Sony and Can Communicate Confirm 3 Year Wimbledon S3DHD Partnership

Can Communicate (CAN) has been confirmed by SONY as technical production partner for the first ever live 3D HD broadcast of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships for the next three years.

The 125th anniversary of the Wimbledon Championships will mark the first time the world's most famous tennis tournament has been broadcast live in high definition 3D; CAN will be responsible for the broadcast of four matches - the men's semi-finals, the women's final and the men's final.

Working closely with SONY and BBC Sport, CAN will use the same 3D workflow that was successfully deployed at the 2010 FIFA World CupTM. With 5 camera positions per match, each position will comprise 2x SONY HDC-P1 cameras with Canon lenses fed into a SONY HD fiber adapter mounted onto Element Technica rigs and configured with SONY MPE-200 processors for convergence and interocular alignment.

The 3D signals generated from the 5 camera positions will be fed to a dedicated 3D outside broadcast facility supplied by our partner, NEP Visions. Pictures will be processed using a complete SONY 3D broadcast solution and encoded for 3D TV broadcast and 3D cinema audiences.

CAN will draw on its extensive experience of filming major sporting events in 3D, which includes the 2010 FIFA World CupTM in South Africa and the 2010 Roland Garros, French Tennis Open. CAN boasts an unrivaled 3D pedigree that also includes the first ever live 3D TV broadcast of an international sporting event, 2008 Six Nations Rugby ‘Calcutta Cup' and other 3D productions including; Reebok Amir Khan launch, Ferrari F1, Virgin F1, Usain Bolt street race in Manchester, German Bundesliga and French football Ligue 1.

CAN's Creative Director, Duncan Humphreys said of the 3 year appointment: “We are very proud to be working with Sony again as the production company for the 3D TV broadcast coverage of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships. The all England Tennis Club and Sony are leaders in their field and deliver the highest level of quality - so it was crucial for them to work with a 3D production partner who could deliver to their standards. We will be working with OB supplier, NEP Visions, using the state of the art ‘Gemini' 1 & 2 trucks and the latest versions of the Sony MPE-200 3D image processor, including the quality control software to deliver a seamless 3D HD transmission of the tennis finals. Although Wimbledon in 3D presents a major challenge, I'm confident that the collective expertise and passion of all those involved will ensure great results from this landmark tournament.”

About Can Communicate
CAN Communicate (CAN) is a leading producer of 3D HD content. With 5 years of experience and investment in 3D filming and post production, CAN has emerged as one of Europe's leading producers of Stereoscopic 3D content. CAN's work has included a number of firsts, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ 3D broadcasts, the longest continuous live 3D broadcast in Europe at the 2010 Roland Garros French Open Tennis Championships, and the first live 3D transmission in Russia of a prestigious gala event at the renowned Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg. In 2010 CAN co-produced 7 hours of 3D programming for Channel 4's ‘3D Season' which included; ‘The Queen in 3D', ‘Derren Brown's 3D Magic Spectacular' and ‘T4 Live'. Demand for 3D programming is far outstripping supply and this looks set to continue. CAN provide 3D expertise, creative solutions and technical innovation to produce 3D content of the highest quality. www.cancommunicate.com

Legend3D Converts Dreamworks Animation's SHREK Trilogy To 3D For Home Viewing!

Yesterday we heard from Disney, today we are hearing from Dreamworks Animation! Legend3D has announced today that they have completed the conversion of the first three SHREK movies to 3D for home viewing!

Here is the official announcement (emphasis is mine):
SAN DIEGO (Jan. 4, 2010)—Legend3D, the leading innovator in 2D-to-3D catalog film and motion picture conversion technology, today announced that it completed the 2D-to-3D conversion of the most successful animated film franchise of all time—DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: DWA) Shrek, Shrek 2, and Shrek the Third. These titles have been bundled with the fourth 3D film, Shrek Forever After, and are now widely available via promotional offer with Samsung Electronics. Legend3D’s 3D conversion of the catalog series brings beloved 3D content into the home.

“Converting the most successful animated franchise of all time was a daunting task that has resulted in a validation of Legend3D’s high-quality conversion technology,” said Barry Sandrew, founder, COO and CTO of Legend3D. “Completing the conversion of three feature-length CG animated films, and creating such a high-quality product, was a tremendous achievement.”

