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ESPN 3D BCS Championship demo eyes-on

Ben Drawbaugh — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:07:00 EST

It seems like it's been forever since we last saw college football in 3D at CES and oh my has the technology come a long way. ESPN partnered up with RealD, Marchon, and Christie Digital to present the LSU vs Alabama BCS National Championship game in 3D at the Las Vegas Hotel theater. We left wow'd and believe everyone else did too. We walked about the theater and didn't find a bad spot, although front and center was the best. There were a number of 3D cameras in use to cover the event (details after the break) which featured the same announcers as the 2D presentation, but different cameras from different angles. Of those cameras, the most dramatic was the wireless handhelds that made us feel like we were doing the pre-game interviews ourselves. The only gripe was that the typical 50-yard camera up high and center was not part of the presentation, we found ourselves missing the typical perpendicular shots that are a staple of most football broadcasts. This did reaffirm one thing, though, we can't imagine there's a single sports fan in the world who has experienced their favorite in 3D and not become a fan of the technology.

Gallery: ESPN 3D BCS Championship demo eyes-on

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ESPN 3D BCS Championship demo eyes-on originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung, RealD pact for ZScreen passive glasses 3D TVs falls apart

Amar Toor — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:25:00 EST

Back at CES, Samsung's business display unit and RealD announced a deal to build passive glasses compatible 3D TVs with sharper resolution than FPR, since the active shutters are built into the screen itself. Turns out, that promise won't be fulfilled. In its Q2 earnings report released yesterday, RealD confirmed that the agreement fell through since Samsung's "initiative to manufacture panels... is not being pursued." RealD did say it's decided to explore "other potential partners," for the ZScreen technology but it has yet to offer any specifics. Equally ambiguous are the factors that led to the Samsung schism, though RealD CEO Michael Lewis told reporters that the Korean manufacturer simply "had a recent management change, reviewed all their projects and decided not to go forward." He added, however, that his company remains "bullish on the technology." Samsung, for its part, has yet to comment on the story.

Continue reading Samsung, RealD pact for ZScreen passive glasses 3D TVs falls apart

Samsung, RealD pact for ZScreen passive glasses 3D TVs falls apart originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony to stop paying for movie theater 3D glasses, theater owners fire back

Richard Lawler — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 10:41:00 EST

As if going to the movies wasn't getting expensive enough, now theater owners and studios are fighting over the cost of 3D glasses -- again. Sony Pictures sent out a letter indicating that starting in May 2012, it won't foot the bill for moviegoer's 3D glasses anymore, pushing the charge onto the theater instead. The Hollywood Reporter uncovered the letter and indicates the total pricetag for a major movie like the ones Sony has planned for next summer -- Men in Black III and The Amazing Spider-Man -- can run as high as $5 to $10 million in total. Studios have been covering the cost to help push 3D so far but Sony's declaration could lead to other studios following, and changing to a model where moviegoers buy and keep their own 3D glasses. It'd be nice to think keeper pairs could reduce the surcharge -- or for 3D haters, switch more showings to 2D -- but with a half-full box of candy apparently worth its weight in gold, we're not optimistic.

Sony to stop paying for movie theater 3D glasses, theater owners fire back originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 10:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vuzix Wrap 1200 brings 3D to the glasses for $500

Zach Honig — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 17:29:00 EST

3D glasses are nothing new -- we've been tossing on RealD specs at the theater for at least a couple of years. But in typical Vuzix fashion, the Wrap 1200 brings a pair of displays directly to the glasses, simulating a 75-inch 3D screen. Tiny 852 x 480-pixel monitors display native 16:9 content on the three-ounce specs, and iPhone and component video cables are included in the box, letting you plug in to a variety of content (there's no HDMI support, however). The display supports side-by-side and anaglyph 3D, and you can also revert back to 2D content if things don't pan out as expected. The Vuzix Wrap 1200 is rated at three hours of playback with the pair of included rechargeable AA batts, or you can substitute lithium ion batteries for up to seven hours of use. Jump past the break for the full rundown from Vuzix, or hit up the source link to grab your own pair for $500.

Update: Originally, we reported that the Vuzix Wrap 1200 only supports anaglyph 3D, when it is in fact capable of side-by-side display as well. The post has been updated to reflect this correction.

