3D Geek Alert: Glasses-Free 200 Inch S3DHD Display Is Here! Watch Video...

Holy parallax 3D Batman! Where did this thing come from? I knew companies were working on such technology, but to actually having something that they are willing to show the public is a different thing entirely.

NICT (National Institute of Information and Communications) along with JVC Kenwood has just unveiled a 200" autostereoscopic (glasses-free) display. In order to achieve that first generation lofty goals, they have enlisted the use of 57 specially tuned projectors beaming on to a customized screen. The 500 kg condensor lens screen has a diffusion film that smoothly integrates all the different viewing angles into one singular and unique experience for every viewer.

The viewing angles are narrow (13 degrees wide, as opposed to 180 degrees for most displays) but there are 57 viewing angles in total that merge between themselves, all in full high definition.

The audience can individually walk around the room to see AROUND corners and objects.

NICT and JVC Kenwood also said that they are actively working on capturing video as well - presumably in some optimized fashion for this glasses-free display. Optimized video capture involves physical digital cameras being placed at 2cm intervals (which could prove challenging given the size of full frame sensors). They are getting around this at the moment by using CG virtual cameras which can be placed in any space without any significant limitation.

Next steps for them? Bumping up the number of projectors from 57 to 200! This increase will allow bigger much screen sizes.



Well I am stunned with this new technology. Keep in mind this is first generation attempts! With pure CG films (like most of AVATAR for example), this display tech is viable right now if production was done with this output in mind. Stay tuned for more when I get it!

Source: DigInfo

3D Geek Alert: RED Has A Laser 3D Projector Coming - For Both Theater AND The Home!

Yes, those same crazy guys who have released the 5K Red Epics now have RED Laser Projectors on their roadmap! Now that means it is still might be quite some time from having them ship (Jannard says "sooner rather than later"), but still - judging by the comments that Jim Jannard posted on his RedUser forums - we will be in for a treat when they do hit the market.

I will go on to describe what I know about laser tech later on in the post, but to whet your appetities, here are the quotes:

Stephen Pizzo- Co-Founder of Element Technica and now partner of 3ality Technica: "After watching a demo of RED's laser projector I've been struggling to find a way to describe it. Comparing it to traditional professional systems is completely inadequate. I have never witnessed 3D that was as bright or brighter as the best 2D projections until now. It generated the best color, best dynamic range and best images I have ever seen in 3D or even 2D. When I learned we were watching at 1/4 of its total resolution I was speechless. It was so clean and so vibrant the only thing I can compare it to is Cibachrome. That's it, a giant moving Cibachrome!"

Mark L. Pederson- OffHollywood: "Aldey & I got treated to a sneak peak yesterday and we could not stop watching. You have to see it to believe it. I have NEVER seen better projection - from any projector - at any price point. I can't stop thinking about it. It was beyond stunning."

And Jannard went further to say: "We have a very narrow target.... shoot 5K, post to 4K, deliver with REDray and display with the new RED projector, 2D and 3D. Easy stuff to understand."

Moreover it is as I suspected - these projectors will be PASSIVE. So I am assuming the polarization is being done at the light source. Laser's are perfect for doing that. Laser TVs will use a similar approach to 3D. No heavy glasses any more at home and you can rest assured you will have a full HD experience at a minimum.

Further, when images are projected with conventional systems they also project the color black which actually does not turn out as such of course, more like a dark grey. With this new type of scanning laser system, the blacks ARE black because there is simply no color at all sent to the screen! And to the best of my knowledge there are no lenses in these systems whatsoever so no degradation of the image and amazing contrast.

And finally, a true solution to not projecting 3D bright enough. We can all assume that the pricepoint will be significantly lower than the competition I would wager - especially since we are talking about a home theater version too. Man I hope this all comes to fruition - AND SOON! More when I get it.

To check out all of our 3D Laser technology stories, click here.

Thanks for the heads up Mark!!

