Inition releases 'StereoBrain': an advanced stereoscopic calculator for acquisition and screening
3D-News Posted: Sunday, September 28, 2008 (13:19 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Inition have developed a stereoscopic calculator called StereoBrain based on practial experience of planning and shooting stereoscopic productions. It has two modes of operation; one for finding interaxial distance for a given focal length, subject distance and desired parallax, the other for calculating parallax for a given focal length, subject distance and interaxial. The software also allows you to calculate what effect a certain amount of parallax on a given screen size at a given audience distance will have in terms of perceived out-of-screen distance and eye angle (converged/diverged) of the audience when looking at maximum positive parallax subjects. The software is in beta at the moment, and only available for PC. You can download a 20 day trial here: http://www.inition.co.uk/inition/product.php?URL_=product_stereovis_inition_stereobrain&SubCatID_=81 Inition hopes it proves itself useful in taking some of the guesswork out of shooting in 3D. It's aimed at an audience that understands the principals of 3D and should be particularly useful to any stereographers out there. It's also useful in CGI production.

	invaZion '09
3D-News Posted: Sunday, September 28, 2008 (13:16 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
3D Digital Cinema is the new trend – particularly in the US. more3D and its partners Adobe, Maxon, fmx/09 and the Digital Production Magazine now start "invaZion '09" the world's first challenge for stereoscopic short films. Among many other prizes, the grand prize includes a complete 3D stereo projection system by more3D. Ambitious 3D artists from all over the world are invited to join at http://www.invazion.org. Thanks to the unrivalled success of the latest digital 3D movies particularly in the US, a new interest in 3D stereo has awoken world wide. Hollywood studios, movie theatres and even manufacturers of home cinema equipment are jumping into the quickly emerging market. No wonder, because 3D movies have many economic advantages over regular 2D film releases: movie theatre managers celebrate rising visitor numbers, against the overall trend. The greater visual experience of 3D films lures back old customers and attracts new ones alike. Film distributors and producers warmly welcome higher box office results. An additional bonus is the fact that 3D movies cannot practically be illegally copied – a brought in camera would only record two overlaid images. The overall 3D market suffered from a classical "chicken egg problem" for many years. Without good 3D content there is no sufficiently sized demand for home cinema or 3D-TV equipment and vice versa. 3D viewing pleasure in the cosiness of ones home was therefore restricted to a few individuals with slide projectors or PC based projection systems. Until now. The home entertainment industry is working hard to create a standard, but it will take a minimum of 1-2 years for something to be published and converted into actual products. Until then viewers will have to utilize the legendary but unloved pair of red-cyan anaglyph glasses. At least they can be used with almost any existing TV device. "But why are there so few 3D movies on the market?", one might ask. It is not at all simple to create good looking 3D movies. While editors know the do's and don'ts of classical 2D films, making a 3D film is a totally different challenge because every object now has a place in space which has to be considered. It offers a whole new toolset for dramaturgy and storytelling which emotionally involves viewers deeper into the action. Professionals use 3D to support their story and avoid "throwing pie at the audience" for pure effect. Ingo Nadler, co founder of more3D, Germany says: "Just adding a second camera does no good. 3D film is a new medium, just as colour film used to be. The laws and possibilities of this medium have to be researched and probed in practice. more3D intends to give creative talent all over the world the opportunity to use the invaZion challenge to tell their stories more intensively than ever and create compelling "tangible" viewing experiences. While invasion is just the beginning, more3D and its partners now already offer the tools for great 3D content. Producers have had access to professional tools for the creation of 3D movies since the dawn of digital film making. Yet still, newcomers and pros have to learn the new dramaturgical rules and visual opportunities of 3D production. For this very reason more3D and its partners Adobe, Maxon, the fmx/09 and the Digital Production magazine send a clear signal towards 3D stereo, the medium of the future with invaZion – the first worldwide challenge for stereoscopic 3D short films. 3D artists, designers and film professionals all over the world are invited to create complete new films tailored to 3D or transfer existing films into the new dimension and register at www.invazion.org. Early 2009 a high class jury with film and industry experts will closely evaluate the participants' productions in the categories "Stereoscopic Storytelling" and "Excellence in Visual Arts". The winners will be rewarded with valuable prices, including among others a complete more3D projection system worth over 15.000 Euro that plays 3D films, applications and even games in 3D stereo. Many more awards are sponsored by the invasion partners. The winners will be announced in May, 2009. "invaZion'09" is a great opportunity for young film makers to gather experience with 3D film production and post production. With Adobe Creative Suite Production Premium and products like After Effects and Photoshop, Adobe offers the ideal tools for this task today", says Michael Moertl, Business Development Manager with Adobe Germany. Matthias J. Lange, Chief Editor DIGITAL PRODUCTION, comments: "invaZion is refreshingly different from other competitions. It is the challenge of a new dimension. Stereoscopy is the trend of the future and invaZion fills this future with new content." "The signs of the times point towards stereoscopy. CINEMA4D and the stereo camera setup for download at the invasion web site provide an invaluable contribution. Ease of use and the seamless integration into a production pipeline (e.g. using Adobe After Effects) make CINEMA4D the ideal tool for stereoscopic film making", says Dirk Beichert, Marketing Director of MAXON Computer GmbH.

