NAB Show 2013: Dolby, Philips And CPG Partner On Autostereoscopic 3D TV

My good friend David Cohen over at Variety broke this story involving the new partnership of Dolby Laboratories, Royal Philips Electronics and the Cameron Pace Group for the support of autostereoscopic (glasses-free) 3D TV. Very interesting development!!

"3D is not really going to be successful as a mainstream viewing medium for consumers until it’s as easy as sitting down and watching the content," said Giles Baker, SVP, Broadcast Business Group of Dolby. "In order to deliver that best experience, you really need to embed a deep understanding of how the content was created into the 3D content."

Says Vince Pace of the Cameron Pace Group:  "The model for 3D success is from companies that know what they’re doing, know the combination of quality and technology. So Dolby was perfect fit for CPG."

"People will see entertainment as they experience everyday life and CPG will take the business steps to make that happen. That was done in the theatrical world, when Jim (Cameron) committed to making a film in 3D when digital cameras, digital cinemas, were all in their infancy. If you look at the broadcast model, to describe it as in its infancy is correct. But we see that as an opportunity for us. That’s the kind of market we like to play in."

The article paraphrases what Steve Schklair of 3ality Technica told Variety: '3D live broadcasting had stalled in part because of the lack of a strong business model in the U.S.'.

I will update this story as it unfolds, but for now it's an exciting next step toward glasses free 3D and the future of the small screen.

Rumor Control: Glasses-Free 3D - Give Me Something That Works!

Yes, glasses-free (autostereoscopic) 3D technology is advancing. It's been advancing for a very long time, especially in the past 7 years and on hand-held devices. I've seen a plethora of these ideas come and go. "I've solved it! We have the technology to take away 3D glasses from watching stereoscopic movies!"

Right. Prove it. Don't show me in some darkened convention booth with my feet firmly planted in a small yellow circle painted on the floor. Prove it pragmatically - in a theater, with me sitting in all regions of place. I want to move my head around a bit for comfort, shift in my seat. And I want perfect, high resolution with support for up to at least 60 frames per second. Can't do it? Don't waste my time!

Much has been said and shared about the recent Wired article praising a new glasses-free 3D technology out of South Korea - I just shake my head in disgust. First of all the whole article is biased against 3D to begin with - here's its first sentence: "Watching 3-D movies generally means suffering through two things: crappy plotlines that favor spectacle over substance and the need to wear some annoying, dorky glasses."

Right. I've got news for you Adam Mann (author of the post), hating 3D is soooooo 2010. We're past it. Huge infrastructure investments have been made, movie goers support the format, most of the world's creative talent have embraced it and we are well past such ignorant journalism. You want something to hate that is actually in vogue? High frame rates. I am actually heavily in favor of HFR, but I can understand why others need to be heard right now to help shape its future - just as others voiced there opinion and helped shape 3D's future 6 years ago when I started MarketSaw. Back then, I helped educate and thoroughly evangelized 3D in all forums because most people needed it. Today, they're educated for the most part. Putting on 3D glasses for 2 hours is no more annoying than wearing sunglasses at the beach for 2 hours. It's old news. Very old.

If and when glasses-free technology exists THAT WORK, I will be first in line. But before then, there is NO story here. Ridiculous waste of time. The current polarized 3D glasses are just fine thank you.

Click to enlarge

And about the whole supposed point of the Wired post - a NEW method that could allow glasses-free 3D in theaters - complete hogwash. That's lenticular technology (the vertical lines are clearly seen in this photo from their post) and it's been around for a VERY long time. It still has the same issues, the same frustrations. There is nothing new about it. Oh it's projected? WOW! That's novel! Not.

And other movie sites pick up the story! Spreading this misleading story. Why? It's Wired. A fairly good name in breaking tech stories. Heck MarketSaw has even been featured in it. Seeing how they've handled this fiasco though, brings me a great deal of pause. Wired ain't what it used to be it seems.

Here's my final word: Lenticular 3D has been around a very long time. It works - modestly in small scale situations, like movie posters. If you move your head around a bit, it doesn't work. It's horrible with resolutions. Artifacts exist in motion. Dead zones exist depending on your position relative to the screen. Now you're saying that you want to PROJECT this mess on to a HUGE screen and call it progress? Please.

Come back when you have something that actually works well and has the potential to work well.