Rob Hummel, president of Legend3D, added, “By working closely with the creative team at DreamWorks Animation, our artists were able to deliver a truly compelling 3D experience that enhances these great stories, extending an already rich legacy. We’re thrilled to add the Shrek collection as the hallmark of our portfolio and know that consumers will enjoy the completely immersive experience that 3D lends to the viewing of the Shrek film series at home.”

To create these valuable 3D assets, Legend3D uses a proprietary 2D-to-3D conversion process, combining skilled artistry with technology to seamlessly enhance filmmakers’ storytelling and deepen their connections with audiences. This industry-leading conversion process, pipeline and methodology, allow for existing 2D catalog films to be produced in the highest-quality 3D and is quickly becoming an access point for library holders across the globe.

The boxed set of all four films—available in 3D Blu-ray and titled Shrek: The Whole Story—makes a great cornerstone for any home 3D collection. As part of a previously announced exclusive promotional program with DreamWorks Animation, Samsung Electronics is offering consumers who purchase a 2010 Samsung 3D TV and 3D Blu-ray player or home theater system a 3D starter kit that currently includes Shrek: The Whole Story.

About Legend3D
Legend3D, Inc. is a dynamic digital media and visual effects company, utilizing patented 2D-to-3D image conversion technologies to enhance filmmakers’ storytelling by creating the highest-quality dimensional conversions possible. Legend3D’s conversion artists are helping filmmakers connect with audiences worldwide and are rapidly setting the industry standard for 2D-to-3D conversion. Legend3D has completed 3D conversions for Sony, Hewlett-Packard, M&M Mars, New Balance, the Michael Jackson Tour, MTV, and Disney and recently completed a multi-picture project for DreamWorks Animation SKG. Founded in 2001 by Dr. Barry Sandrew, Legend3D is headquartered in San Diego and operates facilities in San Diego, Los Angeles and Patna, India.

For more information, visit www.Legend3D.com.

More studio 3D conversions when I get them!! Stay tuned.

Disney Offering Up 15 Films On Blu-ray 3D In 2011!!

WOW. Talk about instant 3D content for the home! Disney has announced that 15 movies from their classic movie library will be available in Blu-ray 3D in 2011!! That brings total Disney 3D offerings to almost 20.

Included in this stunning line up are TRON: LEGACY, TANGLED, THE LION KING, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, BOLT, MEET THE ROBINSONS, TIM BURTON'S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, G-FORCE and CHICKEN LITTLE. These titles and others join the existing Blu-ray 3D lineup that already have ALICE IN WONDERLAND, DISNEY'S A CHRISTMAS CAROL and STEP UP 3D on retail shelves.

“As our contemporary library of 3D content continues to grow, and the original artists and filmmakers meticulously ‘dimensionalize’ their work for release on the Blu-ray 3D format, we will be offering movie-lovers the most incredible in-home entertainment experience they will ever have,” noted Lori MacPherson, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. “In addition to offering new releases day-and-date in 3D and further cementing our leadership in the marketplace, we’re thrilled that consumers will have the exclusive Blu-ray 3D experience of two of the most celebrated Disney animated features, THE LION KING and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, in their homes.”

In addition to the film being in 3D, each disc will include thematically linked 3D menus, 3D previews of coming-attractions trailers and an introduction to the eye-popping world of Disney Blu-ray 3D featuring beloved characters Timon and Pumbaa from THE LION KING.

The first of many such library announcements! Too bad BEAUTY AND THE BEAST was not re-released in 3D theaters. I was looking forward to that as I know many were. More 3D library announcements from the studios when I get them!

Source: Disney

AVATAR Goes 3D on UK's Sky Movies HD Christmas Eve!

James Cameron's AVATAR will make its world premiere on S3DHD television in the UK on Christmas Eve at 8pm says Sky.

John Cassy, Sky 3D’s channel director, stated: "Confirming Avatar in our Christmas line up for Sky 3D is a huge honour and fantastic news for customers. We hope 3D will bring people together to enjoy a whole new television experience over this festive and special time of year."

Great to see!! Wish it was over in North America, but hey congratulations to the Brits! Enjoy. Thanks for the heads up Ian!

Glasses Free TV Coming This Christmas??

Interesting news if this is true AND if it is viable. Toshiba is reportedly set to release a range of autostereoscopic (glasses free) 3D TVs this Christmas, in Japan at least. Yomiuri Shimbun (one of five national newspapers in Japan) is reporting that the TV manufacturer will unveil three models in the several thousand dollar range.