Continue reading Vuzix Wrap 1200 brings 3D to the glasses for $500

Vuzix Wrap 1200 brings 3D to the glasses for $500 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3D glasses vending machine lets you be fashionable in the dark

Lydia Leavitt — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 04:37:00 EST

There are certain things worth paying to upgrade: earbuds, perhaps, and maybe even Spotify. But when it comes to buying fancy 3D glasses for the sole purpose of looking cool in a pitch-black theater -- well, aren't we already spending enough on popcorn and Funyuns? EX3D doesn't seem to think so. Starting August 13th, moviegoers in San Diego will be able to trade in those freebies for fashion at a 3D glasses vending machine. At $22 - $30 a pop, these "affordable" and "stylish" glasses may be a boon for those who wouldn't be caught dead wearing the same specs as their friends. Of course, you can also use these babies out of the theater on a passive 3D TV. As for us? We'll stick with the freebies, thank you very much. Jump past the break for the full PR.

Continue reading 3D glasses vending machine lets you be fashionable in the dark

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Sony stands behind its digital projectors, claims the only thing ruining movies is Russell Brand

Richard Lawler — Thu, 26 May 2011 22:29:00 EST

In case you missed it over the weekend, the Boston Globe published an article stating that the misuse of 3D lenses on Sony 4K projectors is drastically reducing the amount of light and color in digitally projected 2D movies. Sony Digital Cinema has finally responded with a list of "The Facts" that reiterate information some readers have posted in our comments and that we've obtained from individuals working as projectionists. They claim that contrary to the Globe's information, the projector technology used as described isn't to blame for poor picture quality. Notable items on the list are that the Sony system does not alternate between two images rapidly, changing the lens takes less than 20 minutes, the RealD 3D filters only reduce light output by 20% (not 85%), and if the lens can't be changed, then it's still capable of playing back content at 14fl (foot lamberts) which is within the recommended specs for brightness.

All of these go directly against information from the original "Deep Focus" source, although it still doesn't explain why they could see such a marked difference between films in the same theater being projected digitally or on film. However, simpler explanations like an old and weakened bulb, a film projector set outside the specs, or unintentional misconfiguration could account for all of that. Until this is sorted, all we can recommend for your summer movie viewing is that if you do see anything out of order, don't let that jumbo tub of popcorn and Icee slow you down -- complain to management loudly and quickly to get the picture fixed. Check after the break for Sony's claims, as well as more detailed information from a projectionist we spoke to that broke down just how the technology works.

Continue reading Sony stands behind its digital projectors, claims the only thing ruining movies is Russell Brand

Sony stands behind its digital projectors, claims the only thing ruining movies is Russell Brand originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 May 2011 22:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Movie theaters could screw up your 2D movies by leaving the digital projector set up for 3D

Richard Lawler — Mon, 23 May 2011 01:05:00 EST

We generally prefer to do our movie viewing in our own home theaters, but when we succumb to the temptation of public moviehouses we often choose digital projection hoping for a flawless viewing experience. Unfortunately, this report by The Boston Globe indicates that may not be the case. It is alleged by unnamed theater employees that theaters are leaving the 3D lens adapters on their Sony 4K digital projectors even when showing 2D. Just like viewing 3D, this cuts the light output and it's worse for 2D films not made with that in mind, but theaters do it because removing the lenses is overly complex and many moviegoers don't seem to notice or complain. The Globe suggests checking the digital projector yourself -- if you see two beams of light from on high at a 2D flick then something is rotten in Denmark. Check the article at the source link for a rundown of many of the chains using these types of projectors and why that's the case (money), but after this and Liemax premium VOD is starting to sound better and better.

Movie theaters could screw up your 2D movies by leaving the digital projector set up for 3D originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 May 2011 01:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung, RealD announce licensing agreement for new LCD-based 3D panels

Amar Toor — Mon, 16 May 2011 12:51:00 EST

Remember that 3D display technology that Samsung and RealD were working on at CES? Today, the two companies announced that they've struck a licensing deal for the panels, which promise to deliver full resolution HD images to each eye by integrating active shutter technology directly within an LCD. This approach differs from the passive film patterned retarder (FPR) technologies that you'll find in Vizio and LG displays, which cut image resolution in half for each eye. The new panels will also be compatible with RealD's lightweight 3D glasses that are used in movie theaters. The technology should be available for 23 and 27-inch PC screens by early 2012, later making its way to 55-inch TV displays. No word on pricing or compatibility with other screen sizes, but expect more details to emerge at this week's SID Display Week in Los Angeles. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading Samsung, RealD announce licensing agreement for new LCD-based 3D panels

Samsung, RealD announce licensing agreement for new LCD-based 3D panels originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 May 2011 12:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dolby introduces lighter, cheaper 3D glasses to better compete with RealD and IMAX