	PHOTOKINA - Where to find 3D?
3D-News Posted: Friday, September 26, 2008 (10:17 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Last modified (10th update): September 26th, 12.17 pm (local time, Cologne) If you are planning to come to Photokina in Cologne, Germany, there are a couple of companies to visit. Below is a quick overview of some of the companies offering stereoscopic products and/or services. Hall 1 / Visual Gallery, approximately in the centre: "skateboarding.3d" by Sebastian Denz Sebastian Denz is the Award-winner of the 20th International BFF Promotion Award. He studies at Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences (Prof. Katharina Bosse, Prof. Dr. Andreas Beaugrand) When the members of the jury first have to don 3D spectacles before they can view a work, then this is primarily a welcome change and something amusing. However, the critical question follows instantly: Is it just sensationalism? But the work by Sebastian Denz remains convincing even after viewing it repeatedly. Not only because the photographer has been dealing with this technique in commissioned and non-commissioned work for several years now, but also because he puts it into effect with unique quality and, in addition, the dynamic topic of skateboaeding experiences a special visual correlation here. The precondition is a stereo camera, in this case a model especially produced by the company Gilde for the use of negatives sized 20x25 cm. The 3D picture is created from these negatives using the anaglyph process on the computer. Beforehand, Sebastian Denz had already intensely studied the virtual worlds of video and computer games. The pictures were then created in Bologna, Paris, Le Havre, Marseille, Barcelona and Berlin and other places. We meet professional skateboarders in the 'real hyperreality' of high resolution 3D space pictures. Suddenly, the observer rediscovers himself in his virtual world simultaneously conveying authenticity. A book release is planned for the summer of 2009. Hall 2.1 / Booth A 41 / A 49: NOVOFLEX Präzisionstechnik GmbH Novoflex has introduced a new range of focusing racks, Castel XQ. They are very precise and can be used for taking sequential stereo images, such as close-ups etc. Adjustable on two levels, it achieves a total travel of 380 mm, although its basic length is only 256 mm. Hall 2.1 / Booth C 29: AP-Photo Industries "The photographic frame trat transforms image to 3D". A prototype is on display, consisting of a fold-up photo frame. When you open the frame, single-sided front-surface mirror slides into place - and what you get is a very simple viewer using the "Pigeon" system. It is not digital - and the photos are fairly difficult to change. So it might not really be a product appealing to the masses. Hall 2.1 / Booth C 42: Komamura Corporation Komamura is still producing and selling its Horseman 35 mm rangefinder stereo camera. The camera has an electronically-controlled focal plain shutter with speeds ranging from 8 seconds to 1/1000th of a second and takes stereo pairs 24 x 32 mm in size on regular 135 film. The lenses are 38 mm f/2.8 with the closest focus at 0.7 meters. The stereo base is 34 mm - and therefore suitable mostly for close-up photographs. DX-coded films can be used - but the film speeds can also be set manually from ISO 25 to ISO 3200 in 1/3 steps. The film is transported by a motor-drive and there are three shooting modes: S (single), C (continuous) and M (Multiple Exposure). The latter does automatic bracketing. At 166 x 82 x 66 mm, the Horseman 3D camera is fairly compact - but not a lightweight camera at approximately 900 grams. Hall 2.1 / Booth D 43: Universal Electronics Group This company is exhibiting two pre-production models of Holga Medium Format Stereo Cameras. One model, the Holga 120 GCF 3D, has a 67 mm stereo base and an image format of approximately 54 x 53 mm (HxW). The lenses are cheap 1:8 f/60mm lenses The second model, the Holga 120 PC-3D is a pinhole camera, with a pinhole of 0.3 mm and f 135. Prices and availability are not known yet. Hall 3.1 / Booth A 13a: Seagull has stopped manufacturing and selling their 5-lensed roll-film camera. Hall 4.1 / Booth C 50: VisuMotion GmbH High-definition 3D Camera "Eye5" on a boom, with live transmission to autostereoscopic displays. They also offer Kiosk-style displays, as well as displays using LCD shutter glasses. Hall 4.1 / Booth H 49 / G 31: Microsoft Corporation Although not directly a stereoscopic application, Microsoft shows its so-far free "Photosynth" software. After uploading a number of photos of a place or object, a "3D cloud pattern" is calculated. With enough photos, a 3D model is calculated, which can be rotated. At this moment, there is no stereoscopic mode - but there's potential for the future - maybe by uploading anaglyph stereo images. The bad thing: all uploaded images are viewable by the public and in the public domain. Hall 4.2 / Booth A 10/B 19: Fujifilm Corporation 3D Digital Real Image System: "FUJIFILM FinePix Real 3D System", consisting of a 3D digital camera with fixed stereo base of approximately 78 mm, a 3D digital photo frame and lenticular 3D prints. The arrival of digital photography over a decade ago opened up so many new ways of enjoying images, not only through capture, but also through manipulation, printing and display. Sales of digital cameras, and other devices like camera phones or webcams have raced ahead of what experts had expected because of the sheer scope of what has become possible in digital imaging. So many more consumers are enjoying photography through their cameras, PCs and prints than was the case in the heyday of film. Fujifilm is determined to push those boundaries yet further, to produce devices which offer new ways to capture and process images, to expand consumer enjoyment of photography in ways that had hitherto only been imagined. The company has a strong research program currently running to improve every aspect of capture and output. This is based on the broad concept of producing images as lifelike as possible, or more simply, 'capturing an image exactly as your eye sees it.' The 'Real Photo Technology' program is determined to improve key quality metrics for each generation