MasterImage 3D Announces $15M Strategic Investment by Samsung Ventures

Exciting news from MasterImage 3D - They are teaming up with Samsung Ventures for future growth! I will be meeting with the MasterImage team at CinemaCon and checking out their latest creations. I will be sure to share!

Here's the official press release (emphasis is mine):

Investment Substantiates MasterImage 3D Leadership, Supports Companies' Shared Vision for 3D on Every Screen

Hollywood, CA (March 22, 2011) - 3D technology company, MasterImage 3D, Inc. announced today that it has received a $15M investment from Samsung Ventures. MasterImage 3D provides auto-stereoscopic 3D displays and 3D content creation tools for mobile devices, and 3D digital cinema solutions.

MasterImage 3D invented, patented and mass-produced the cell-matrix parallax barrier, the leading 3D technology for auto-stereoscopic mobile display, which offers a higher quality 3D experience than striped and lenticular approaches. The company enabled one of the world's first glasses-free 3D mobile phones and is in development to deliver additional smartphones and tablets equipped with its 3D displays in 2011. MasterImage 3D digital cinema systems are installed in nearly 60 countries, following a year of over 300% growth.

"Samsung's investment supports our strong belief that we've just begun to realize the impact 3D will have on consumers," said Younghoon Lee, Chairman and CEO of MasterImage 3D. "We are committing this investment to innovation -- specifically, to advancing our 3D solutions for cinema, smartphones, tablets, and larger autostereoscopic displays. We will continue to build toward our vision of 3D on every screen."

Ilseok Yoon, Managing Director of Samsung Ventures America, said, "Our investment in MasterImage 3D is consistent with our strategy to work closely with established market leaders. The company was early to market with auto-stereoscopic 3D mobile displays and has built a significant business in 3D cinema. MasterImage 3D has demonstrated both a technical and business vision in driving adoption of 3D and we look forward to contributing to the progress MasterImage 3D has made in all facets of consumer entertainment and communication."

About Samsung Venture Investment Corporation
Samsung Venture Investment Corporation manages investment and investment-related activities for Samsung affiliate companies. The investment mandate for Samsung Venture Investment Corporation tracks closely to the strategic priorities of Samsung affiliate companies' core operating divisions, and encompasses investments in semiconductors, displays, telecommunications, and consumer electronics.

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 and Seoul. http://www.masterimage3d.com

I love working with these guys! MasterImage has great products and is in the right place at the right time. Congratulations to all those involved!!

MasterImage is a sponsor of MarketSaw.

Roy Taylor Joins MasterImage 3D to Head 3D Display Business

MasterImage continues to grow! It does my heart good to endorse a company with such great 3D solutions that I have seen up close and personal. Their employees are second to none.

Here's their press release (emphasis is mine):

Former NVIDIA VP named EVP and GM, 3D Display, to drive adoption of auto-stereoscopic 3D displays

Hollywood, CA (November 29, 2010) -- MasterImage 3D, LLC has named Roy Taylor Executive Vice President and General Manager, 3D Display. The former NVIDIA VP moves from Silicon Valley to Hollywood, joining MasterImage 3D to drive adoption of its auto-stereoscopic 3D displays and strengthen content partnerships across the mobile ecosystem.

MasterImage 3D provides digital 3D systems for theaters (2,500 are installed) and commercialized one of the world's first glasses-free 3D displays for cell phones, in 2009, based on the company's patented cell matrix parallax barrier technology. Taylor will lead MasterImage's drive to put glasses-free smartphones and tablets in consumers' hands worldwide, and help enable a mobile platform for 3D video, games, applications, interface and user-generated content.

Taylor joins MasterImage 3D from NVIDIA, where he was Vice President of Telco Relations overseeing an international sales team and relationships with AT&T, Vodafone, China Mobile and other major telecommunications companies. In his ten-year tenure at NVIDIA Taylor was also VP of Worldwide GPU Sales and held VP- and Director-level regional sales positions. Prior to that, Taylor ran his own business as a manufacturer's representative for NVIDIA, IBM Microelectronics, NEC Semiconductors and other companies.

"Roy has a strong vision of where the mobile landscape is headed, and of the technical, business, and partnership requirements to get there," said MasterImage 3D CEO and Chairman, Younghoon Lee. "He is exactly the right person to lead our efforts in connecting OEMs, chip manufacturers, carriers, TFT makers and the content community to set the stage for 3D."

"Through his experience at NVIDIA, Roy demonstrated the importance of enabling content creators to develop for stereo 3D, which built a demand for hardware. He brings this mindset to MasterImage, and will help us create not only new opportunities for our 3D display technologies, but for 3D content developers as well. Roy's leadership will contribute to more than just MasterImage's effort -- it will benefit the emerging S3D industry overall," added MasterImage 3D President, Business Development James Bower.