Richard Lawler — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 06:46:00 EST

Dolby has been working on getting the cost of its 3D glasses down since bringing Infitec color shift technology to theaters back in '07 and it couldn't wait for CinemaCon 2011 next week before announcing the new models seen above. These should please theater operators by being cheaper than the old ones -- down to $12 or less per reusable pair from $17 last year and $27.50 the year before that -- and hopefully cinemagoers by being lighter, with a new multilayer optical film from 3M and redesigned frame to help block extraneous light. There's also RFID tags to help keep them from walking out of the moviehouse, and it claims they will fit over 98 percent of prescription glasses. So far RealD has lead the market with its cheaper glasses, multiple styles and home HDTV cross-compatibility, while IMAX is synonymous (usually) with big screens, but if theaters start passing down that savings in the form of lower ticket prices we might pick out a Dolby screen among the other 3D theater competition the next time we head to the theater.

Continue reading Dolby introduces lighter, cheaper 3D glasses to better compete with RealD and IMAX

Dolby introduces lighter, cheaper 3D glasses to better compete with RealD and IMAX originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 06:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carmen in 3D hits 1,500 movie theater screens tomorrow

Richard Lawler — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 16:58:00 EST

After setting records by screeneing for 240,000 movie theater attendees of its HD broadcast, we suppose the only natural evolution for Carmen was to go 3D. Filmed live at the Royal Opera House, Carmen in 3D will be shown at over 1,500 RealD equipped movie theaters around the world tomorrow. It's the first time an opera has been screened in 3D, which, like HD before it, is supposed to let audience members feel even more like they're actually in the auditorium with the actors. Hit the read link to find out if it's showing near you, though we're not sure how those little opera glasses will work in combination with the usual 3D specs.

Continue reading Carmen in 3D hits 1,500 movie theater screens tomorrow

Carmen in 3D hits 1,500 movie theater screens tomorrow originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Freescale Semiconductor and RealD working to improve active shutter 3D

Ben Bowers — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 19:02:00 EST

Passive 3D seems to be the new home entertainment hotness at CES this year, but that doesn't mean the industry has given up on active shutter. Case in point, Freescale Semiconductor and RealD have announced they're developing an "enhanced 3D active eyewear solution" that combines Freescale's RF4CE platform for the over-the-air 3D synchronization with RealD's switching, filtering, and optical technology. Powered by Freescale's MC1323x System on a Chip, the new system hopes to eliminate many the problems plaguing IR-based active shutter like line-of-sight and of field-of-vision limitations. It should also allow 3D glasses to operate from longer distances, and since it takes advantage of the same radio frequency used by remotes, it could lower overall costs for manufacturers to boot. Keep in mind though that unlike NVIDIA's RF-based 3D Vision Pro Tech, all of these wondrous promises are just talk with no walk -- so we'll throttle our excitement until we can go eyes-on with some actual gear. For all the details hit up the PR after the break.

Continue reading Freescale Semiconductor and RealD working to improve active shutter 3D

Freescale Semiconductor and RealD working to improve active shutter 3D originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung, RealD announce RDZ tech that puts active shutter 3D into the TV instead of the glasses

Richard Lawler — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 09:50:00 EST

Just when we were getting used to the introduction of passive glasses 3D into the formerly active shutter-only home arena Samsung LCD Business and RealD will show off another option at this year's CES that is apparently based on the ZScreen technology RealD licensed last year. According to the two, RDZ LCD HDTVs are compatible with the cheaper RealD glasses already in use in theaters, by making the panel itself an active switching LCD instead. Compared to the patterned retarder passive 3D we expect to see from Vizio and LG, this has the advantage of not cutting the resolution of whatever you're watching in half, although they would likely still claim advantages in brightness and lack of flicker. We'll have to let our eyes tell us which is the best approach but the fact this is coming from Samsung's business LCD division instead of its consumer arm suggests the price of any displays that are eventually released will be something beyond the 3D capable TVs we're used to so far.

Continue reading Samsung, RealD announce RDZ tech that puts active shutter 3D into the TV instead of the glasses

Samsung, RealD announce RDZ tech that puts active shutter 3D into the TV instead of the glasses originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Calvin Klein plunges into 3D waters with pair of cool new shades

Vlad Savov — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 07:53:00 EST

Calvin Klein has never been afraid of associating itself with a bit of cheap marketing, so it's no surprise that the fashion brand is now slapping its name atop some 3D-capable sunglasses. The patent-pending curved 3D glasses from Marchon3D have been adorned with the CK livery and, erm, we guess they're that little bit more stylish than the usual pair of 3D goggles you might have thrown your way at the cinema. Now you just have to decide where your loyalties lie, Calvin Klein, Gucci, or Oakley?