The company has developed a new system that emits a number of rays of light with various angles from the screen so that viewers can see stereoscopic images without glasses. People can enjoy images in three dimensions from various positions and suffer less stress.

However a spokeswoman for Toshiba said: "We are not in a position to make any announcement."

I remain skeptical. I have yet to see a compelling autostereoscopic solution that is not a hand-held portable device. Let's hope for the best!

Jimmy Fallon LOVES KILLZONE 3 In 3D!!

Gotta love the guy! Jimmy Fallon has always been known as a technoid but I simply loved seeing him fall in love with 3D on his late night talk show. Keep in mind that what we are seeing here is pre-alpha code (very early in development).

Here is the clip of him playing the upcoming KILLZONE 3 on the Sony PlayStation with a 3D Bravia S3DHD TV - check it out!!



Wow - that game looks AMAZING! And to quote Fallon: "Even dying is fun in 3D!" :-) Look for KILLZONE 3 in 3D coming out in February 2011.

MUST WATCH: TRON: EVOLUTION Game Trailer And Sony's Upcoming 3D Game Line Up!!

Wow! Stunning new trailer for the upcoming TRON: EVOLUTION stereoscopic 3D game being released at the end of the year around the same time as the TRON: LEGACY movie hits our 3D theater screens.

With this game trailer you will get at least a TASTE of what is coming in the movie as well! Notice all the lines being used? The crazy depth perception in the TRON world? This movie is going to knock your socks off like nothing else before (except AVATAR of course).

My inside sources say TRON's 3D will BETTER AVATAR's so be prepared for that!

The game looks amazing. Can't wait to try it out. You will need a S3DHD TV, a Sony 3D Playstation and 3D glasses that come with the television to play it.

Other 3D games announced from Sony include GHOST RECON, KILLZONE 3, NBA 2K11, MLB 2K11, MORTAL KOMBAT, SORCERY and MOTORSTORM. Check out the Game trailer below for all the action!

Also have a look at this (I recommend clicking on the 1080p HD)!



More when I get it!!

3D Sports Set To Explode On June 11!!

Have you got your S3DHD TV yet? Well in case you haven't and you are wondering what kind of broadcast content will be available before you buy, try this on for size: The 2010 FIFA World Cup Soccer games will start airing in 40 million homes on June 11 in stunning 3D through ESPN 3D. The insanely popular tournament will be aired through Comcast, DirecTV and other distribution channels.

Not only will the sports be in S3D, but so will the commercials! ESPN is ONLY taking 3D commercials for the games and Sony has already agreed to be one of the first to air a 3D commercial for their products.

As far as the World Cup goes, ESPN 3D has actually increased the number of events being covered from 85 to about 100.

So if you want to see the games in 3D - check out the various solutions available at your nearest electronics store. I was in BestBuy yesterday and loved their Samsung set up which was showing MONSTERS VS. ALIENS. Solutions are also available through Amazon.com.

Want To Take S3DHD Photos With Your New Phone Camera? Could Be Here Soon!

Are we going to be getting S3DHD cameras built into our new phones soon? Could be if Sharp has anything to do with it. Sharp is tooting their own horn about producing a phone camera module that manufacturers could integrate into their designs, allowing stereoscopic 3D images at 1280x720p resolution.

Everything seems to be in order although the camera's size may put off some manufacturers. The module comes with two cameras and electronics to merge the color palette, brightness and contrast of the two "eyes".

I love how Sharp is getting deeply involved in portable S3D electronics. They also have developed their AS3D autostereoscopic (glasses-free 3D) screens.

Thanks to Matthew for the heads up!

Source: reghardware.co.uk

Yankees - Mariners Games And All Star Game To Be Aired In 3D This Year!

Jim here. If you are in the New York (DirecTV) or Seattle (FSN Northwest) areas, have a new S3DHD TV and love baseball, mark July 10 and 11 on your calendar! The YES Network is producing back to back MLB games in 3D between the Yankees and the Mariners.

Further, Fox Sports and DirecTV will be carrying the MLB All-Star Game in 3D with ESPN covering the home run derby in 3D.

Ed Delaney, YES’s vice president for operations, agreed that 3-D had worked best so far when the cameras were lowest and closest to the action. But, he said, he was pleased that the Anaheim rehearsal showed that the distant center-field camera “showed the depth of the guy on second, the pitcher and the batter.” He said the traditional high home-plate camera would have to shoot through netting, which he did not think would be a serious distraction.

