic medicine," said Balogh. "Dextroscope must be experienced to be believed. Being able to easily and intuitively visualize and interact with your patient's imaging data in true stereoscopic 3D is a unique experience. It literally adds a new dimension to surgical planning and medical education." Dextroscope can be used by an individual or a small team of people who wish to review data simultaneously. It is ergonomically designed, so an individual can perform hours of delicate work without strain. A user is able to comfortably rest his or her arms, and can then "hold", view and interact with the images right in front of their eyes. The system was developed by Volume Interactions, a Singapore-based developer of high-tech solutions for medical applications, specifically neurosurgery and advanced diagnostic imaging, which is part of the Bracco Group. It was formally introduced to the U.S. market in April 2006. For further information on the Dextroscope and Volume Interactions' virtual reality technology, visit http://www.dextroscope.com

	Holland Casino First in Euro Leisure Industry to use Philips New 3D Technology
3D-News Posted: Wednesday, August 16, 2006 (14:43 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Visitors to Holland Casino will soon be able to view screen-based 3D content without using old-style 3D glasses. Thereby giving Holland Casino a first in the European leisure/entertainment world with this, the latest in display technology from Philips. The Breda Casino had the premiere on August 15th, with probably a national rollout following on. Here, visitors will be able to see for themselves how a roulette ball seems to roll out of the screen and chips fly towards you. Holland Casino aims to offer its guests a spectacular new experience on every visit. Philips new 3D displays will literally gives these aims an extra dimension. As well as featuring in the reception areas of its venues, Holland Casino is planning to integrate the 3D screens in a new national jackpot concept, the Mega Million Jackpot, in which one player can win one million euros or more. It is expected that the concept will be introduced this Autumn/Fall. Using the 3D technology for promotional purposes is also being evaluated. With Philips 3D displays, objects and images seem to come out and move beyond the screen, giving the viewer a fascinating 3D experience. No special '3D glasses' are needed. To achieve this, Philips uses the very latest WOWvx 3D technology in its displays. Since its introduction earlier this year, Philips has brought the 3D displays on the market for professional applications via its distributor ProSystems in Purmerend. Holland Casino is the first company in the leisure and entertainment world in Europe to use these 3D displays for the general public.

	DDD Awarded Key Japan Patent Covering 2D to 3D Conversion
3D-News Posted: Tuesday, August 15, 2006 (8:10 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
DDD Group plc today announced that it has received notification of allowance from the Japan patent office of its key "Dynamic Depth Cueing" ("DDC") technology. DDC is a core DDD technology that enables existing photo, film or video images to be converted for display in stereo 3D. The new Japanese patent extends DDD's coverage of technologies that allow the conversion of existing 2D content libraries to 3D and their delivery in a format that remains compatible with today's 2D screens. The DDC patents enable a wide range of mass-market 3D applications for viewing on 3D 'without glasses' display screens. DDC regenerates 3D information that is not recorded when a conventional film or video camera is used. Once the 3D information is recreated, it is then used to manipulate the underlying 2D image, allowing 2D images to be transformed to 3D for a wide variety of 3D display formats ranging from 3D digital cinema to the latest generation of mobile telephone 3D displays. Dr. Julien Flack, Chief Technology Officer of DDD commented, "The approval of DDD's key 2D to 3D conversion and transmission patent in Japan is an important addition to our growing international patent library. DDD already has significant partnerships with Japan-based companies including Sharp Corporation and Arisawa Manufacturing Company for whom a partner with a patent protected 3D content solution is important."

	IU Day at Indiana State Fair to include 3D Projections
3D-News Posted: Friday, August 4, 2006 (13:17 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Many activities, performances, exhibits and giveaways are planned on IU Boulevard every day throughout the fair's run - Aug. 9-20 - from presenters such as faculty and staff from IUPUI, the Kelley School of Business, School of Public and Environmental Affairs, School of Medicine, School of Fine Arts, School of Education, Jacobs School of Music and Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures. The many fun activities and public service demonstrations that will be part of IU Day will include an "Informatics 3-D Theater," presented the IU School of Informatics. They will show several stereoscopic videos, including "Painting with Electrons," "The Freaky Tiki" and "The Respiratory System." Complete information about IU Day and other IU activities at the Indiana State Fair is available online at http://www.indiana.edu/~fair/ or in the official fair program.

	Dolby Announces Deal With Infitec GmbH to Provide 3-D Technology for Dolby Digital Cinema
3D-News Posted: Tuesday, August 1, 2006 (3:56 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Dolby Laboratories, Inc. announced today that it has signed an agreement with Infitec GmbH, a leading provider of Virtual Reality 3D technologies based in Germany, to develop a new 3D system specifically for digital cinema. The agreement is part of Dolby's dedication to improving the moviegoing experience. The new 3D technology will provide exhibitors with a 3D solution for digital cinema that offers superb quality as well as operational flexibility from Dolby, the leading supplier of innovative technologies to the cinema industry. Infitec uses an Interference Filter technology (wavelength multiplex), which is basically a high-tech version of the anaglyph process - but enabling full-color images. A description. "For the past 30 years, directors, studios, and exhibitors have looked to Dolby to provide innovative technologies that will uphold the unique experience of going to the movies," said Bill Jasper, President and CEO, Dolby Laboratories. "By collaborating with Infitec GmbH, Dolby will enable exhibitors to provide audiences with stunning 3D images from an easily integrated system that comes with Dolby's trusted reliability." Dolby's 3D technology solution will integrate with the Dolby(R) Digital Cinema system to provide exhibitors with a compelling enhancement for moviegoing audiences that can't be duplicated outside the cinema. Infitec's developments in 3D technology will enable the system to project a 3D image directly on to the exhibitors' existing white screens, without the need for a special silver screen. Currently, this is possible only by using expensive, battery-powered glasses. Dolby's solution will eliminate the need for battery-powered glasses but will use the lightweight, comfortable glasses to which audiences are becoming accustomed. "Recent 3D digital movie releases have demonstrated true audience demand," said Tim Partridge, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Professional Division, Dolby Laboratories. "Per screen attendances for 3D digital screens have been more than double those of traditional showings, which is why we believe that combining the 3D experience with our Dolby Digital Cinema solution is a win-win proposition for exhibitors and moviegoers." "We are thrilled to be working with Dolby on taking the 3D moviegoing experience to the next level," said Helmut Jorke, CEO, Infitec GmbH. "Dolby is highly regarded for introducing innovative technologies to the motion picture industry and the perfect partner to build on the success of our core technologies." Dolby's new 3D technology is expected to be available in spring 2007. To date, more than 50 digital movies have been presented on more than 160 screens worldwide using Dolby Digital Cinema.

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