Continue reading Calvin Klein plunges into 3D waters with pair of cool new shades

Calvin Klein plunges into 3D waters with pair of cool new shades originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 07:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Follow the money; the real reason why your AVR doesn't support DirecTV's 3D

Ben Drawbaugh — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 13:15:00 EST

Follow this industry and you learn to accept that manufacturers are only motivated to add new features to new products, but when we first heard that DirecTV's 3D signal wouldn't let you pass frame compatible 3D through older AV receivers, we were scratching our heads. Sure the receiver never claimed to be 3D compatible, but the entire point of using frame compatible 3D instead of doubling the HD signal for 3D like Blu-ray is so the signal can be transmitted via existing HD equipment. So while DirecTV gets away with making minimal changes to its infrastructure, you have to replace just about everything you own. What was a mystery, is now crystal clear and of course its always about money, it isn't necessarily about DirecTV's money, this time. You see RealD owns the patent on frame compatible 3D formats like side by side, and if a display or receiver manufacturer wants its EDID on the list of supported devices, they have to pay for that right. So it isn't that DirecTV wants to prevent you from using your old receiver as much as it is about preventing those who don't license RealD's patents from being able to display 3D. Nice huh, but no one ever said it was about the customer.

Follow the money; the real reason why your AVR doesn't support DirecTV's 3D originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 25 Sep 2010 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RealD to license ZScreen for HDTVs, bring cheap 3D glasses to the masses

Ben Drawbaugh — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 11:40:00 EST

Most who have seen their favorite content in 3D have seen the light, but still find it hard to look past the glasses. Any 3D glasses are worse than no glasses at all, but expensive 3D glasses make even less sense to most. So while all the consumer 3DTV glasses so far have been of the expensive active shutter variety (which keeps the price of the TVs more in line with the 2D versions), RealD announced at the 3D entertainment summit that it would license its ZScreen technology (pictured above) to 3DTV manufacturers. This means that the same inexpensive 3D glasses used in theaters could be used at home. The big question of course is how much will these 3DTVs cost, and how will the 3D quality experience compare to what active shutter glasses can offer. But to those who hate heavy, expensive 3D glasses that require batteries, this is could certainly be good news.

RealD to license ZScreen for HDTVs, bring cheap 3D glasses to the masses originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Polaroid and RealD team up for premium 3D eyewear, mutual back-patting

Sean Hollister — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 09:43:00 EST

Polaroid's iconic instant camera may have retreated into the annals of yuppie history, but the company's original business remains: sunglasses, whose light-spinning lens technology is indeed directly responsible for the Polaroid name and whose new RealD-certified Polaroid Premium 3D variant is the latest attempt to make the brand relevant again. Yes, only seven decades after introducing polarized theater to the world the firm's at it once more, with a line of designer 3D glasses endowed with upstart RealD's enthusiastic recommendation. The glasses should appear at theaters near you soon, though we think it's safe to say that you won't see them distributed in little plastic baggies at the counter -- there's no word on price, but Polaroid's probably calling them "premium" for a reason. PR after the break.

Continue reading Polaroid and RealD team up for premium 3D eyewear, mutual back-patting

Polaroid and RealD team up for premium 3D eyewear, mutual back-patting originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 09:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toy Story 3 in 4K 3D: does higher-res equal higher enjoyment?

Vlad Savov — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 06:54:00 EST

We'll be straight with you, the Engadget staff is somewhat ambivalent about 3D: some of us believe it to be a gimmick, while others see it as a legitimate advance in film technology that takes our movie enjoyment up to its next logical station. What you won't find us disagreeing on, however, is that everything looks better when it's taken to a 4K resolution. Sony has been busy rolling out its new 4K projectors across the US and Europe, and invited us yesterday to see Toy Story 3 in some ultra-advanced 4K 3D. Because of it having four times the resolution of the more conventional 2K stuff -- which Avatar, the big 3D (and 4D) flagship, was delivered in -- Sony's projector is able to deliver both the left- and right-eye frame on the screen at the same time, rather than having to alternate them in hummingbird fashion. That should ideally provide a more pleasurable overall experience for the viewer and ultimately pay off for the company in more people ponying up more cash for the extra goodness. So, we moseyed along to an Apollo Cinema in central London -- the chain has already installed Sony's hero 4K projectors in 11 of its venues -- and all you'll need to do is click past the break to see what we thought.