Great news for you new S3DHD TV owners! The more 3D sporting events the better and after having The Masters and an NHL hockey game broadcast in 3D recently, it is great to see it being applied to multiple sports.

Source: NYTimes

The French Open Will Be Shown In 3D! In Europe Anyway...

Jim here. Panasonic is partnering with France's Federation Franchaise de Tennis, Eurosport and Orange to provide The French Open in glorious 3D. Specifically center court games.

The 3D action will take place between May 23 and June 6, 2010 on Panasonic S3DHD TVs in selected retail outlets. France will enjoy much more coverage at the retail level and if you happen to live there, Orange will be broadcasting the 3D event to their own TV channel.

Eurosport is assisting by taking the Orange S3D feed and delivering it to 3000 retail stores in 58 European countries outside of France on Panasonic's VT20 S3DHD Plasma TVs.

I am impressed with the collaboration of these large corporations in delivering the goods. Everyone loves a good tennis match and I think 3D is a perfect way to show it off. Would have love to have seen Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe battle it out again this way! Hmmm... Converting classic sports moments in 3D? :-) Let's get on it!

And get that French Open 3D broadcast over to North America!

Sony's PS3 Update Will Include 3D Gaming, Movies To Follow - S3DHD TVs Coming In June!

Jim here. We know Sony is going full tilt 3D across their product line and now is when it starts to get exciting for the mega electronics and entertainment company!

The 3D firmware update that Sony Playstation 3 owners have been waiting for to enable stereoscopic 3D capabilities has been clarified for us: The update will only enable 3D gaming this time around with the intent to include 3D movies in the coming months.

There is significant urgency for them to include 3D movies ASAP as they are releasing their own CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS in S3D for June (in Europe at least). This coincides with Sony's release of their S3DHD televisions as well (June), namely their HX800.

Consumers will be getting free stuff with their 3D TV purchase: Free 3D Blu-rays (including bundles with CLOUDY and DEEP SEA) and 3D PS3 games. The games that will be included will be demo versions - not the full package, but they will be more than enough to whet your appetites!

Those 3D games will be: WIPEOUT HD, PAIN, SUPER STARDUST HD and MOTORSTORM PACIFIC RIFT. Word is all four demos will be included with purchase. The full versions will be available at the PlayStation Store in mid June.

It's getting hot in here isn't it? S3D is taking off and we are pretty darn close to those rocket booster flames! Can't wait to get my hands on this tech. I experienced it in Las Vegas at Sony's 3D Experience pavilion @ MGM Grand and let me tell you - it rocks. You have to see it in action yourself!

Tiger Woods And The Masters Will Be On April 7-11: Find Out How To See It In 3D!

Jim here. Maybe you have heard that The Masters will be broadcast live on Comcast in stereoscopic 3D and wondered how will you be able to see it? Let's get to the bottom of it!

SFGate has a nice article on how to get up and running:
If you are one of the few thousand people who have an HDTV with 3D capability, you will be able to access a specific channel devoted to the event in 3-D. It will also be available on Video On Demand.

The Par 3 Tournament will be broadcast live on Wednesday, April 7 from 3-5 p.m. ET. Holes 14, 16, and 18, with rotating coverage of holes 10-13 and 17, will air live from 4-6 p.m. ET on Thursday and Friday, and 5-8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Bonus: no commercials will air during these broadcasts.

Holding off on buying anything 3D? Several Best Buy and Sony stores will be showing the Masters footage on their 3D TV samples. You can also record it on your HD-DVR, and watch when you purchase a 3D TV.

If you have a computer with 3D capability (you need to buy a 3D-enabled computer monitor), visit Masters.com to watch. A 3D monitor (and glasses) is sufficient for watching, but you have to download a plug-in and watch. It will be available on Masters.com.

I am lucky enough to have a 3D Vision setup and the Samsung 2233RZ 120Hz monitor so I will be definitely checking it out! Let me know if you are watching it in 3D on a S3DHD TV - I am curious about your end user experience...

LG Announces FULL LED S3DHD Televisions By May!!

Jim here. FINALLY! I have been waiting for a full LED 3D TV solution and here it is. LG's LX9500. Prices are rumored to be in the $4ooo ballpark - not cheap, but it is S3DHD at its best I am wagering.

These things are THIN!