MasterImage 3D Signs Largest French Cinema Chain

Les Cinemas Gaumont (France's largest) has signed on to equip several of their theaters throughout Europe with MasterImage 3D projection technology.

According to THR, the first implementations of the rollout include Pajrignan, Gaumont Ambassade, Gaumont Opera Premier and Gaumont Opera Capucines in Paris and the Pathé Haarlem in Holland.

The Pathé deal is huge because they own almost 1000 screens in Europe (France, Netherlands and Switzerland). Les Cinemas Gaumont joins the other chains that MasterImage 3D has secured in Europe already, namely Germany's Cineplex, Britain's Empire Cinemas and Cinema City International in Eastern Europe.

Congratulations to all involved! MasterImage 3D is a true 3D success story that continues to unfold. Stay tuned for more when I get it...

MasterImage 3D is a sponsor of MarketSaw

CinemaCon 2011: Cinema City Int'l Chooses MasterImage 3D as the 3D Systems Provider for its Growing Cinema Empire

Wow. Nice deal here! It's a pleasure to report on the continued success of MasterImage's 3D system. I will be meeting with Peter Koplik President, Digital Cinema) and the MasterImage team here at CinemaCon to check out their newest technologies! Stay tuned for more from the show!!

--Third Largest Multiplex Theatre Operator in Europe to Deploy MasterImage 3D Systems--

Hollywood, CA and Buckinghamshire, England -- (March 28, 2011) - MasterImage 3D, Inc., a provider of pioneering 3D solutions for theaters and mobile devices, announced today that Cinema City International (CCI), the third largest multiplex theatre operator in Europe, has chosen MasterImage 3D as its new 3D cinema system supplier.

CCI Group now has 866 screens in 90 multiplexes operating in 7 territories - Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Israel, Romania and Bulgaria. The Group is continuing its expansion with 35 more multiplexes currently under development, which will add 360 new screens. The entire CCI circuit is expected to be fully digital by 2013, with up to 60% of its screens supporting 3D.

Moshe (Mooky) Greidinger, CEO of the CCI Group, said, "MasterImage 3D offers a high quality, low maintenance system. Their single-use glasses eliminate the practice of having to wash and manage 3D glasses, which makes life easier for us, the cinema operators. We have tested thoroughly MasterImage systems and were very much convinced by its top quality. "

"Cinema City International is a force in Central and Eastern Europe -- known as much for keeping the ethos of a family-owned company as they are for their success and size," said Brian Kercher, Managing Director of 3D Cinema, Europe, for MasterImage 3D. "They have a strong team of cinema engineers who understand the needs of exhibitors and we are really pleased that our systems and approach have earned their respect and business. We look forward to a long relationship with CCI and its theatres."

About Cinema City International
Cinema City International is the largest multiplex cinema operator in Central & Eastern Europe and Israel. CCI operates 90 multiplexes with 866 screens, in 7 countries (Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Israel). There are 35 more multiplexes under development, which will add approximately 360 new screens. In addition, CCI is actively involved in cinema related advertising and in film distribution. In 2010 CCI sold 30.5 million tickets in six countries, 11.1% more than in 2009. The CCI group employs over 4,000 people in 7 countries.

About MasterImage 3D Inc.
MasterImage 3D, Inc. is a 3D technology company that provides pioneering solutions for theaters, mobile devices and gaming. With digital 3D cinema systems installed in 57 countries, MasterImage 3D is a fast-growing digital 3D cinema system supplier, offering audiences the clearest, sharpest 3D experience while providing exhibitors with a compelling ownership-based pricing model. The company invented, patented and mass-produced the cell-matrix parallax barrier, the leading 3D technology for auto-stereoscopic mobile display. It enabled one of the world's first glasses-free 3D mobile phones and is in development for devices in 2011. Its 3D camera ASIC empowers users to create 3D content. Founded in 2004, the company is privately held and headquartered in Hollywood, with offices in the UK, Tokyo, Seoul and Beijing. http://www.masterimage3d.com

MasterImage is a sponsor of MarketSaw.