of camera, like 'high resolution with low noise,' 'expanded wide dynamic range,' 'intelligent scene recognition,' 'intelligent flash,' 'face detection' etc, culminating in the announcement this September of a new type of sensor, Fujifilm Super CCD EXR, which will take image quality to levels hitherto undreamed of. Previous 3D systems were hampered by poor image quality, and a cumbersome user experience, which often meant the need for special 3D glasses. One major benefit of the FinePix Real 3D System is that for digital camera LCD playback, display and print, the consumer can enjoy the image just as it was originally seen with the naked eye The same research team is determined to use these key technologies to open up a new market with 3D imaging. The new 3D image system features advanced image signal processing and micro-component technologies, and is so far able to demonstrate a camera, a viewing panel and a 3D printing system. 'Built-in 3D auto' determines optimal shooting conditions from both sensors. 3D auto means that as soon as the shutter is depressed, key metrics for the image, such as focus, zoom range, exposure, etc, are synchronized. The camera is also fitted with built-in synchro control, giving 0.001-second precision for shutter control and movie synchronization. The processor uses the very latest technologies of high sensitivity and high resolution as the newest 2D processors. Special identical high quality compact Fujinon lenses have been developed for the 3D system to ensure complete conformity between the left and right images. The LCD monitor system has also been completely revised. The camera is fitted with a 2.8 inch, 230,000 pixel- LCD. Thanks to a new engineering approach, screen flickering and image deterioration, thought to be difficult to overcome, are reduced to an absolute minimum to achieve beautiful, natural 3D images. The screen will also resolve 2D images as any other camera LCD. The camera prototype itself has a size of approximately 120 x 66 x 30 mm (Width x Height x Depth) and contains two 6 Megapixel Super CCDs. The lenses equal approximately 35 mm focal length, with a 3x optical zoom. According to the developer of the camera, the native storage format is one side-by-side stereo pair in one file, also containing a header area in which extra information is stored. This format is called "Multi Picture Format" (MPF), and is standardized by CIPA, the Camera & Imaging Products Association of Japan. An English translation of this very new standard ("Stereo Still Image Format for Digital Cameras") is available for download: http://www.cipa.jp/english/hyoujunka/kikaku/pdf/DC-006_E.pdf A new 8.4 inch, "FinePix Real 3D Photo Frame" with over 920,000 pixels has also been developed. The LCD monitor on the camera and the stand alone display panel share similar technologies in that the problem of screen flickering and image ghosting, which has beset earlier developments, has been solved, giving crisp, high resolution viewing of images in glorious 3D or standard 2D. A newly developed "light direction control module" in the back of the LCD controls light to right eye and left eye direction. This light direction control mechanism enables easy and high quality 3D viewing without special 3D glasses. There are no firm plans for commercialization yet. Hall 4.2 / Booth B 12: Dr. Gilde located on the stand of Linhof, Dr. Gilde presents a new one-of-a-kind large format stereo camera, called the "4x5 3D". This cameras uses two sheets of 4x5" film. Prisms and mirrors are used to move the image path by 90 degrees, so the film packs are located on the left and right side of the camera, respectively. An accessory with one lens and two diaphragms allows to take macro stereo photos. Hall 4.2 / Booth F 11: Sanyo Animated phantogram projection (color anaglyph), using Sanyo's new Ultra-short Focus Projector, PLC-X251. Hall 5.1 / Booth A 32: Fraunhofer IIS Institut für Integrierte Schaltungen A brochure shows a fairly simple 3D modelling system. An array of four slightly tilted mirrors is placed in front of a regular camera. The resulting stereoscopic images are then analyzed and a 3D-mesh calculated. Unfortunately, the actual product is not on display. Hall 5.2 / Booth D 21/E 29: Sony 15 minute Stage presentation with a 7 minute polarized back projection segment. Shows are approximately every 30 minutes, successively in English and German. Unfortunately, the show is not very convincing and there are also at least two short scenes in pseudo-stereo, i.e. depth-inverted. Hall 6.1 / Booth A 48/B 49: Cheung Yun 3-Dimension Technology Int'l Ltd. Company listed in the catalog - but cannot be found at that location. Hall 9.1 / Booth A 42/B 49: Loreo Asia Ltd. Company listed in the catalog - but cannot be found at that location. Hall 10.1 / Booth D 20/E 21: Changshu De Vere Photo Machine Factory This company displays several quite well-made lenticular images. This company will take your digital files and output them on lenticular material - from small to large production runs. The maximum size they can produce is 1.0 x 0.8 meters. Hall 10.1 / Booth D 20/E 21: S3D Expo / 3D-CC / DNS Consult A whole booth full of 3D - showing state-of-the-art technologies, including a 42" autostereoscopic display, 3D Home Cinema, synchronized cameras, Lenticulars etc. - including still, animated and interactive phantograms by Achim Bahr etc. Hall 10.1 / Booth D 20/E 21: digi-dat / Werner Bloos Werner Bloos presents his excellent camera rigs for still and video photography - both for linked digital still cameras (Canon, using Stereo Data Maker) and digital movie cameras. Hall 10.1 / Booth D 20/E 21: 3D-Images Harald Lutsch Advertising lenticular images. Hall 10.1 / Booth D 20/E 21: Infitec GmbH This company promotes their interference filter projection technology, based upon the the so-called "Wavelength multiplex visualisation". Hall 10.1 / Booth D 20/E 21: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Stereoskopie e.V. The National 3D Association of Germany is represented in a tiny corner of the S3D Expo booth. If you wish to get in touch with the Stereoscopy.com Webmaster at the trade-fair, send an e-Mail. Details are available at http://www.stereoscopy.com/contact

