Sony Announces First 4K, Passive 3D TV: 1080P For Each Eye!

**Editor's Note: Welcome Adam Shear! Adam attends SUNY Oswego in upstate NY where he studies broadcasting and mass communication. He has contributed to LevelSave.com and TripTronicTech.com and I'm excited to have him aboard.

Adam here. After an impressive showing of 4K projection technology at CES, Sony has finally announced its first ever 4K television. 4K, also called Ultra High Definition, has four times a greater picture than 1080p HD.

The Sony XBR-84X900 will be 84 inches and capable of displaying native 4K content. This Ultra High Definition set is also Sony's first TV to use passive 3D technology. Because there are more pixels, you can finally get a full 1080p picture in each eye. It also has virtual 5.1 surround sound built in to the speakers.

While there is no native 4K content available now, it could come soon in the form of digital content stored on hard drives.  In a brochure I received from Sony at CES, it was explained that Blu ray disc players can be upgraded to play native 4K, the same way in which upgrades were needed to play Blu ray 3D content.   

Select Sony stores will have the XBR-84X900 on display starting September 6 with it releasing sometime in the near future, I would guess in the next six months to a year. 

I'm really glad to finally see a 4K TV from Sony.  At CES this past year, I attended their 4K Experience which showed off not just native 4K content, but also 1080p content up-scaled to 4K.  I was really impressed.  It also makes perfect sense for Sony to move to passive 3D.  Now that users can get a full 3D HD picture, there really isn't a need to buy a $100 pair of battery powered glasses.  It's just easier to get a $10 pair of glasses with no technology inside of them.  It might take a few years for 4K to really catch on, but 4K will really enhance the home theater experience, even more so than 1080p HDTVs currently have.

At Long Last The Wait Is Over: AVATAR Blu-ray 3D Freely Available For Purchase In October!

Watch the personal invitation from James Cameron to at long last purchase and enjoy AVATAR in the way it was meant to be seen: In 3D, in your home and on any 3D television set.

For the past couple of years, AVATAR 3D has been tied up in an unique marketing agreement with Panasonic that would only allow the distribution of the blu-ray 3D with a new Panasonic 3D television.

That agreement will expire on October 15th (worldwide) and the 16th (North America) and then you may buy the Avatar Blu-ray 3D in stores.

Of course by now you know that AVATAR is the highest grossing movie of all time, and by a long shot. It has resonated around the world with its cutting edge 3D experience and message of environmental awareness. Now you can own it, even if you don't own a Panasonic 3D television.


The wait is soon over!

3net 3D Television Production Guide Available for Download

The 3D Production Guide Available for Download Now!

Tim here. 3net, the 24/7 3D network and 3D television production studio, along with joint venture partners Discovery, Sony and IMAX, today announced the release of the most complete guide to 3D television production ever assembled. Featuring stereoscopic expertise from the top producers and technical advisors of the company and its corporate ownership, The 3D Production Guide has now been made freely available to the public today via multiple websites, it was announced today on behalf of 3net and its corporate partners by Tom Cosgrove, President & CEO of 3net.

"One of the core missions of 3net and our parent companies is to shepherd the emergence and proliferation of 3D television by combining our resources, expertise and experience to provide the most extensive tools and resources available today to the world’s 3D production community,” said Cosgrove. “The hands-on knowledge garnered by our collective companies provides an unprecedented resource - not only our current production partners - but for all of those involved in this dynamic medium.”

The 50-page illustrated manual includes detailed information garnered from the combined 50 years of experience in the area of 3D from those who contributed to its creation. The guide outlines in detail all of the facets involved in creating top-quality 3D content for television, from initial workflow planning, to production, post production, stereographic correction and final delivery.

The 3D Production Guide is a living document outlining current best practices in the area of 3D production for television. It is the result of extensive contributions from the 3D experts of 3net’s partner companies Discovery Communications, Sony Corporation and IMAX Corporation.

The guide was authored by Bert Collins, Josh Derby, Bruce Dobrin, Don Eklund, Buzz Hays, Jim Houston, George Joblove and Spencer Stephens, with Bert Collins and Josh Derby serving as editors. It will be constantly updated and amended as the dynamics of 3D television production continue to evolve.

About 3net:
3net, the joint venture of Sony Corporation, Discovery Communications and IMAX Corporation brings together three of the world's leading media, technology and entertainment companies to provide the nation's first and only fully programmed, 24/7 3D network and production studio. The three partners deliver an extraordinary collection of award-winning 3D content, technology and production expertise, television distribution and operational strength to the project, with a mission to bring viewers the highest quality and most immersive in-home 3D viewing programming possible. The channel features the most extensive library of 3D content in the world, including genres that are most appealing in 3D, including natural history, documentary, action/adventure, travel, history, kids and family, hyper-reality, lifestyle and cuisine, concerts, movies, scripted series and more. 3net is currently available on DIRECTV channel 107.