Continue reading Toy Story 3 in 4K 3D: does higher-res equal higher enjoyment?

Toy Story 3 in 4K 3D: does higher-res equal higher enjoyment? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 06:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RealD's smaller 3D glasses ensure your kids look a little less goofy in theaters

Tim Stevens — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 08:32:00 EST

Some things work when it comes to "one size fits all," but other things don't. Hats? Maybe. 3D glasses? Not so much. Thankfully, then, RealD is introducing sets of specs for theater goers aged eight and below -- or really anyone with a kid-sized head. Like the other glasses handed out at theaters these are individually packaged to ensure they're "clean and fresh for every moviegoer." Because, you know, nobody likes a skanky pair of peepers. These little-sized glasses will be available for your little ones at showings of Toy Story 3 starting this weekend.

Continue reading RealD's smaller 3D glasses ensure your kids look a little less goofy in theaters

RealD's smaller 3D glasses ensure your kids look a little less goofy in theaters originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PopBox licenses RealD's side by side frame compatible 3D format

Ben Drawbaugh — Fri, 21 May 2010 07:00:00 EST

Technology patents are a funny thing and it can be difficult to understand that RealD owns the rights to encode 3D in the frame compatible side by side format as displayed above -- without license or consent -- but patents are a reality of the world and so Syabas has licensed RealD's 3D format for the upcoming PopBox which will support the 3D format at launch. No word on if the PopBox will support Blu-ray's Full HD 3D which is actually double the resolution of HD instead of trying to squeeze both perspectives into the same HD frame. At this point it doesn't appear that the PopBox will be HDMI 1.4a compliant so while it'll send the 3D signal to your 3DTV, you'll have to be the one to tell the TV it is receiving 3D in order to ensure the 3rd dimension is displayed. Full release after the jump.

Continue reading PopBox licenses RealD's side by side frame compatible 3D format

PopBox licenses RealD's side by side frame compatible 3D format originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 May 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cablevision bumps Comcast to the back, 3D sports at home starts next week

Richard Lawler — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:56:00 EST

Just as Comcast leapfrogged DirecTV's 3D plans, its claim to the first live HD 3D event has been stolen away by Cablevision, which will broadcast a Rangers/Islanders NHL matchup Wednesday, shown both in a special viewing party in the Theater at Madison Square Garden and on iO TV channel 1300 (if you already have a 3DTV but not Cablevision then keep an eye on your channel guide as, like the Masters broadcast, it may be shared with other networks.) While this is probably just the beginning of another FCC battle over who it will have to share the broadcasts with, MSG is just focusing on keeping a trend going since it was one of the first to jump on HDTV production of NBA and NHL games way back in 1998 and plans to keep 3D broadcasts coming over the next year with more games and concerts. Production is being handled by 3ality Digital, previously responsible for the BCS game that turned some of our preconceived notions about 3D with its BCS National Championship broadcast a little over a year ago, which plans to use 5 cameras from a lower angle than usual to resemble the perspective of the actual players -- minus concussion-inducing blindside hits to the head. Anyone willing to host a viewing party? We're totally down to bring snacks... if you'll cover our 3D glasses.

[Thanks, William & Vinny]

Cablevision bumps Comcast to the back, 3D sports at home starts next week originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oculus3D vies to be the greener solution in disposable 3D shades

Sean Hollister — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 03:46:00 EST

As of December, RealD cinemas alone served 100 million moviegoers, and even if the vast majority recycle, that's still a ton (probably several thousand tons, in fact) of plastic 3D glasses. According to a company called Ceroplast, those glasses aren't biodegradable; if so many as 10 million pairs end up in a landfill, it would result in C02 emissions equivalent to burning 50,000 gallons of gasoline. Of course, Ceroplast wouldn't be quoting statistics if it didn't have a greener solution. Under the brand of partner Oculus3D (whose co-founder Lenny Lipton is RealD's former CTO), it's presently making biodegradable polarized shades out of polylactic acid that it intends to deploy -- along with the company's proprietary OculR projectors -- as early as summer of this year. As for which theatres you should expect to see them in, well, we're still in the dark on that one.

Oculus3D vies to be the greener solution in disposable 3D shades originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 03:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3D stole the show at CES 2010

Ben Drawbaugh — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:15:00 EST

Not sure why we've been putting this off, but we'll just come right out and say it: there's no doubt that this was the year for 3D at CES. We walked the show floor for countless hours and can tell you that just about everyone was showing something related to 3D at their booths. Most of these demos required a bit of a wait to experience them (thanks, hype), and everywhere you went people were talking about 3D. Granted, not all of that talk was positive, but it was talk nonetheless. Whether or not the technology will be seen in history as a success in the market place is obviously still up in the air, and much like a finely crafted episode of Lost, 3D at CES this year was littered with more questions than answers.