	Arqiva Transmits World First - Live Transatlantic Broadcast In Stereoscopic 3D To IBC
3D-News Posted: Friday, September 19, 2008 (5:26 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Arqiva has successfully delivered the world's first transatlantic 3D High Definition broadcast, at the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) in Amsterdam. IBC chose Arqiva to provide the satellite connectivity between the USA and Europe, with other key technologies being provided by industry leaders including Real D, Christie and 3Ality Digital. Over 1000 delegates watched a live interview with Dream Works Animation SKG CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg on Sunday 14 September. The satellite transmission was uplinked from Los Angeles, USA and transmitted in a single hop via the IS9 satellite owned and operated by Intelsat - Arqiva's chosen Digital Cinema satellite partner. An Arqiva SNG truck downlinked the signal in Amsterdam, Holland, enabling the IBC audience to experience this world first. "Digital Cinema is an important new medium and demand for alternative content is growing rapidly," said Barrie Woolston, commercial director at Arqiva's Satellite Media Solutions division. "Live 3D High Definition broadcasts add an exciting new dimension to the audience experience and present significant opportunities for live event organisers and exhibitors. The big screen is the perfect showcase for the 3D experience and this demonstration has highlighted its enormous possibilities for driving revenues across an exhibitor's network."

	MagicPlay Entertainment to Release Fifteen 3D Ready Programs on Blu-ray(TM) Disc in TDVision's Stereoscopic Video Format
3D-News Posted: Friday, September 19, 2008 (5:25 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
TDVision Systems, Inc., the leader in design and development of 3D digital infrastructures and visualization systems, announced the release of a high-definition 3D ride films library by MagicPlay Entertainment in the TDVision's TDVCodec format on Blu-ray(TM) beginning later this year. The news was announced today by Manuel Gutierrez, CEO of TDVision Systems, Inc. and Shelley Praamsma, International Business Director of MagicPlay. "The TDVCodec is ready to bring 3D cinema experiences from movie theaters to home. We are passionate about making all of this possible with our innovative software and applications. We believe consumers will soon be able to enjoy 3D films at home in real cinema quality," said Shelley Praamsma, International Business Director of MagicPlay Entertainment. The Chinese Entertainment Powerhouse MagicPlay and TDVision collaborated on this project due to high consumer demand. TDVision Systems is a contributing member to SMPTE, ATSC, 3DConsortium and 3D@Home Task Forces charged with the standardization and mass adoption of 3D in the home. "We are meeting a historic window of opportunity for mass adoption of 3D in the home," said Manuel Gutierrez, CEO of TDVision Systems, Inc., speaking from the SMPTE 3D Task Force meeting in Geneva, Switzerland. "This move will simplify the decision for consumers. One will only need to buy a single Blu-ray disc that works in 2D as well as in 3D and it plays back on all 3D ready televisions in the highest resolution possible including DLP, LCD, and LaserVue televisions," he continued. "This was a perfect collaboration for TDVision and MagicPlay. China has one of the fastest growing entertainment industries in the world. The global entertainment industry is expected to show an annual growth of 10% in the next four years and this first set of Blu-ray discs will help to demonstrate feasibility for massive 3D adoption at home, brought to you by TDVision," said Ethan Schur, Marketing Director for TDVision Systems, Inc.

	TRIDELITY Display Solutions To Launch World's First Autostereoscopic 3D Display With An Integrated PC At The Digital Signage Expo East in Philadelphia
3D-News Posted: Friday, September 19, 2008 (5:23 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
TRIDELITY Display Solutions CEO Norbert Haas announced that the company will launch the world's first Autostereoscopic 3D Display with an integrated PC at the Digital Signage Expo East in Philadelphia this week. "We are very excited to bring this amazing new 3D technology to the United States," said Haas. "Autostereoscopic technology will revolutionize people's digital viewing experience, delivering 3D imaging without the need for any special glasses." TRIDELITY's revolutionary 3D technology (http://www.tridelity.net/Software.195.0.html) was developed in Germany and will now be available to the U.S. marketplace. TRIDELITY will offer its full line of displays that deliver 3D imaging without the need for special glasses, allowing viewers a comfortable uninterrupted 3D viewing experience. "The applications for this revolutionary product are endless," said Haas. "Whether it's using it for show stopping digital advertising, taking your PC gaming experience to a new level, or utilizing it as a precise visualization tool for scientific or design research, TRIDELITY's autostereoscopic 3D displays will truly elevate your view and enable the viewer to jump into the next dimension." All the TRIDELITY Displays provide a realistic 3D effect without any glasses, use multiple views to provide a true 3D experience and provide the highest resolution per view in the industry. TRIDELITY's autostereoscopic 3D displays cater to any industry that needs to present a powerful message to a user, but specifically focuses on these segments: Digital Advertising (http://www.tridelity.net/Products.179.0.html) & Digital Signage, Media & Entertainment, Design Visualization, and Scientific Visualization. The TRIDELITY portfolio includes seven 3D displays ranging from 19 to 57 inch, as well as software toolkits for 3D content creation, conversion of 2D media assets to 3D, and content management for networks of 3D displays providing an end-to-end 3D solution. In addition TRIDELITY offers the first ever 3D display (http://www.tridelity.net/Technology.181.0.html) with an integrated PC for on the 42 inch model creating the perfect self-contained 3D station for a wide variety of applications. Rapid impact and differentiation is the key to reaching a target audience. For the Advertising and Digital Signage community, getting that Stopping power is more crucial and challenging then ever. The 3D TRIDELITY displays are the answer to that challenge. With exceptional 3D depth, industry leading resolution and unprecedented viewing comfort, these displays present the ultimate eye catcher and offer a quantum leap in delivering messages to the consumers.

	Dolby Sets New Price for High-Performance, Reusable 3D Glasses
3D-News Posted: Friday, September 19, 2008 (5:21 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Dolby Laboratories, Inc. announced that it has reduced the price of its reusable 3D glasses. Starting immediately, Dolby exhibitors can purchase new 3D glasses at a list price of US $27.50, reduced from US $39.00, making them even more cost-effective. "The success of Dolby 3D around the world has enabled us to realize significant economies of scale. We are pleased to announce that our green, reusable 3D glasses are now offered at a significantly reduced price," said John Carey, Vice President of Worldwide Sales, Products, and Services, Dolby Laboratories. "We highly value our exhibitor relationships worldwide and with this announcement, we demonstrate our continued effort to improve the value of owning and operating a Dolby 3D Digital Cinema theater." Dolby's 3D glasses are high-performance, environmentally friendly passive glasses that require no batteries or charging. Because they are reusable, the per-ticket cost of Dolby(R) 3D glasses is expected to be well below the cost of disposable 3D glasses. In addition, exhibitors aren't required to constantly track and order additional disposable 3D glasses.