From the press release: As the world’s first Full LED 3D TV, the LX9500 uses an innovative backlight structure to deliver spectacular pictures for the ultimate 3D experience. Illuminated by panels of LEDs directly behind the screen (the 55-inch model boasts 1,200 LEDs), the Full LED display provides images of exceptional brightness and clarify for unrivalled picture quality. Complemented by a 10,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and TruMotion 400Hz (480Hz), the LX9500’s mesmerizing 3D picture transports viewers right into the heart of the action.

"LG’s unique Full LED technology validates LG’s position as a global leader in 3D home entertainment," said Havis Kwon, Executive Vice President and head of the LCD division of LG. "By building a full line-up of 3D TVs and cultivating alliances with content and device providers, LG will set a higher benchmark in the global 3D TV industry."

Along with all the advantages of Full LED, the LX9500’s innovative exterior is also geared toward creating the ultimate 3D experience. With its slim and sleek INFINIA design, the LX9500 not only draws attention with its 22.3mm slim body but also boasts a 16mm super-narrow bezel that allows for fuller and more expansive 3D images that draws viewers in.

In another first for the industry, the LX9500 supports the Multi Picture Format, the 3D picture standard that enables users to create and enjoy 3D content effortlessly. On the LX9500, this means viewers can immediately see images snapped with 3D cameras without having to first convert them on their PCs.

The LX9500 employs shutter glasses (model: AG-S100) that adds depth by alternatively blocking one lens at a time in sync with the screen’s refresh rate. The glasses are comfortable enough to wear for an extended period of time and recharge via USB for up to 40 hours of uninterrupted viewing pleasure.

LG is committed to securing a dominant position in this fast growing market expected to surpass 80 million units by 2014, and aiming to achieve 25 percent share of 3D market in 2010. LG’s strategy includes plans to offer a diversified line-up of products in screen sizes from 42 inches to 150 inches utilizing both polarized and shutter type glasses and to launch a family of 3D products including LED LCD TVs, Plasma TVs, Blu-ray disc players and the world’s first Full HD 3D projectors.

Available in 47- and 55-inch versions, LG INFINIA 3D TVs will be available to consumers first in Korea followed by North America, Europe, the CIS as well as other key markets by early May.

Specifications:
- 3D TV (Shutter glasses type)
- Full LED Slim with Spot Control (Local Dimming)
- INFINIA Design: Ultra Slim Depth, Narrow Bezel, Uni-layer, Uni-color
- Full HD 1080p
- 10,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio
- TruMotion 400Hz (480Hz)
- Picture Wizard II
- Crystal Gradation with Varying Light (Facet)
- Invisible Speaker (10W + 10W + 5W)
- Infinite Sound
- Clear Voice II
- NetCastTM ( Broadband TV )
- SkypeTM (Video Call Function with optional Video Camera)
- Wireless AV Link
- DLNA ready (with optional DLNA Dongle)
- USB 2.0 (HD DivX, MP3, JPEG play, MPO)
- HDMI 1.4
- Intelligent Sensor
- Smart Energy Saving Plus
- ECO Flower

Must. Get. One.

3D Geek Alert: First Batch Of Panasonic S3DHD TVs Sell Out

Jim here. Not surprising and not really something to laud about because we simply do not know how many were actually bought yet - BUT - all of Panasonic's S3DHD TVs were sold out in the first week of release this month.

They were sold in bundles which is good because everyone loves a good combo. $2900 got you a 50" S3DHD Plasma, 3D Blu-ray Player and one pair of 3D glasses.

Look for increased sales of the systems throughout the year, especially when the 3D AVATAR Blu-ray comes out (hopefully in November, in time for the holidays).

It won't hurt the ratings or 3D TV sales when The Masters is televised in S3DHD - complete with the infamous return to golf for Mr. Tiger Woods this April 5-11, 2010.

The Masters Will Be Swinging Into Homes This April!!

Jim here. Wow. S3D sports is really starting to explode! Next up is golf and the PGA Masters tournament in 3D April 7 to 11.

There will be plenty of firsts in this broadcast namely: The first live next-generation 3D broadcast of a major sporting event on TV, the first live simulcast of a next-gen 3D event online, and the industry's first live multi-camera next-gen 3D production.

From Comcast's blog: To make the experience possible, Comcast will use our fiber network to carry a 3D production feed provided to the Comcast Media Center where we will package it for distribution to our systems and the Masters website. Sony and IBM are playing critical roles in working with us and the Masters to make this 3D broadcast available to consumers.