Taylor said, "I believe sincerely in the future of stereo 3D -- that the best glasses-free display technology will have a huge impact on how consumers view, create and share mobile content. MasterImage 3D is the leading technology company in this sphere. Not only were they the first to market with a successful glasses-free 3D cell phone, but the quality of their product is superior. I'm thrilled to be part of that success as it grows along with the mobile market's adoption of 3D."

Taylor will be based in MasterImage 3D headquarters at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood.

About MasterImage 3D LLC
MasterImage 3D LLC is a 3D technology company that provides pioneering solutions for theaters, mobile devices and gaming. With digital 3D cinema systems installed in 42 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's auto-stereoscopic display technology enabled one of the world's first glasses-free 3D mobile phones and its 3D camera ASIC empowers users to create and share 3D content. Founded in 2004, the company is privately held and headquartered in Hollywood, with offices in the UK, Tokyo, Seoul and Beijing.

Visit www.masterimage3d.com

Congratulations Roy! Looking forward to meeting you soon.

MasterImage is a sponsor of MarketSaw.

International 3D Society Awards Show presented in MasterImage 3D; company's CEO honored with Lumiere Award

My congratulations to Younghoon Lee, head of MasterImage 3D on his Lumiere award at the International 3D Society Awards yesterday!

MasterImage is definitely a company to watch in the 3D space as their rapid theatrical expansion continues around the world.

Here's the press release (emphasis is mine):
Hollywood, CA (October 20, 2010) - Last night's International 3D Society Awards Show at Mann's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood was presented in the MasterImage 3D format. The company's Chairman and CEO, Younghoon Lee, was also honored with a Lumiere(TM) award for the MasterImage digital 3D cinema system.

The International 3D Society, established to advance the art and technologies of stereoscopic 3D content and its innovators, recognized individuals and organizations that have had the most significant impact on the advancement of the 3D medium from 1980 through 2009. In addition to screening the 3D content for the evening's program, the MasterImage 3D system was also recognized for technology achievement.

International 3D Society President and CEO Jim Chabin said, "This event recognizes excellence in 3D, and the quality of the MasterImage 3D presentation format reflects that excellence. MasterImage has been a strong evangelist and driver for 3D cinema here in the US and around the world and we're pleased to recognize their achievement along with other innovators and leaders in the 3D community."

The MasterImage digital 3D cinema system uses a unique combination of display techniques to provide precise image separation, for a vivid, sharp presentation. It is now installed in 42 countries, and all six major Hollywood studios as well as many independent distributors support the MasterImage format for their 3D features.

About MasterImage 3D LLC
MasterImage 3D LLC is a 3D technology company that provides pioneering solutions for theaters, mobile devices and gaming. With digital 3D cinema systems installed in 42 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's auto-stereoscopic display technology enabled one of the world's first glasses-free 3D mobile phones and its 3D camera ASIC empowers users to create and share 3D content. Founded in 2004, the company is privately held and headquartered in Hollywood, with offices in the UK, Tokyo, Seoul and Beijing.

For more information visit www.masterimage3D.com.

MasterImage is a sponsor of MarketSaw.

MasterImage 3D Launches Kid-Sized Glasses And New Hollywood Headquarters

Some cool news from fast growing MasterImage 3D who supply theatrical 3D systems worldwide: New kid's glasses AND new digs.

Here are their press releases (emphasis is mine): MasterImage 3D, the fastest-growing supplier of digital 3D cinema systems, now offers smaller kid-sized 3D glasses designed to give children the best possible 3D experience in MasterImage 3D-equipped theaters.

The company’s new kid-sized 3D glasses began shipping worldwide this month, just in time for the wide slate of family-friendly 3D movies opening during the holiday season — from Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole to Tangled, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Nutcracker in 3D, Megamind, and Gulliver’s Travels.

Designed to sit securely on children’s smaller faces, the kid-sized MasterImage 3D glasses are fitted with the same advanced, circular polarized lenses as the company’s full-sized glasses. With this new offering, MasterImage 3D now provides theaters with three 3D glasses options: Single-use and reusable adult-sized glasses, and single-use kid-sized glasses.

“With so many 3D features aimed at families, the overall 3D theater experience has to be enjoyable for everyone,” said MasterImage 3D CEO and Chairman, Younghoon Lee. “MasterImage’s kid-sized glasses are light and right-sized, so they don’t slip off and pull kids — and parents — out of the story. Our goal is to help everyone enjoy the experience of 3D.”
MasterImage 3D has also expanded its headquarters with a move today into new offices at Raleigh Studios. Located in the heart of Hollywood, MasterImage 3D’s new residence in the long-standing independent studio doubles its footprint and gives the company in-house access to its premiere demonstration and customer training venue, the Charlie Chaplin theatre, which is equipped with the MasterImage digital 3D cinema system.