MasterImage To Unveil New Multi-Use 3D Glasses at 2010 NAB Show

Jim here. I have been impressed with what I have been seeing from MasterImage of late and I think now is the time to bring up something that I think is an excellent idea: Choice. MasterImage is another 3D projection company in the same business as RealD, Dolby 3D, Xpand, IMAX 3D and others.

As you know, when you go to theaters in most cases you will be given a pair of disposible and recyclable glasses. Others will offer you glasses that you must return at the end of the screening. They are a good solution for the masses. However, there has never before been a choice of glasses offered before by a single vendor. Enter MasterImage.

MasterImage is adding a premium quality set of glasses that may be offered for sale in theaters for patrons who know that they will be seeing future 3D movies and want to own their own pair of glasses. Wholesale price is $5.

The only issue I see that may develop is that customers may deem that they should not have to pay as high a premium for 3D movies if they are bringing their own glasses. Customers are not savvy to the inner workings of why 3D movies cost more, but they obviously know that the pair of 3D glasses that they get at every screening costs money. If they are eliminating that cost by bringing their own theater-bought glasses... you see where I am going with this.

Then again, it may not happen. I personally like choice and I feel it is an excellent solution that other 3D projection companies should look at. Of course either way it is ultimately a better environmental solution to reuse than recycle if given a choice. And yes, you can certainly reuse your disposible 3D glasses too, but they are far more flimsy and will not last nearly as long.

Here is their press release:
MasterImage 3D, LLC, a 3D technology company that provides pioneering stereoscopic and autostereoscopic 3D systems, will introduce premium quality, multi-use glasses for their 3D
digital cinema systems at the 2010 NAB Show. The environmentally friendly, high-performance glasses are fitted with the company's advanced, circular polarized lenses. The MasterImage glasses will be available to theater owners worldwide, May 2010, at a market setting list price of $5.00, per pair.

Supported by all six major studios, MasterImage has seen its theatrical market share rise 1200% during the past 18 months because it offers superior digital technologies, along with a cost-effective, ownership-based pricing model. The stylish, reusable glasses do not require batteries and complement the company's single-use offering.

"We are mindful of the environmental benefits afforded by reusable glasses and wanted to offer exhibitors options, so they can select the right product for their needs," said MasterImage's Peter Koplik. "With this new, market setting offer, Master Image will outfit theaters with multi-use glasses at less than one-fourth the cost of what competitors are charging for comparable alternatives."

MasterImage is exhibiting at the 2010 NAB Show in Las Vegas, in the 3D Pavilion, booth SL 4514G, April 12-15. There, the company will showcase the new glasses, along with its pioneering, autostereoscopic mobile display systems.

About MasterImage 3D, LLC
MasterImage 3D is a stereoscopic 3D technology company that provides pioneering 3D solutions for theaters, flat panel displays and handheld devices. With more than 1,400 digital 3D theatre systems installed worldwide, MasterImage offers audiences the best 3D image experience, while providing exhibitors with a compelling ownership-based pricing model. The company's auto-stereoscopic (glasses-free), 3D LCD technology for mobile and electronic devices are the first commercial displays of their kind, and the company's 3D camera ASIC empowers dual camera-equipped devices that enable users to create and share 3D content. The company is gearing up to deploy millions of auto-stereoscopic units with multiple manufactures worldwide. Founded in 2004, the company was recently acquired and capitalized by US-based Symphony 3D Holdings and is now headquartered in Burbank, California.

Keep an eye on these guys. I saw their projection in action at ShoWest and it is excellent. Further, their solution costs ~$30,000 and there is no monthly subscriber fee. Once theater chains own the solution, that's it. I like what I see! They have had a heckuva year.

Oh and if you are at NAB, check out their portable, glasses-free 3D solution! It looks STUNNING.