Gallery: 3D was everywhere at CES 2010

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3D stole the show at CES 2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba announces partnership with RealD for 3D teevees

Laura June — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:11:00 EST

Toshiba's just announced a partnership with 3D gurus RealD to bring 3D viewing a little closer to home. The company plans to hit the world with support for RealD's stereoscopic format on its new Regza televisions. RealD's proprietary shutter style 3D glasses are not to be confused with the polarized ones used in theatres that the company is known for. The plan is apparently to unleash a full line of 3D Regza full HD LCDs in 2010. We don't know anything about specific models, pricing, or specific availability yet, but we'll keep our eyes open for fuller details as the CES 3D onslaught continues. The full press release is after the break.

Continue reading Toshiba announces partnership with RealD for 3D teevees

Toshiba announces partnership with RealD for 3D teevees originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony teams up with RealD for 3D, headaches in the home

Joseph L. Flatley — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:39:00 EST

While Sony is certainly no stranger to 3D, RealD has proven more than capable when it comes to active shutter technology (as we saw earlier when the company partnered up with 3ality to broadcast an NFL game). According to the Wall Street Journal, Sony will license RealD's technology and equipment (including 3D eyewear) for use on its TVs and other products -- with the fruits of this partnership due to hit store shelves sometime next year. Could this be the big push that home 3D has been waiting for? We don't know, but if it brings our dreams of Becker in 3D! one step closer to reality, we're all for it.

Sony teams up with RealD for 3D, headaches in the home originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Over 100 Million movie goers experience RealD 3D

Ben Drawbaugh — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:59:00 EST

If you haven't experienced RealD 3D yet and you are reading this site, then you might want to check your geek card. We say that because it wasn't until we watched the National Championship game with a set of RealD's 3D glasses in a theater that we finally got this whole 3D thing, and now RealD is proud to let us know that over 100 Million movie goers have experienced it. The biggest hurdle modern 3D technology has to overcome though is the fact that it is using the same name as the crappy cereal box technology of Super Bowl commercials. We can tell you what 100 Million others already know, this isn't the same thing. So right after you post the first comment about how you won't wear any stupid glasses, search out the nearest theater showing AVATAR in 3D at a RealD theater this weekend, and after watching it, tell us this technology isn't going anywhere.

Continue reading Over 100 Million movie goers experience RealD 3D

Over 100 Million movie goers experience RealD 3D originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget HD: Does Dolby, RealD or someone else offer the best 3D movie theater experience?

Richard Lawler — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:15:00 EST

In case you hadn't heard, there's a pretty high profile 3D movie coming to theatres near you this weekend, and assuming one actually has multiple multiplexes to choose from, who has the best technology? RealD and Dolby have been fighting it out to ramp up 3D theater installs over the last couple of years with other competitors also mixed in, but our friend Kevin wants to know if there is a noticeable difference from location to location:

A question I have every time a new 3D movie comes out: We have two theaters here that offer 3D movies. One lists them as "Digital 3D"; the other as "RealD 3D". What are the technical differences, and do they end up producing noticeably different final results? Or am I getting the same experience at both theaters? Thanks for your help!

We know a few of you must have grabbed a pair of glasses and checked out flicks form the Toy Story series to Coraline and My Bloody Valentine, do you have preference on where to go to see 3D?

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Ask Engadget HD: Does Dolby, RealD or someone else offer the best 3D movie theater experience? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hollywood Theaters upgrading screens to Sony 4k projectors

Ben Drawbaugh — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:24:00 EST

With some help from Sony, Hollywood Theaters is upgrading to 4K digital cinema, some of which that will do 3D. The project kicks off over the next few months when 13 locations will get the upgrade that consists of 167 screens all of which will all be going digital. On top of that, 53 of those screens will also support 3D movies thanks to RealD and circular polarized glasses. Of course we won't be happy until every theater in the US is digital and 3D, but this is a decent step in the right direction.

Filed under: Industry, Sony

Hollywood Theaters upgrading screens to Sony 4k projectors originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RealD figures designer glasses might help the acceptance of 3D

Richard Lawler — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:01:00 EST

The solution to consumers gripes over ill fitting and odd looking 3D eyewear? Offer up polarized lenses in designer frames, or even prescription strength for glasses-wearers. That's what some execs have suggested at the 3D Entertainment Summit, revealing plans for Gucci and other frames to hit stores ahead of the launch of Avatar in December. We're still anticipating serious sticker shock when 3D comes home next year, tacking on ultraexpensive options above the already hiked theater price seems like the perfect way to stop any momentum this trend has gained.