	Sensio's "LIVE 3D" technology STANDS OUT AT IBC
3D-News Posted: Friday, September 12, 2008 (6:25 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
SENSIO Technologies Inc., inventor of the SENSIO®3D technology, will participate once again in the yearly International Broadcasting Convention 2008 (IBC), held in Amsterdam, with its partner International Datacasting Corporation ("IDC") (TSX: IDC). SENSIO will take this opportunity to promote its live stereoscopic content broadcasting technology (Live 3D). "While we have already signed an agreement with IDC and Access Integrated Technologies, Inc. ("AccessIT") (NASDAQ: AIXD) regarding the distribution of our Live 3D technology on the American market, we also wish to begin deployment on the European market shortly. SENSIO's involvement in IBC 2008 will enable us to demonstrate its technology's quality and reliability to major industry players. As live 3D event broadcasting becomes more popular, SENSIO must continue to secure its position as market leader," comments Nicholas Routhier, President and Chief Executive Officer. At this time, SENSIO remains the only corporation in the world to have successfully integrated its live 3D content broadcasting technology throughout a network of movie theaters. The SENSIO system's vastly superior picture quality, combined with its durability and reliability, enabled the company to pull ahead of the pack, position itself as market leader, and sign its first major distribution contract. "We are extremely proud of what we've accomplished up until now and plan to keep our momentum going by deploying our product in other markets," added Mr. Routhier. SENSIO and its partner will combine their technical know-how at the IDC kiosk during the IBC 2008 conference to demonstrate a live 3D content broadcast simulation. Through a 3D camera system, a SENSIO encoder, IDC's broadcasting technology and a SENSIO decoder, visitors will be able to film and view themselves live in 3D on a SpectronIQ ACL HD 3D television. SENSIO's Live 3D encoder and decoder can also be used in live broadcasts of cultural or sporting events on digital movie screens using current distribution networks and 2D equipment. Furthermore, broadcasters will soon be able to showcase these events on home systems through existing cable television or pay-per-view networks. SENSIO participates in an IBC conference Invited as a guest speaker in a discussion panel on a day dedicated to digital cinema during IBC 2008, Mr. Routhier will talk about the risks regarding real time 3D event production and their live broadcast. Renowned for his extensive industry expertise, he will detail the current technological solutions that may simplify live 3D event broadcasting and address all predetermined issues. Of course, he will also take this opportunity to give a full presentation of the technology developed by SENSIO. "Our involvement not only confirms that industry members are aware of SENSIO's knowledge, but also that it has gained recognition in the industry. What's more, this is an excellent venue to promote SENSIO's technology and increase its visibility towards major players," explains Mr. Routhier, who will rub elbows with experts from several important companies, such as Warner Bros Entertainment, during this conference held on September 15.

	3D@HOME Consortium Appoints Board of Directors and Initiates Steering Teams
3D-News Posted: Friday, September 12, 2008 (6:22 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
The newly formed 3D@Home Consortium held the inaugural meeting of its Board of Directors on August 14, 2008, formally launching the organization whose purpose is to drive adoption of 3D technology for home viewing. Companies participating as board members are Intel, Philips, Samsung, Sigma Designs and Sony Electronics Inc. With organizational governance established, steering committee chairmen were then appointed to begin the consortium's work of bringing 3D content to the home for viewing of cinema, gaming and other forms of information and entertainment. "The industry has rapidly and enthusiastically coalesced around the 3D@Home concept and established a structure for cooperation," stated Mark Hartney of USDC, the consortium's managing director. " A Participation Agreement is now in place that allows companies to join the 3D@Home Consortium and to begin contributing their ideas and creative energy on issues related to content, storage and marketing. We have also begun interacting with standards bodies that look to us as the voice of the 3D business community," he added. The 3D@Home Consortium is a vehicle for bringing 3D content into the home and accelerating commercial success. Primary activities of the consortium include technical requirements and market development working groups, quarterly meetings, member-only market reports, and an industry portal for posting and exchanging relevant information on the 3D market. "It is very exciting to be a part of the consortium that will help decide the direction of this new form of entertainment. Theatre audiences have been enthralled by what has come to them so far -- ensuring demand for this format in the home. We look forward to smoothing the path to the home," commented Wook Kim, manager, New Business Development Group of Samsung Electronics America. "The interest in 3D by consumers has prompted the industry to work toward bringing this form of entertainment to the home. We look forward to helping achieve this goal," added Keith Jack, director of product marketing at Sigma Designs. The consortium's work plan is underway, with identification of steering committees and leadership, and assignment of company representatives already completed. Project teams will provide an update at the next quarterly 3D@Home Consortium meeting, scheduled for October 2, 2008 in Los Angeles, California, in conjunction with 3D Biz-Ex event (www.3dbizex.com). The four steering teams are: ST1 -- 3D Content Creation/Production Chairman: Martin Oerder, Philips 3D Solutions ST2 -- 3D Content Storage / Transmission / Distribution Chairman: Jae-Seung Kim, Samsung Electronics, Vice-Chairman: Thierry Borel, Thomson ST3 -- 3D Promotion Chairman: Mark Hartney, USDC/FlexTech ST4 -- 3D Displays Chairman: Chris Chinnock, Insight Media Chris Chinnock, president of Insight Media and a member of the consortium board, remarked that, "There is a tremendous amount of work to be done in ensuring a rich and seamless experience for the 3D consumer. An industry-wide effort that simultaneously addresses the technical and marketing issues provides the best path to success." Current member companies of the 3D@Home Consortium include: Intel, Philips, Samsung, Sigma Designs, Sony Electronics, Mitsubishi Electric, Thomson, Turner Broadcasting System, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, XPAND, 3ality Digital, 3DIcon, 3Dlized, Corning, Da-Lite, DDD, Dolby, ETRI, Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications HHI, Holografika, IMAX, In-Three, LG Electronics, MacGillivray Freeman Films, NanoLoa, Planar Systems, QPC Lasers, Quantum Data, Sensio Technologies, Setred, SeeReal Technologies, Sim2 Multimedia, ST Microelectronics, TDVision Systems, THX, Universal Studios Home Entertainment and Volfoni.

	Guinness World Record Attempt for Tetris Tournament
3D-News Posted: Friday, September 12, 2008 (6:18 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
To celebrate its third anniversary, The Personal Computer Museum in Brantford, Ontario has been given the go ahead by the London, England-based Guinness World Records(TM) corporation and the Tetris® Company, LLC to attempt to establish a new record for the most participants in a Tetris Tournament on September 13, 2008. The event will also feature hands-on stereoscopic 3D (S-3D) gaming demonstrations by Meant to be Seen, the foremost authority group on consumer S-3D technology. "Tetris" is one of the leading video game brands and franchises in the world. Loved globally by people of all ages and all cultures, "Tetris" continues to be one of the most widely recognized video games of all time. Over the course of four rounds of competition, participants will attempt the challenge between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. with the top eight contestants being eliminated to a final "face-off" between the top two players. These players will challenge each other in a head-to-head Tetris competition until a final victor is declared. "'Tetris' is becoming more of a spectator and competitive game than ever before. However, this tournament isn't about how good you are. We want as many participants as possible, and of course, as much fun as possible," said Syd Bolton, Curator of the Personal Computer Museum. While "Tetris" is a two dimension game, it is going to be a truly three dimension event. Meant to be Seen will also be demonstrating modern S-3D gaming solutions. Similar to the experience movie goers get in 3D theaters, consumer gamers use S-3D technology at home for superior game immersion, visual beauty and game enjoyment. Explosions flying out of the screen and depth that makes the screen look like a window rather than a flat projection are samples of S-3D gaming. Available hardware includes iZ3D 3D monitors, TDVision head mounted displays, and a growing selection of 3D HDTVs by Samsung, SpectronIQ, and more. "There is a lot of excitement around these new 3D gaming technologies, and this will add a lot of fun to the event," said Neil Schneider, President & CEO of Meant to be Seen. The Tetris Company's licensing agent Blue Planet Software, Inc. will also be working with the Personal Computer Museum to make the event an energy neutral one because the Tetris® brand is a proud supporter of clean energy initiatives. Special displays including a children's area, a unique "Tetris® Video Wall" and video documentaries as well as free tours of the museum will ensure a fun day for the whole family. The personal computer museum has over 300 functioning computers and gaming systems dating back to 1976. Interested parties can register the day of the competition, or to save time early registration is available on the web at www.tetristournament.ca. A $5 registration fee is required for all participants, and all registrants will receive an official participation certificate after the event.