RealD Introduces RealD LP, The World’s First Mobile, Single-Projector 3D Solution

Jim here. If you have been to a movie theater to see one of the recent crop of 3D movies like Monsters vs. Aliens, you have probably seen RealD 3D technology. The 3D experience the technology provides is fantastic and makes movies very enjoyable - I have seen other formats in action and I keep coming back to RealD.

The company behind the RealD technology has announced a new portable projector for 3D viewing called the RealD LP to bring the power of its 3D technology to the small screen. The device is claimed to be the world's first mobile single projector passive 3D solution.

The projector is capable of changing between 3D and 2D on the fly and can be set up in minutes as a portable projector or mounted for a permanent projector. The device is suitable for screens up to 17-feet wide and is an externally mounted peripheral for 3D-enabled DLP projectors.

Here is the press release:
After dazzling tens of millions of filmgoers worldwide with attention-grabbing 3D, RealD, the world’s leading 3D technology company, is introducing the RealD LP™(Linear Polarizing Z Screen) to bring the power of 3D to the small screen. The world’s first mobile, single-projector, passive 3D solution, the RealD LP brings the vibrancy of high-quality 3D to smaller venues such as conference rooms, R&D centers, museum exhibits, mobile education centers, virtual rides and other entertainment attractions. Designed to be set up for individual 3D presentations in minutes, or permanently mounted for long term use, the RealD LP allows the flexibility of switching between 2D and 3D on the fly while alleviating maintenance and other issues of dual-projector 3D systems.

“3D content is more engaging, memorable and productive,” said Joshua Greer, president of RealD. “The RealD LP creates stunning 3D images for small or medium size audiences anytime, anywhere, bringing new possibilities to using the power of 3D in presentations, product development and virtual attractions.”

The RealD LP is an externally mounted peripheral for a single 3D-enabled DLP® projector, with electronic controls conveniently integrated inside the device. When 3D content is fed to the projector in full-resolution, frame-sequential format, the RealD LP allows content to be seen in 3D by polarizing right- and left-eye images. Viewers wear comfortable, affordable and reusable RealD eyewear custom built for the LP.

Suitable for screens up to 17 feet wide, the RealD LP works with 3D-enabled projectors such as NEC NC800, Christie Mirage HD, and Lightspeed Design HD DepthQ, along with a silver screen from Harkness, MDI or Stewart.

The RealD LP is available for lease through the company’s Professional division.

About RealD
RealD is the global leader in 3D, bringing the most advanced and realistic digital 3D experience to cinemas worldwide. RealD’s next-generation technology, deployed across the world’s largest 3D platform, provides a stunningly realistic viewing experience. Beyond cinema, RealD is the worldwide inventor and provider of key stereoscopic technologies used in science, manufacturing, marketing, and other industries, with thirty years of scientific development behind its systems. RealD’s mission-critical 3D technologies are used by organizations such as NASA, Pfizer, BMW, Boeing and more. www.RealD.com

I want one for my home theater! :-)

RealD is a sponsor of MarketSaw

RealD And Sony Partner On 4K Projector

Jim here. NOW it is making sense. A while ago I reported that Sony will be introducing a new 4K projector with a 3D adaptor and I was puzzled over the very late entry into the field - a field where there is already a clear winner in the 3D add-on realm, RealD.

Today, THR is reporting that Sony has in fact teamed up with RealD to deliver a built in 3D 4K projection system - one that is compatible with other Sony 4K resolution projectors.

It is not known whether Sony has solved the issue of being limited to screen sizes of 55 feet or less - perhaps that is why Sony has partnered with RealD, as the Beverly Hills based 3D company has solved the riddle of larger screens with their XL technology.

Originally Sony had targeted a March 2009 release of the solution.

A large competitor of Sony's in this arena will be Christie (along with Barco and NEC), who also recently announced their Brilliant3D technology that coincidentally (or more likely not) also uses RealD. In this case, they in fact use the RealD XL technology to facilitate projection on screens of up to 75 feet. Christie's 3D solution is however, limited to only 2K resolution.