Glasses-free 3D On A 4.3” Smartphone!!

MasterImage 3D and Chimei Innolux Corporation (CMI) have partnered to showcase a demonstration of glasses-free 3D on a 4.3” smartphone.

This is the first demonstration of 720p resolution for glasses-free 3D using MasterImage 3D’s Cell-Matrix Parallax Barrier technology.

The demonstration features CMI’s TFT panel and MasterImage 3D’s LCD and 3D Cell-Matrix Parallax Barrier technology. The demo also showcases unique 3D content developed by MasterImage 3D Media.

Cell-Matrix Parallax Barrier Technology is MasterImage 3D's proprietary solution that is invented,patented and mass-produced as the leading technology in glasses-free 3D display. The technology provides brighter images, reduced moiré effects (or rippled appearance) and the ability to work in any orientation – portrait or landscape.

For a demonstration visit CMI booth # 3602 at FPD! International in Yokohama – the Exhibition and Convention on Flat Panel Displays.

About Chimei Innolux Corp.
CMI is one of the leading worldwide manufacturers of TFT-LCD display products, including TFT-LCD panels, and total solutions for LCD TV and monitor systems. Its one-stop shopping business model vertically integrates TFT-LCD panel manufacturing expertise with systems assembly capabilities. More information about CMI is available at www.chimei-innolux.com.

About MasterImage 3D, Inc
MasterImage 3D, Inc provides pioneering 3D solutions for theaters and mobile devices. With digital 3D cinema systems installed in over 70 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 firstglasses-free 3D phones and is in development for devices in 2012. Founded in 2004, the company is privately held and headquartered in Hollywood, with offices in the UK, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. (http://masterimage3d.com)

Stay tuned for more info as the autostereoscopic market develops! Glasses-free is beginning to take off!! I have actually seen this technology first hand and let me tell you it is simply amazing. Screen sizes are growing larger and larger!

MasterImage 3D is a sponsor of MarketSaw

MasterImage 3D And Rightware Forming New Ecosystem for Autostereoscopic 3D Display Tech

More autostereoscopic (glasses-free) 3D news from MasterImage 3D!

MasterImage 3D’s Cell-Matrix Parallax Barrier display provides Rightware the ultimate environment to showcase their ground-breaking Kanzi UI Solution for Autostereoscopic 3D

Computex, Taipei, Taiwan – June 2, 2011 – Rightware Oy, the leader in 3D user-interface (UI) technology, and MasterImage 3D, Inc. the leader in autostereoscopic 3D (AS3D) display announce a strategic partnership to offer the best out-of-the-box AS3D solution for immediate deployment. The combination provides device manufacturers a fast lane for creation of the most intuitive autostereoscopic 3D design for mobile, consumer and automotive devices. A demonstration is available at MasterImage 3D’s booth at Computex 2011 (Hall 3, G0766).

Both companies have leadership positions shaping cutting-edge glasses-free 3D experiences and providing ready-for-business solutions for their customers. In this alliance, MasterImage 3D’s patented Cell-Matrix Parallax Barrier uses a “cell gap” approach enabling the brightest, sharpest glasses-free 3D experience with the widest viewing angle. This barrier was recently announced in their latest 3D CELL reference tablet based on Texas Instrument’s OMAP™ 4 platform technology. Rightware focuses on the software aspects and has released the world’s first commercial AS3D user-interface software solution for embedded devices, using their celebrated Kanzi UI Solution.

"This partnership means device manufacturers can have access to the latest autostereoscopic 3D software and hardware from one partnership. We’ve been working closely with MasterImage 3D and we’re extremely excited about the quality of their cell-parallax implementation,” said Tero Sarkkinen, CEO of Rightware. “Device manufacturers are aggressively including AS3D in their new offerings, seeking ways to provide real consumer value and differentiate through enhanced 3D design.”

For device manufacturers, this partnership means faster time to market with the most compelling hardware and 3D user interface solution. This consumer-friendly 3D navigation can intuitively showcase the variety of 3D applications that will spark the growth of a next-generation mobile 3D ecosystem—from 3D movies, games, apps, video and user-generated content.

“One of the most thrilling contributions to the 3D content ecosystem is dynamic and interactive visual navigation,” said Roy Taylor, Executive Vice President and General Manager at MasterImage 3D. “Rightware is an inspired pioneer in introducing new consumer experiences and their Kanzi 3D UI running on barrier really showcases the beginning of an incredible industry."