	VisuMotion showcases 3D Camera to shoot real 3D videos for glasses-free 3D-Displays – "Seeing is Believing" at IBC 2008
3D-News Posted: Friday, September 12, 2008 (6:16 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
At the IBC 2008 show taking place in Amsterdam, VisuMotion shows off its ground-breaking 3D camera "Eye5” that allows 3D capturing of cross-platform footage for use with glasses-free and glasses-based 3D-displays. VisuMotion will exhibit this new technology at booth number C80 in hall 11 in form of a live/live transmission from the 3D camera to a multi-user 3D-display. The new 3D camera is available for rental services and purchasing as of now. By means of this astonishing technology, for the first time in the history of the 3D industry it is possible to create real video footage independent from the 3D-display type that is used later on for the depiction of the takes. The use of glasses-free 3D displays is rapidly increasing worldwide, particularly for digital signage applications, 3D gaming, research and development as well as for medicine and Virtual Reality setups. Independent market researches foresee a worldwide turnover of 3D products of several 100,000,000 Euros by 2010. VisuMotion's product portfolio also includes 3D Rendering Plug-ins for Autodesk's 3D Studio Max and Maya, the Compositing and Editing Software "3D StreamLab", the 3D Application Driver "DeepOutside3D” as well as the playback software "3D Movie Center". The multi-stream (multi-view) rendering required for autostereoscopic 3D displays is executed by means of the plug-ins for the well-known animation packages. This means, 3D animations (or still pictures) are automatically rendered in various perspective views. The work flow seamlessly leads to the 3D Editing and Compositing solution "3D StreamLab" that allows the simultaneous postproduction of all different video streams (i.e. the multiple views). 3D Content creators will both benefit from the unique high-speed rendering algorithms implemented in this master piece of software and profit by the fact that once 3D videos are rendered and cut by VisuMotion software, these can be played back on nearly any type of 3D display that is commercially available now and in the future. The whole content creation work flow can also be applied for 3D digital cinema content creation. To complete the 3D solution chain, VisuMotion provides the 3D playback software "3D Movie Center" which is available as Library and Network Edition. The Library Edition runs on a stand-alone PC that drives a (single) 3D display. In order to increase the customer benefit, from now on each license of the Library Edition includes an ActiveX-license by means of which the user may integrate a 3D-playback into own applications. The Network Edition enables to control a network setup of 3D displays. Up to now it was impossible to combine 3D displays of different manufacturers in such a network when being driven by a single server. This limitation has now been overcome thanks to VisuMotion's software solutions. And even more: The 3D Movie Center is downward compatible to usual two-dimensional footage which means such display networks can be formed by 3D and 2D displays at the same time. The product "DeepOutside3D" allows the glasses-free 3D visualisation of certain DirectX based applications such as 3D games. A completely new feature is also the support of certain OpenGL based applications. A well thought-trough license algorithm provides for the fact that the user only pays the support for those applications that he really uses.

	RealD 3D and Christie Showcase Largest Single 3D Projection at IBC
3D-News Posted: Friday, September 12, 2008 (6:12 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
RealD 3D, the world's leading digital 3D provider, announced that it will showcase its expanded digital 3D capabilities leveraging the superior technology of Christie's CP2000-XB projector, enabling digital 3D images to be projected using a single digital cinema projector on larger screens than previously possible. On Saturday, September 13, Christie, a leading provider of visual solutions for business, entertainment and industry, will showcase the latest addition to its digital cinema projector line-up, the Christie CP2000-XB. When combined with RealD XL technology, it allows 3D cinema content to be projected brighter and clearer onto screens larger than any other digital 3D technology with a single projector, on screens greater than a width of 75'. The two companies will use the projector to deliver the first-ever live transatlantic 3D broadcast, featuring an interview with Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks Animation SKG. Katzenberg will discuss the impact of 3D technology in theaters, the home and across other platforms. RealD technology will be used for the live 3D stereoscopic broadcast on the IBC big screen on Sunday evening, followed by a content showcase. RealD and Christie will serve as the principal 3D technology supporting Monday, September 15, digital cinema theme day. "RealD has been involved with live 3D broadcasting since its inception and we are excited to play a role in the first-ever live transatlantic digital 3D telecast," said Joshua Greer, President of RealD. "Our participation with Christie underscores RealD's commitment to innovation and continued leadership in 3D technologies. By combining the digital and cinema expertise of both companies, we can now deliver 3D to even larger screens without compromising quality." In addition, RealD's chief scientific officer, Matt Cowan, will participate in 'The presentation alternatives and considerations for exhibitors' panel. This builds on the discussion from last year's conference and will look at different ways of presenting stereo images. The session will explore the latest developments in Stereoscopic projection. This will be held at the auditorium on Monday, September 15 from 14:00 - 15:30 CEST. Joshua Greer, president and co-founder of RealD, will discuss the future of stereo 3D broadcast on the panel, 'Unique to cinema - but for how long?'. This session will examine when and how 3D will expand beyond the theatrical domain and into the home, as well as how 3D will affect DVD players, video games and mobile phones. The panel will be held at the auditorium on Monday, September 15 from 16:00 - 17:30 CEST.