As our industry experiments with new ways to deliver live 3D content to the home, consumer electronics manufacturers like Sony, Panasonic and Samsung are beginning to make 3D-enabled TV sets available at retail. If you're one of those early adopters who had to get your hands on an HDTV set in the late 1990s and like to try every new device first, then this is your chance to watch the next big thing. You will also be able to play the live 3D stream at www.masters.com on your PC, using a 3D media player, 3D monitor and 3D glasses. Traditional Masters Tournament coverage will continue to be available in HD on CBS and ESPN with highlights On Demand and online.

What are you waiting for? Get one of these S3DHD TVs and soak this stuff up in the comfort of your own home! :-) Any word of Tiger playing in that tourny?

Original photo courtesy of Getty Images

S3DHD Gamers Rejoice! NVIDIA Bringing 3D Gaming To Panasonic 3DTVs

Jim here. NVIDIA announced today a partnership with Panasonic and will be joining the "Panasonic Touch the Future Tour" to show off the graphics card maker's new 3DTV Play - a software solution that allows consumers to connect their new S3DHD TVs to compatible GeForce powered computers. Of course, Panasonic just launched their lineup of new VIERA 3DTVs this month.

So what does this mean to consumers? It means you have the power and versatility of S3DHD PC gaming on much larger screens. Further, the active shutter glasses that come with each VIERA 3DTV also works with NVIDIA's GPUs.

Take a look at the features (coming later this spring):
• Can be run on GeForce GPU-based desktop or notebook PCs equipped with an HDMI or DVI connector
• Full support for all HDMI 1.4-compatible 3D TVs, including Panasonic VIERA Plasma full HD 3D TVs
• Enables 1080p24, 720p60, and 720p50 3D formats
• Advanced NVIDIA software and graphics drivers automatically convert more than 400 games to stereoscopic 3D in real time, without the need for special patches.
• Enjoy full HD Blu-ray 3D playback with real-time GPU accelerated decoding and playback on GeForce GPUsi
• Watch streaming 3D movies
• View 3D photographs directly on the 3D TV
• NVIDIA 3DTV Play software will be available later this spring and sold separately with an anticipated U.S. MSRP of $39.99. It will also be available for free for current NVIDIA 3D Vision™ customers.

“NVIDIA is all about raising the bar of PC gaming, and gamers are going to love playing in 3D on one of the new Panasonic VIERA 50-inch full HD 3D TVs,” said Phil Eisler, general manager of 3D Vision technology at NVIDIA. “This is truly one of those ‘must experience to believe it’ moments, and we are ecstatic that consumers will have the chance to try it for themselves on any of our 15 stops across the US.”

Want to try all this excitement first hand? You can! Check out these tour cities and dates and make it on your calendar:
Tour dates and locations are:
3/15 - 3/17 New York, Penn Pavilion, 401 7th Ave at 33rd St
3/15 - 3/17 Chicago, Tribune 445, 445 S. Michigan Avenue
3/15 - 3/17 Los Angeles, Hollywood and Highland, 801 Hollywood Boulevard
3/20 - 3/22 Boston, Copley Place, 2 Copley Place
3/22 - 3/24 Detroit, Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway
3/22 - 3/24 Scottsdale, Fashion Square Mall, 7014 East Camelback Road
3/25 - 3/27 Philadelphia, King of Prussia Mall, North Gulph Road
3/29 - 3/31 Minneapolis, IDS Tower, 80 8th Street South
3/29 - 3/31 San Francisco, One Market Plaza, 1 Market Street
3/31 - 4/2 Washington, Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Ave, NE
4/6 - 4/8 Dallas, Grapevine Mills Mall, 3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway
4/6 - 4/8 Seattle, Top of the Market, 93 Pike Street, Suite 307
4/7 - 4/9 Atlanta, 595 North, 595 North Ave, NW Atlanta
4/12 - 4/14 Houston, The Warehouse, 4108 Dupont Street
4/15 - 4/17 Miami, Ice Palace, 59 Northwest 14th Street

Want another reason to go? You will have a chance to win a complete Panasonic full HD 3D home theater system—featuring a Panasonic VIERA® 50” full HD 3D TV, a Panasonic 3D Blu-ray Disc player, and a pair of Panasonic 3D Eyewear. One of these systems will be given away at EACH market listed above! If that isn't motivation I don't know what is. After you come back from the event, let me know what you think!