This is great clarification for me. I feel much better about the progression of the 3D projection industry with this knowledge in place! Great job guys.

Quick Post: Christie Launches Industry First Technological Breakthrough for 3D

CYPRESS, CA – October 13, 2008 – Christie, a leader in digital cinema projection, is pleased to introduce its Brilliant3D technology that enables 3D content to be projected in full 2K resolution for digital cinema projectors utilizing 1.2” DMD chips from Texas Instruments. A first for the industry, this new technology will be available exclusively on all Christie digital cinema projectors and will be launched at ShowEast beginning October 13th in Orlando, FL. Following the successful demonstrations with RealD at IBC in Amsterdam last month, Christie’s new technology provides 33% more brightness for 3D content and uses only a single lens system.

“We’re very excited about this technological development from Christie. This advancement combined with our RealD XL system enhances the 3D experience tremendously. Together, we can fill screens up to 75ft in width with true triple-flash capable technology, making 3D films even brighter and clearer,” noted Joseph Peixoto, president of worldwide cinema, RealD.

Craig Sholder, vice-president of Christie’s Entertainment Solutions stated, “With more than 15 new movies slated for 3D release over the next 18 months, Christie’s new Brilliant3D will enable exhibitors to project 3D movies onto the largest screens—while reducing both lamp and electricity expenses. Christie engineers initiated development of this technology so that audiences would have the most compelling 3D experience.”

Christie Brilliant3D will be available on the world’s brightest 2K DLP Cinema® projectors, the Christie CP2000-SB and Christie CP2000-XB, as well as on the Christie CP2000-ZX. Christie’s CP2000-M digital cinema projector, based on the .98” DMD chip, will also feature Christie Brilliant3D technology. With this new technology, Christie now offers 3D in full 2K resolution at brightness levels not previously seen before in theatres.

Sholder added, “We’ve enabled our full suite of digital cinema projectors with Christie technology. And, our flagship Christie CP2000-SB will offer double the brightness for 3D projection than any other competitive product on the market. We’re thrilled to offer a much more viable solution to the industry for projecting 3D movies on medium and large screens. Christie remains at the forefront of the digital cinema revolution with 3D solutions for every exhibitor on any size screen.”

In addition, Christie is also announcing a new suite of variable prime zoom lenses that enable a convenient and cost-effective, single lens solution for 2D and 3D content regardless of format, keeping operating costs down. These lenses and new projector solutions will be available for the release of the 3D blockbusters scheduled for the upcoming holiday season.

ShowEast attendees will see Christie’s Brilliant3D technology in action on the Christie CP2000-XB showing select scenes from Lionsgate’s, “My Bloody Valentine”, and Disney’s “Bolt” 3D trailer on the Christie CP2000-ZX displayed at their booth # 1100.

This is awesome news for 2K digital projection. Gotta see this in action!

GDC And Real D Creating 3D Platform Partnership

GDC Forges Partnership with RealD to Deliver Leading-edge 3D Digital Cinema Experience

USA (Oct 9, 2008) - GDC is pleased to announce a partnership with RealD, the global leader in 3D cinema technology. Under the partnership, GDC’s best-selling digital cinema server - SA-2100 will be offered as part of RealD’s premier 3D platform for future 3D rollout.

GDC is the market leader in Asia with two-thirds of the market share and has the second largest deployment of digital cinema servers worldwide. RealD is the global leader in 3D, having captured 90% of the worldwide digital 3D market. The partnership will propel GDC servers into the fast expanding 3D market, estimated to reach between 4000 and 5000 screens by 2009. Early success of the partnership includes 20 installations at Lotte Cinema, South Korea.

GDC’s SA-2100 digital cinema server has been vigorously tested by RealD and awarded the “RealD Ready” status, which is an assurance of full “out-of-the-box” compatibility with the RealD system.