**AND**

MasterImage 3D’s new headquarters at 5300 Melrose Ave. is located in the Studio’s West Office Building. It houses executive, sales and marketing offices, an on-site depot and customer support space and dedicated R&D for the company’s auto-stereoscopic (glasses-free) 3D displays. Primary R&D and manufacturing continue to be based in Seoul, Korea and the company maintains regional sales offices in Pinewood Studios, UK; Tokyo, Japan; and Beijing, China.

MasterImage 3D CEO and Chairman Younghoon Lee said, “We needed a facility with the resources that could serve both our growing number of theaters in North America and our expanding employee base. Raleigh Studios offered us a flexible setup, and with our 3D digital cinema system installed on the premises we’re able to bring interested theater owners right in to see the technology. It’s important that we’re in a studio setting with a full theater experience so we can better work with our customers and content producers alike as we continue to evolve our technology.”

MasterImage 3D provides pioneering 3D solutions for theaters, mobile devices and gaming. With 2,500 cinema systems installed in 40 countries, MasterImage 3D is the fastest-growing digital 3D cinema system supplier, offering audiences the best, brightest 3D experience while providing exhibitors with a compelling ownership-based pricing model. The company’s auto-stereoscopic display technology enabled one of the world’s first glasses-free 3D mobile phones and its 3D camera ASIC empowers users to create and share 3D content. MasterImage 3D is gearing up to deploy its 3D display units with multiple mobile device manufacturers worldwide with product expected to hit the market in 2011. The company was founded in 2004, is privately held.

I love working with these guys! The child sized glasses were absolutely needed and I am so glad to hear that their offices are moving and growing to suit their needs, especially the Charlie Chaplin Theater. Onward and upward!

MasterImage 3D is a sponsor of MarketSaw.

MasterImage 3D's Chairman Younghoon Lee Receives South Korean Prime Minister's Award for Entrepreneurs

Cool news! I have met MasterImage 3D's Chairman Younghoon Lee and he is obviously a very intelligent and consummate professional. So I was not surprised when I learned that he has been awarded the South Korean Prime Minister's Award For Technology Innovation in 3D Imaging. The award was given out at the INNO-TECH show in Seoul.

For more details, check out the press release below:

Seoul, S. Korea and Burbank, CA - September 8, 2010 - MasterImage 3D, a 3D technology company that provides solutions for cinema, mobile devices and gaming, announced that its Chairman and CEO, Younghoon Lee, has been recognized with the Prime Minister's Award for his contribution to technology innovation in 3D imaging at the INNO-TECH Show held September 1 in Seoul, S. Korea.

Mr. Lee received the Prime Minister's Award for Entrepreneurs based on his contribution to technological development and in the 3D imaging industry. Having conducted R&D in the field of 3D imaging since 2001, Mr. Lee successfully developed an autostereoscopic cell-type LCD barrier that was commercialized in one of the first glasses-free 3D cell phones, the Hitachi Wooo HOO1, released in 2009; and a digital 3D cinema system that now has more than 2,500 installations in 40 countries. Lee and MasterImage 3D hold nine patents for 3D imaging technology.

The INNO-TECH Show 2010 is the largest annual technology fair of small and medium businesses in Korea. The event encourages technological innovation and promotes achievements by exhibiting outstanding technologies and recognizing companies and people that have made distinguished contributions to technological innovation.

"While I have received an award as an entrepreneur, the recognition belongs to all of the dedicated MasterImage 3D staff who worked tirelessly together over many years," said Mr. Lee. "I am very grateful to our talented engineers and support team. And this is just the beginning. MasterImage is gearing up to deploy the next generation of our autostereoscopic 3D LCD panel solution with multiple mobile device manufacturers worldwide."

About MasterImage 3D
MasterImage 3D LLC is a 3D technology company that provides pioneering solutions for theaters, mobile devices and gaming. With over 2,500 cinema systems installed in 40 countries, MasterImage 3D is the fastest-growing digital 3D cinema system supplier, offering audiences the best, brightest 3D experience while providing exhibitors with a compelling ownership-based pricing model. The company's auto-stereoscopic display technology enabled one of the first glasses-free 3D mobile phones and its 3D camera ASIC empowers users to create and share 3D content. Founded in 2004, the company is privately held and headquartered in Burbank, California with offices in the UK and Korea.

Congratulations Younghoon!

MasterImage 3D is a sponsor of MarketSaw