NVIDIA is a sponsor of MarketSaw

It's Starting! S3DHD TVs Are Being Sold RIGHT NOW!! ...And MLB's All Star Game Will Be In S3D

Jim here. Panasonic has created a new $2,900 S3DHD television bundle to be sold exclusively at Best Buy stores. It includes a Panasonic 50" TC-P50VT20 S3DHD TV ($2,500), a S3DHD compatible Blu-ray player (DMP-BDT300, $400) and a single pair of 3D glasses (TY-EW3D10U, $149).

Best Buy held a media event to publicize the immediate availability of these TVs - it is definitely NOT vaporware. Pictured are the first people to buy the bundle in Manhattan's Union Square.

Panasonic plans subsequent S3DHD TV releases for 54", 58" and 65" later this year.

Regarding S3D content, DirectTV promised at the Best Buy event that the first of their 3 new S3D channels would be running by June and that the 2010 MLB All-Star game will be in S3D! Fox was on hand as well and said that ICE AGE: DAWN OF THE DINOSAURS would soon be out in S3DHD. They did not comment on the availability of AVATAR in Blu-ray at the event.

Samsung already has S3DHD TVs on sale through Amazon (Our write up is right here).

Awesome that these S3DHD TVs and Blu-rays are out there RIGHT NOW! Also, with all the competition heating up it is only a matter of time before we see those prices drop. But in all honesty, I thought the prices would be much higher to begin with. I am very pleased.

Source: Cnet

Best Buy - Listen Up: LLLLETS Get Ready To DEMO!

Jim here. Big box electronics retailers heed warning: No more just standing around citing specifications and pointing at flat screens! You are going to need to do more than always say "This is the set I have at home and it is great".

With the advent of S3DHD televisions you are going to have to demo it, or not have access to them! So says Panasonic. When the VT25 lineup of S3DHD plasmas come on stream in May, retail employees will have to be well versed in the technology and be able to effectively demo what the consumer will be buying.

Said Bob Perry, SVP Marketing at Panasonic: "To us, all of our retailers are really important, but if a retailer cannot properly display it we will not allow them to sell it."

From Twice.com: Panasonic sees 3D as a key differentiator for plasma technology, since it has an inherently rapid switching capability that is necessary to deliver the rapidly alternating full 1080p images to each eye of viewers equipped with special active shutter glasses.

"We believe that when they go into retail and see our 3D plasmas, the average consumer will say, "That looks better" he said. "We aren't going to trash LCD, but are going to make sure the consumer knows that if they want the best 3D experience so far, it is going to be available from Panasonic plasma."

3D TV will be a central part of Panasonic's focus in its previously announced upcoming 15-city "mini-CES" showcase that will use three touring "show booths" with a wide range of products, to hit each of the East, West and Central regions of the country, hitting heavily trafficked venues in the nation's top designated market areas.

...the tour is part of an intensive advertising and promotional blitz for 2010, estimated at around $100 million, that will see Panasonic spend twice as much on advertising some product categories, over the previous year, he said.

I am so glad that Panasonic is putting its foot down on this. Customer service at some of these retailers can be abysmal; I had a guy telling me a few days ago at one of these stores that 3DTVs will be around NEXT YEAR sometime. I hope other manufacturers follow suit. Consumers deserve the best information possible on what they are buying. S3D deserves it too.

No Worries! AVATAR S3DHD Blu-ray Out In November!!

Jim here. Rest easy AVATAR fans! James Cameron himself put to bed any notion of the 3D Blu-ray for the movie taking years to get to us. In a recent interview, he said the time frame for 3D on Blu-ray is November of THIS year.

From WSJ: “It’s all right on schedule,” said Cameron. “We’ll do the Blu-ray and the standard def DVD April 22nd, that’s our plan as of right now, and that’ll be pretty much bare bones. And then we’ll do a value-added DVD and a 3-D Blu-ray in I think November sometime.”

Also here is a clip from MTV:

All of this makes total sense. I was dumbfounded when I heard that the 3D release would be delayed. I NEVER thought it would be years as other sites conjectured - I don't know where that came from! This timing is perfect if you ask me: S3DHD televisions will be flowing in and out of CE stores starting next month and ramping up through summer / fall, and AVATAR hits just before the holidays!

Can you feel it? AVATAR in your home in stunning S3DHD by Christmas!! Potentially your home at least :-)