The Rightware and Masterimage 3D joint solution is currently demonstrated at Masterimage 3D’s booth at Computex 2011 in Taipei, Taiwan.

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 over 60 countries, Masterimage 3D is a fast-growing digital 3D 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. More information: http://www.masterimage3D.com.

About Rightware
Rightware® is the market leader in 3D User Interface technology, serving mobile, automotive and other embedded industries with its Kanzi® solution for rapid 3D user interface design and deployment. Rightware has introduced the world’s first stereoscopic 3D (S3D) user interface solution. Rightware also develops industry leading system performance analysis tools. Rightware’s renowned product portfolio includes the Basemark® product family for various benchmarking purposes, plus 3DMark® Mobile for OpenGL ES 1.x and OpenGL ES 2.0, VGMark® for OpenVG 1.x, and SPMark® platform benchmark for Android, MeeGo, Symbian, Windows Mobile, Linux and mobile Java. Rightware is headquartered in Espoo, Finland and has offices in Shanghai, Beijing, and Palo Alto. More information: www.rightware.com.

MasterImage 3D is a sponsor of MarketSaw

MasterImage 3D Announces New Glasses Free 3D CELL Reference Tablet Using OMAP 4 From TI

Very cool news for autostereoscopic (glasses free) 3D fans! My friends at MasterImage 3D are rapidly advancing in this arena and have yet another announcement in the field. I have personally seen their new Cell-Matrix tech (at Cinemacon 2011) and it looks AMAZING.

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

MasterImage 3D’s Cell-Matrix Parallax Barrier display provides developers a powerful environment to create their next-generation Autostereoscopic 3D content

Taipei, Taiwan (May 30, 2011) – MasterImage 3D today announced the availability of its new CELL reference tablet, giving developers and designers access to MasterImage 3D’s patented Cell-Matrix Parallax Barrier technology. The CELL tablet is based on PandaBoard—the OMAP4430 applications processor-based mobile software development platform. MasterImage 3D leverages the OMAP™ 4 platform technology from Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) to add cutting-edge features to its popular Autostereoscopic “glasses free” 3D display. A demonstration of the new CELL reference tablet will be hosted by MasterImage 3D at their booth at Computex Taipei 2011, Hall 3 booths G766/G768.

"The depth and breadth of TI’s expertise will enable MasterImage 3D to deliver the industry's most innovative AS3D solutions," said Roy Taylor Executive Vice President and General Manager of MasterImage 3D Display. "By integrating the OMAP 4 platform-based PandaBoard into our next-generation systems, we can provide high performance development platforms for the most demanding developers."

Consumer electronics leaders are aggressively including AS3D in new devices to enhance user-experience, allowing them to view user-generated images and video, 3D movies, games, apps and eye-popping user-interface design. MasterImage 3D is the fastest growing stereo 3D company in the world with a successful 3D cinema business including over 3,000 3D digital cinema system installations in over 60 countries. Its display business is about to power dozens of new smartphone, tablet, car and aircraft display design wins.

The MasterImage 3D mobile display is based its patented cell-matrix parallax barrier, which uses a ‘cell gap’ approach to let users switch easily between landscape and portrait modes and between 3D and 2D functions. As more polarized light passes through, images are brighter and ‘ghosting’ is reduced so it allows for the sharpest quality across all content categories (video, games, apps, user-interface, photos). The MasterImage 3D technology works with any kind of display, from TFT to OLED, PDP and more, and the company’s patented manufacturing process for its 3D displays delivers an extremely high production yield while keeping costs low.

"TI is pleased to work with MasterImage 3D, whose visionary commitment to the user-experience has inspired new uses for glasses-free stereo 3D technology," said Fred Cohen, director, OMAP wireless ecosystem, TI. "With the broadest portfolio of maximum performance SOC solutions, we can provide all the pieces and advanced features required for exciting new AS3D consumer products."

MasterImage 3D’s CELL reference tablet is currently available in 4.3” and 7.0” with 10.1” coming this summer. Contact the company directly on how to gain more information. Visit MasterImage 3D’s booth to see glasses-free mobile 3D of some of the latest summer’s big 3D blockbusters, AAA 3D games, video from 3D studio, Digital Revolution Studios and 3D UI from Rigthware.