	Under the Sea 3D To Splash Into IMAX(R) Theatres On February 13, 2009
3D-News Posted: Friday, September 12, 2008 (6:02 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Warner Bros. Pictures and IMAX Corporation have confirmed that the release date for the next original IMAX® 3D release, Under the Sea 3D, will be February 13, 2009. The film follows the box office hit Deep Sea 3D, also shot by award-winning Cinematographer/Director Howard Hall, which has grossed more than $72 million to date. Four of the planned filming expeditions for Under the Sea 3D have been completed, with the final expedition to Indonesia scheduled to take place at the end of September through October 2008. The filmmaking team, including Howard Hall, producer Toni Myers, executive producer Graeme Ferguson and producer for Howard Hall Productions Michele Hall, has captured some of the most extraordinary marine life ever shot on film including the Stonefish - the world's most venomous fish - and a new species of shark yet to be described by science. Hall and his crew also filmed South Australia's exquisite Leafy Sea Dragon and the endangered puppy-like Sea Lion - animals that can be found nowhere else on Earth. Filming with the IMAX 3D camera, the highest resolution motion picture camera ever created, will allow the filmmakers to immerse audiences in this amazing underwater world as never before - bringing them face-to-face with these magical creatures. The film will also provide an extraordinary look at the current conditions of our oceans and the impact global climate change has had on these unique eco-systems. "For Under the Sea 3D we've traveled to some of the most exotic locations on this planet, allowing us to film many creatures for the first time," said Howard Hall. "Through IMAX 3D, audiences will be immersed fully into this amazing undersea world - a world which only a few of us lucky individuals really get to see up close." "Deep Sea 3D continues to deliver a premium cinematic experience that keeps moviegoers returning to IMAX® theatres year after year and we are thrilled to be continuing our partnership with Howard and Michelle Hall," said Dan Fellman, president, domestic distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures. "We look forward to having Howard's latest journey come to life on IMAX screens on February 13, 2009." "From South Australia to the Indo-Pacific, audiences will witness amazing deep sea life in the grand scale and immersiveness of IMAX 3D," said Greg Foster, chairman and president, IMAX Filmed Entertainment. "Thanks to our partners at Warner Bros. and the amazing talents of our filmmakers, audiences will encounter a spectacular marine world alive with magical creatures and also emerge with a new understanding of how important it is to protect it."

	Barco unveils world's first two-channel, 10 megapixel 3D stereo setup
3D-News Posted: Wednesday, September 10, 2008 (5:41 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Barco, a technology leader in Virtual Reality visualization, has recently realized a breakthrough by creating the world's first 10 megapixel setup in passive stereo 3D. Commercial applications of this technology include industries that need the finest, most realistic detail in 3D, such as the automotive, engineering, scientific research and oil and gas industries. Barco's LX-5 projector was debuted late 2007 as the world's first 10 megapixel projector. It is based on liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) technology, which allows for a much higher pixel density compared to LCD- or DLP-projectors. In addition, the LX-5 comes with high dynamic contrast ratio of 10,000:1 and a light output of 4,500 lumens. The LX-5 has been integrated earlier in Barco's collaborative XDC-3000 display system, which gives users the chance to display multiple sources at once in a large-screen Windows environment, including networked sources and HD videoconferencing, in meeting room and boardroom environments. Now, the LX-5 treads new ground with its integration in Barco's CADWall concept. For this purpose, it was optimized for a passive 3D stereo setup, to make sure it would meet Barco's stringent demands for product quality. Barco's CADWall concept is a multi-channel display system with a high pixel density that consists completely of Barco technology. Apart from projectors, other system components include a superflat high-contrast screen, mechanics, and both display management hardware and software. The advantage of this concept is not only that each component was designed to match the other, but also that customers need only one address to turn to for development, installation and servicing. By adding the LX-5 to the projectors that can be used for this system, Barco has set a new benchmark by requiring only two channels to create a vivid 10 megapixel 3D stereo image. The passive 3D stereo CADWall setup with two Barco's LX-5 projectors was debuted at Tokyo's Industrial Virtual Reality show. With its ability to project immaculate detail with so few projectors, it has eclipsed all other passive 3D stereo solutions, and has gained the interest of some of the leading automotive and design companies at the show. As such, Barco has decided to show this setup during its Innovation Weeks in its customer center in Kuurne, Belgium. Barco's annual Innovation Weeks showcase the latest trends in professional visualization for a variety of end-users, channel partners and consultants. It also gives them a unique opportunity to discuss ideas and challenges with Barco professionals face to face. This year's Innovation Weeks last from September 22 until October 3. You can sign up for Barco's Innovation Weeks here: http://www.barco.com/presentation/en/events/inno_weeks08/moreinfo.asp

	The Entertainment Technology Center Announces Stereoscopic 3D Content Lab
3D-News Posted: Wednesday, September 10, 2008 (5:33 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
The Entertainment Technology Center (ETC) announced that it will set up a Stereoscopic 3D Content Testing Lab addition to its Anytime/Anywhere Content Lab. Building on the success of ETC's world-renowned Digital Cinema Laboratory, ETC's studio and other sponsors will be using the AACL to explore stereoscopic 3D technologies, including stereoscopic 3D implementations in a neutral, consumer-centric setting. Companies producing stereoscopic 3D technologies and products are already beginning to place their technologies in the lab for evaluation and input from ETC's members. David Wertheimer, CEO and executive director of the ETC added, "Given the substantial interest in stereoscopic 3D in the theater and beyond, we believe there needs to be a neutral and central place for the various interested groups in order to ensure that the content and device development processes are interacting and fully aware of each other. Hollywood needs a physical space to see, test and evaluate high-quality content delivered the way consumers may see it today and into the future. That's what our Stereoscopic 3D Content Testing Lab is all about." Setting up the Stereoscopic 3D Content Testing Lab is one of the key objectives of ETC's Stereoscopic 3D Working Group, headed by Walt Husak, senior manager, Electronic Media at Dolby Laboratories, and comprised of major Hollywood studios, such as Disney, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Twentieth Century Fox, Paramount, and Warner Bros., together with other ETC members like Sharp, LG, Cisco, Alcatel-Lucent, Dolby, Deluxe, Thomson, TCS, Volkswagen Group of America as well as David Wertheimer, CEO and Executive Director of the ETC. The ETC Stereoscopic 3D Working Group is identifying 3D issues and opportunities for distribution into the home. The group's goal is to identify gaps and areas where forums for discussions among interested groups and standards bodies could be useful to accelerate the adoption of stereoscopic 3D technology. "ETC's forums, ongoing mapping of the entire ecosystem, and ability to move quickly, will add value to all the players interested in seeing stereoscopic 3D grow and thrive," said Wertheimer.