New Series From Digital Revolution Studios On 3net: BAMMA USA Fight Nights

Tim here, I got some news on a show that I just worked on for Digital Revolution Studios.

BAMMA USA has been the most active mixed martial arts provider in Southern California producing seven action-packed installments in 2011, and now sports fans can view their adrenaline filled events in 3D for the first time ever. 3net, the joint venture between 24/7 network from Sony, Discovery and IMAX, has combined forces with Digital Revolution Studios (DRS) and BAMMA USA to televise the mixed martial arts fights in 3D from this past year from BAMMA USA FIGHT NIGHT starting on December 15 at 9PM ET/PT on 3net (DIRECTV, Channel 107).

Combining the fastest growing sport in the world with three-dimensional entertainment provides the ultimate viewing experience. “MMA in 3D puts you so close to the action that you feel as if you are in the cage with the referee. You can almost touch the fighters and if one of the fighters gets hit and sweat is flying your way, you are going to duck and avoid it,” said BAMMA USA chief executive officer Brett Roberts.

“3net is always looking to bring our viewers the most diverse and compelling 3D programming available,” said 3net’s President and CEO Tom Cosgrove. “The action-packed sport of MMA is the kind of big event ‘first-ever’ 3D content our consumers have come to expect.”

For the first time ever, viewers can anticipate hours of 3D eye-catching entertainment including live commentary, slick submissions, exciting knockouts and competitive fights from some of the most promising and talented athletes on the west coast. Each and every event provides different results and increasing excitement which is one of the reasons why DRS decided to work with the mixed martial arts promotion.

Digital Revolution Studios President Craig Tanner specified why it was a good match to work alongside the top Southern California MMA provider stating, “DRS was excited to work with BAMMA USA, not only for the solid reputation BAMMA USA had in the MMA community, but also because of their constant commitment to increase the quality of fighters and production value of each event.”

This is an exciting show to check out! It was a pleasure for this writer to get to work with DRS and be part of the team that provided this great new 3D content.

You can check out more about the show on 3net's website: http://www.3net.com/show/70/bamma-usa-fight-night


About BAMMA USA:
BAMMA USA is a Mixed Martial Arts promotional company specializing in creating live entertainment featuring both professional and amateur combatants looking to take their career to the next level in the sport. Their professional circuit is known as Badbeat MMA and it matches up local rising stars from across the west coast whereas the Amateur League Fighting Alliance (ALFA), their amateur circuit, features interested locals to test their abilities in the cage. While the promotion prides themselves on their motto: “Keep Moving Forward“ the ultimate passion for BAMMA USA is to create an environment in which fighters are truly valued.

About 3net:
3net, the joint venture of Sony Corporation, Discovery Communications and IMAX Corporation brings together three of the world's leading media, technology and entertainment companies to provide the nation's first and only fully programmed, 24/7 3D network. The three partners deliver an extraordinary collection of award-winning 3D content, technology and production expertise, television distribution and operational strength to the project, with a mission to bring viewers the highest quality and most immersive in-home 3D viewing experience possible. The channel will feature the most extensive library of 3D content in the world by the end of 2011, featuring genres that are most appealing in 3D, including natural history, documentary, action/adventure, travel, history, kids and family, hyper-reality, lifestyle and cuisine, concerts, movies, scripted series and more. 3net is currently available on DIRECTV channel 107. For more information, please visit http://www.3net.com.

About DRS:
DRS has originated a number of firsts in the S3D industry; from the first award show filmed entirely in native 3D (I3DS 2011 Creative Arts Awards - Your World in 3D), to the first S3D sportumentary (Bullproof). In the year 2011 alone, DRS will have had 14 separate programs airing on 3net. Currently, DRS content is being distributed domestically and internationally on multiple networks and glasses-free devices. Current 3D projects of DRS include a TV comedy: NewsTank, and 2 feature documentaries: Humor & Heartache of War and Road To Paradise. For more information on DRS, please visit http://www.drs3D.com.

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!

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.

*HALF* Of All Sony TVs TO Be S3D By Spring 2013!!

Jim here. If you have been reading MarketSaw for awhile, then you know that Sony is taking a very aggressive stance in the pursuit of S3D technology and impact on their business.

Sony is making S3D critical to their future.

Hiroshi Yoshioka, Executive Deputy President of Sony said that 30 to 50% of all Sony televisions will be 3D by the end of their 2013 fiscal year (March 31, 2013). Speaking earlier this week, he also said that 3D content would be obviously very important to achieve these goals.

Sony is all over the map introducing and planning S3D across their entire range of products and divisions, including filmmaking. Can't wait to try out some of their cutting edge products! Thanks for the heads up Matt! :-)