Filed under: Misc

RealD figures designer glasses might help the acceptance of 3D originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Orleans' Prytania rises up to 3D

Steven Kim — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:44:00 EST

Outside of the frozen food section at the supermarket, nothing beats the summer heat quite like a cool (or downright cold) movie theater, and the recently Sony/RealD 4k-equipped Prytania theater in New Orleans just added 3D capabilities to entice viewers some more. No surprise -- Disney's summer blockbuster, Up, was the first talkie to make the leap off the silver screen at the newly outfitted venue, and we suspect that The Prytania -- the only theater in N'awlins to have Up in 3D -- raked in a healthy crowd for its investment. We love to see storied theaters keep up with the times, and this almost 95-year old movie house is no exception.

[Thanks, gamedude360!]

Filed under: Misc, Other formats, Other hardware

New Orleans' Prytania rises up to 3D originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RealD LP makes 3D projection a touch more portable

Ross Miller — Tue, 05 May 2009 23:32:00 EST

It may be stretching the definition of what we'd call "portable" around here by quite a large margin, but RealD's touting its latest creation as the world's first mobile, single-projector 3D solution. The RealD LP can blast video on screens up to 17 feet wide with a 150:1 contrast ratio -- glasses still required for the full effect, of course. No price mentioned, but we reckon it's still in the realm of "if you have to ask, you can't afford it."

Filed under: Other formats, Projector

RealD LP makes 3D projection a touch more portable originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 May 2009 23:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RealD LP makes 3D projection a touch more portable

Ross Miller — Tue, 05 May 2009 23:32:00 EST

Filed under: Displays, Misc. Gadgets

RealD LP makes 3D projection a touch more portable originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 May 2009 23:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Theaters, studios squabbling over who will pay for 3D

Richard Lawler — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:31:00 EST

We're not hopping off the 3D bandwagon, but just when things couldn't be going any better a fight over money could knock things off course. Fox apparently informed theaters it wouldn't foot the $1 million bill to cover 3D glasses for Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, and already word is leaking out that the nation's largest theater chain Regal Cinemas is planning to only screen the flick in 2D, with AMC Theaters and Cinemark poised to follow suit. For its part, Fox is claiming no exhibitor has said they won't be showing Ice Age in 3D and they're only "working out the issues." Of course if they did, the plan of offering 3D as something audiences can't get at home could be turned on its head quickly.

[Via Cinematical]

Filed under: Misc

Theaters, studios squabbling over who will pay for 3D originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AMC adding upwards of 1,500 3D screens in North America

Darren Murph — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 15:41:00 EST

Remember when seeing a movie was simple? You just strolled in, paid one low price for a ticket, and you saw the flick. No worrying over which theaters had 4K projectors, which had DTS sound or which had 3D support. As cinemas across the nation continue to leap on the three-dee bandwagon, RealD and AMC Entertainment has just linked up in order to bring up to 1,500 3D screens across Canada and the US. We're told that the rollout is already underway, with more and more screens getting equipped each month. All told, this will bring RealD's 3D network to nearly 8,000 total committed screens worldwide with approximately 2,600 RealD 3D screens installed today. Excited? No?

Filed under: Industry, Misc, Other formats

AMC adding upwards of 1,500 3D screens in North America originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 29 Mar 2009 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony and RealD link up for 4K 3D cinema, our eyes weep for joy

Darren Murph — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:37:00 EST

Whoa, Nelly. This is getting serious. As 3D looks to infest each and every cinema it can, Sony has just inked a potentially ginormous agreement with 3D guru RealD that will provide "3D digital cinema systems that combine a single Sony 4K projector and its new 3D dual lens adapter with RealD technology." In other words, you could soon be seeing 3D cinema through a 4K projector, which just might lead to your head exploding from visual overload. The agreement makes mention of a "specially designed optical filter tuned for the projector, resulting in the ability to deliver crisp 3D images to screens up to 55 feet in width." Also, the relationship makes it possible for existing 2D installations to be upgraded with 3D capabilities, and honestly, even we're excited about 2K of 3D resolution per eye.