	'Up From the Depths, TRIGGERED! In 3-D' and 'Mali; Magic Mud' at the 3D Center of Art and Photography
3D-News Posted: Monday, September 8, 2008 (6:03 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Two new exhibitions will take place at Portland's 3D center from September 11 through November 2, 2008: 'Up From the Depths, TRIGGERED! In 3-D' by Georgette Freeman Georgette Freeman is well-known in the national stereoscopic community as a maker and seller of contemporary stereo cards, which she has been producing since 1995. Freeman's stereo card work is distinguished by the whimsical combination of narrative text with photographic stereo imagery, and sophisticated stereo card design and production. Freeman describes her recent life and work, "(I'm) just an everyperson, who happened to have been dealing all her life with being outwardly normal and very creative on the inside - very creative. I even questioned gender, never bought other peoples' definitions, and settled on my own. And I worked this out, in the arts. In each and every one of us, there are things just waiting to be let out. For me, one was creativity, another was gender." 'Mali; Magic Mud' by J. Claire Dean Mali is a quintessential West African country with a vibrant culture, incredible people and some of the largest, most spectacular earthen architecture in contemporary use. This show documents the places, people and spaces seen from Bamako to Dogon Country and back. The 3D Center also houses a collection of antique and contemporary stereo cameras, viewers and other devices. Information panels and interactive displays explain the phenomenon of 3D vision. The Center's collection of stereocards are available for viewing and the reference library is open to visitors. There are daily 3D slide projections. Open Thursday to Saturday from 11am to 5pm, Sunday from 1pm to 5pm. First Thursday 6-9pm. Admission $4 adult (over 12), $7 families, Free all day First Thursdays. 1928 NW Lovejoy, Portland/Oregon, USA. Tel.: 1 (503) 227-6667, Web: http://www.3dcenter.us

	3D Front Projection Screen Takes Center Stage in Da-Lite Theater at CEDIA EXPO 2008
3D-News Posted: Monday, September 8, 2008 (5:46 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Da-Lite Screen Company will introduce the ultimate in 3D projection screens with the launch of its' new 3D Virtual Grey front projection screen fabric. Designed exclusively for feature film studio 3D post-production and ultra high-end home theater systems, 3D Virtual Grey represents the state-of-the-art in 3D front projection screen technology. "By virtually eliminating cross talk or "ghosting" 3D Virtual Grey has set a new standard in 3D polarization," commented Blake Brubaker, Da-Lite Vice President of Sales. "In the past, the biggest obstacle in passive 3D stereoscopic projection was the ability of the projection screen to retain or "hold" the polarization of the image on the screen. With the introduction of 3D Virtual Grey we are able to "hold" 99 percent of the polarized image for a fantastic viewing experience." The proprietary 3D projection screen material was developed by Da-Lite's chemists and engineers in their Blue Ash, Ohio facility. The introduction of the 3D Virtual Grey material at CEDIA EXPO 2008, follows the world premiere of the companion 3D rear projection screen fabric, 3D Virtual Black at InfoComm 2008 in June. "3D Virtual Grey provides the home theater owner with the technology to watch the latest 3D major studio releases when combined with the appropriate passive stereoscopic filters and digital projectors and glasses," continued Brubaker. "With more and more major films being produced in 3D, Da-Lite wanted to get ahead of this coming trend with a projection screen that provides superior results for home theater applications as well as for demanding 3D post-production studio facilities." Other major benefits of 3D Virtual Grey include a gain of 1.3, viewing half-angles of 11 degrees and seamless 16-foot height. 3D Virtual Grey also features Da-Lite's exclusive black backing which minimizes image "bleed-through." 3D Virtual Grey is a high contrast material that outperforms any other 3D silver fabric. While specifically designed for home theater and post-production front projection applications, both 3D Virtual Grey and 3D Virtual Black meet the needs of many consumer and commercial markets such as electronic gaming and sports programming as well as for oil and gas surveying, medical and pharmaceutical applications, robotic surgery, museums, 3D modeling and architectural design.

	I.E. Effects Pumps Up 3D Muscles For Little Hercules
3D-News Posted: Monday, September 8, 2008 (5:44 UTC) | Posted By: Webmaster
Full service visual effects studio I.E. Effects (I.E.) announced it will provide visual effects and stereoscopic 3D compositing for the upcoming feature film, "Little Hercules 3D." Judd Nelson, John Heard, Elliot Gould and Hulk Hogan join 10-year-old body builder Richard Sandrak to star in the family film about a young boy of immeasurable strength who travels from Mt. Olympus to live in Los Angeles. "We are very pleased to be involved with such a fantastic family-oriented project and look forward to providing what will be the first 3D experience to many of the film's younger moviegoers," says I.E. Executive Producer and Co-Founder David Kenneth. More than ten 3D feature films will be released in 2009, and upwards of 12,500 theaters in the US alone are being outfitted with 3D playback systems in the next year. Speaking on the rise in popularity of 3D of late, Kenneth adds, "The film business has been using 3D as early as the 1890s, but now technology allows us to create and showcase 3D films more effectively than ever before." I.E. Effects is known for its strong ability to facilitate any visual effects project, big or small, from pre-to-post production, as evidenced in its regular work on The History Channel's hit series Cities of the Underworld and Modern Marvels and recent projects such as a Motorola advertising campaign featuring David Beckham, which is being preloaded on more than ten million mobile phones around the world.

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