“GDC’s LINUX-based servers are one of the most robust and reliable servers on the market,” stated Joe Peixoto, President, Worldwide Cinema, RealD 3D. “We are encouraged by the initial success in Korea and expect to see additional 3D deployment throughout the rest of world with GDC servers in the near future.”

“3D digital is a rapidly growing force in digital cinema. We recognized this from the beginning and made sure that our SA-2100 digital cinema server can play both 2D and 3D movie files,” said Dr Man-Nang CHONG, founder and CEO of GDC Technology. “We are honored to be a partner with RealD and excited by the prospect of growing our server business together with RealD’s rapid expansion in the 3D digital rollout.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * *

About GDC Technology (website: www.gdc-tech.com )

GDC Technology (“GDC”) is a subsidiary of the Hong Kong publicly listed company - Global Digital Creations Holdings Limited. GDC is one of the leading solution providers for digital cinema, media delivery and display markets. GDC has successfully delivered and installed over 1000 operating digital cinema servers worldwide, including Austria, Africa, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Korea, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, the Netherlands, the Philippines, the US and UK. More than 500 feature titles have been released digitally on GDC’s Digital Cinema Servers.

About RealD (website: www.reald.com)
RealD is the global leader in 3D, bringing the most advanced and enjoyable digital 3D experience to cinemas worldwide. RealD’s next-generation technology, deployed across the world’s largest 3D platform in 24 countries, provides a stunningly realistic viewing experience beyond the usual concepts of 3D cinema. The impact of 3D upon today’s moviemaking has been compared to the advent of color film when once there was only black and white. Beyond cinema, RealD is the worldwide inventor and provider of key stereoscopic technologies used in science, manufacturing, marketing, and other industries, with thirty years of scientific development behind its systems. RealD’s mission-critical 3D visualization technologies are used by organizations such as NASA, Pfizer, BMW, Boeing and more.

I can see how this will work reciprocally as well - Real D will have a much more pronounced presence in Asia now and will definitely facilitate aggressive growth in that region. Anytime you can have an out of the box, turn key experience in deploying a technology, its good news for the speed and integrity of the solution. Awesome news!

Sony Introduces 4K Theater Projectors... And A 3D Adaptor?

Hmmm. A late 3D entry if I have ever heard of one, but a major player at any time nevertheless. Sony has announced that they will be releasing a 4K digital projection system:

Sony said, "4K technology will be integrated throughout the entire production process, including filmed productions at full 4K resolution, scanning at 4K, using a 4K workflow process, and releasing a 4K DCP to theaters. The first movie being shot in 4K was Hancock; future 4K productions include "2012," "Salt," and "The Green Hornet."

I am not surprised by this move at all as they have been players in this field for some time. However I was not too ready to hear that they are also entering the 3D projection system business! I believe they have their eye on a niche market - small and medium sized theaters that have been lagging behind in the deployment of digital and 3D technologies. Here is why:

They are introducing a single 3D projector add-on for their 4K projector system that has the ability to be removed so that theaters can switch from 4K projection to 3D on the same screen. However the drawback is that their maximum screen size will be 55 feet - hence small to medium screen deployments - in my estimation.

Sony is aiming for a March 2009 release of the technology.

Via TGDaily

Umm - What The Heck Is Steve Jobs Up To? Apple Files A Wacky 3D Projector Setup!

**SAME DAY UPDATE: Further details of the Patent Application in yet another diagram shown to the left. The system does indeed take into account the position of the observer to create a personal viewing experience no matter where you are in the audience and you are NOT required to wear glasses. Apple states that processing power today makes this technology possible.

[macrumors]


Well, well, well. What do we have here? Check out the diagram to view exactly what Apple has in store for the masses in the coming years. Or not. What the heck does it mean? Damned if I know. I'd be curious to hear what you think it is.

[via Gizmodo]

DEBATE BELOW: Is this a 3D home entertainment device, 3D business presentation device or a 3D commercial projector system?