Filed under: Other formats, Other hardware, Sony

Sony and RealD link up for 4K 3D cinema, our eyes weep for joy originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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My Bloody Valentine 3D grosses way more in 3D than 2D

Darren Murph — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 15:41:00 EST

We'll admit -- we were pretty amazed to hear that Journey To The Center Of The Earth pulled in more revenue in 3D than 2D, but this figure is downright jaw-dropping. My Bloody Valentine 3D, which we noticed was one of the first big screen releases to really be pushed in the format, grossed $27 million in its opening weekend. Ready for the kicker? 3D screens outperformed 2D screens 6:1, with RealD taking credit for a staggering 71 percent of the $27 million. Moreover, the flick was also the first to ever be released in over 1,000 digital 3D locations, so we're sure that didn't hurt matters. We won't deny that we've had our sincere doubts about the future of 3D cinema, but figures like this can make even the most hardened pundit take another look. Full release is after the break.

Continue reading My Bloody Valentine 3D grosses way more in 3D than 2D

Filed under: Other formats

My Bloody Valentine 3D grosses way more in 3D than 2D originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 25 Jan 2009 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RealD launches stereoscopic converter PODs

Darren Murph — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:45:00 EST

Quite frankly, we're still a bit miffed at what all RealD's 3D-PODs actually are, but we can (attempt to) explain what they do. Straight from Real3D's lips, it is delivering the "first 3D stereoscopic converter PODs," which present a "simple conversion solution when upgrading to a new stereoscopic display monitor, such as a DLP or XPOL HDTV." Still confused? Let us forge on: "the PODs automatically detect the output format from a connected display device and convert most stereo-enabled software applications from native stereoscopic output format to the required format for stereo viewing on the display monitor." We're told that these PODs (three variants are available) are specifically aimed at R&D environments, where "3D visualization is heavily used and where departments or organizations are seeking alternatives to CRT display technology for stereoscopic applications." Hmmph -- this would all be so much easier to digest if there were an accompanying image.

[Via SoCalTech]

Filed under: Misc, Displays, Other hardware

RealD launches stereoscopic converter PODs originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NFL in 3D: Good technology overcomes bad entertainment

Thomas Ricker — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 02:01:00 EST

Simmer down athletic supports, we didn't just call your beloved NFL boring. But Thursday night's matchup between the Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers wasn't going to generate this much interest on its own. As described by the LA Times who attended the 3D broadcast of Thursday night's "football" game at Burbank's 3ality Digital cinema,

"The experience wasn't jaw-dropping, but it was noticeably better than a conventional broadcast. The game was drama-free, yet the novelty of 3D made it hard for me to take my eyes off the screen... The effect was subtle at times, but just as compelling as in "U2 3D," 3ality's concert film of the Irish rockers. The most striking thing in both cases was how much more you could see in three dimensions than in two."

The event wasn't glitch free, however. Two hiccups caused the satellite feeds to go black in Boston, New York, and LA. and a few quick camera pans and poorly executed transitions had viewers convulsing behind their polarized glasses. As a proof of concept though, viewers generally seemed impressed which means more of this in the future.

[Via Yahoo]

Filed under: Industry

NFL in 3D: Good technology overcomes bad entertainment originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 02:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NFL in 3D: Good technology overcomes bad entertainment

Thomas Ricker — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 02:01:00 EST

"The experience wasn't jaw-dropping, but it was noticeably better than a conventional broadcast. The game was drama-free, yet the novelty of 3D made it hard for me to take my eyes off the screen... The effect was subtle at times, but just as compelling as in "U2 3D," 3ality's concert film of the Irish rockers. The most striking thing in both cases was how much more you could see in three dimensions than in two."

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

NFL in 3D: Good technology overcomes bad entertainment originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 02:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Live NFL broadcast to air in 3D as "proof of concept"

Darren Murph — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:13:00 EST

As the NFL gobbles up even more market share in the United States, it follows logic to see the next big in-home entertainment push side with it in order to garner attention. With every company and its third subsidiary twice removed trying to shove 3D into the home, we'd say starting with the NFL is a brilliant move. In a closed-to-the-public "proof of concept" demonstration, next week's matchup between the San Diego Chargers and the Oakland Raiders will air live in 3D to select theaters in Los Angeles, New York and Boston. Third-dimension mainstays 3ality Digital and RealD will play critical roles in the delivery, though it remains unclear what exactly the NFL and 3D backers in general plan to do afterwards. If you'll recall, this isn't the first pro sporting event this year that was beamed in 3D to nearby theaters, but we can't think of anything more appealing than 300-pound gentleman crushing each other just inches from your retinas.

[Thanks, Jesse]

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

Live NFL broadcast to air in 3D as "proof of concept" originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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