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 over 60 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://masterimage3D.com

MasterImage 3D is a sponsor of MarketSaw

3D Geek Alert: Check Out Glasses-Free 3D On The iPad!

Thought this was very cool (thanks for the heads up Tim). The Laboratory of Informatics of Grenoble's Jeremie Francone and Laurence Nigay have created this demo showing how they can track a user's head with the iPad's built in camera. Then by crunching some 3D graphics numbers they can present a glasses free 3D view!



Here's what they had to say about it:

We track the head of the user with the front facing camera in order to create a glasses-free monocular 3D display. Such spatially-aware mobile display enables to improve the possibilities of interaction. It does not use the accelerometers and relies only on the front camera.

Francone and Nigay have apparently followed in the footsteps of Johnny Lee who built something similar using a Wii system. The iPad app doesn't appear to be available for download yet.

If you will remember, Apple is also looking to potentially utilize 3D in their operating systems and has actively pursued head tracking before.

I want one!

Source: MacStories

CES 2011: MasterImage 3D Showcases Glasses-Free 3D Mobile Displays

--Company's patented cell-matrix barrier technology delivers bright images, switchable landscape/portrait modes, and high-yield, low-cost production

--Crytek's "Crysis® 2" 3D game trailer and Gucci 3D commercial featured in demonstrations--

Here's the press release (emphasis is mine):
Hollywood, CA (January 5, 2011) - Ramping up its efforts to drive consumer adoption of 3D on mobile devices, 3D technology company MasterImage 3D, LLC is showcasing its glasses-free 3D displays for smart phones and tablets in Las Vegas this week at the Consumer Electronics Show.

Analysts predict that by 2014 the number of 3D-enabled mobile devices will surpass 60 million units.* MasterImage 3D is a key force in driving the ecosystem that is enabling 3D as a universal experience on all platforms. Today the company provides digital 3D systems for theaters, auto-stereoscopic 3D display technology for mobile devices and a 3D camera ASIC for mobile photo and video.

At its CES exhibit booth, #26011 & 26012 in the 3D@Home Tech Zone, the company is introducing its MasterImage Stereo Kit (MISK) to content developers, a hardware/software system with a 4" auto-stereoscopic 3D display that runs on the Android OS which can be used to create 3D games, movie playback, short-form content and custom UI's for smart phones and tablets.

Demonstrations of these devices feature the trailer and gameplay footage from Crytek's upcoming "Crysis 2", the highly anticipated first person shooter that will be available in stereoscopic 3D. The 3D content reel also includes 3D movie trailers, a 3D commercial and 3D gaming content secured in partnership with the S-3D Gaming Alliance. MasterImage 3D is also demonstrating for OEM partners its patented cell-matrix parallax barrier display, which was incorporated into one of the first mass-produced 3D smart phones; the Hitachi Wooo (pictured).

Roy Taylor, MasterImage 3D EVP and GM of 3D Display, said "As the leader in glasses-free 3D we are pleased and excited to be able to show "Crysis 2" in stereo at CES this year. Crytek's award- winning CryENGINE proves its adaptability by running flawlessly on mobile platforms and in gorgeous stereo 3D with MasterImage 3D's cell-matrix technology."

The MasterImage 3D mobile display is based on parallax barrier technology, the preferred approach for glasses-free 3D. MasterImage's patented cell-matrix parallax barrier uses a 'cell gap' approach that lets users switch easily between landscape and portrait modes and between 3D and 2D functions. As more polarized light passes through the display with this method, displays are brighter and 'ghosting' is reduced. The MasterImage 3D technology works with any kind of display, from TFT to OLED, PDP and more, and the company's patented manufacturing process for its 3D displays delivers an extremely high production yield while keeping costs low.

"We are excited about the near term future for stereo 3D without glasses for mobile," Taylor said. "It's anticipated that four key applications will drive 3D technology for mobile devices: user-generated 3D content from stereo cameras on smart phones and tablets; streaming and downloading 3D movies, TV shows and ads; interactive 3D gaming and new 3D applications and the mobile web. Some 3D devices will also support the direct conversion of 2D content to 3D."

*In-Stat. "3D in Mobile Devices: 3D Adoption will be Highest in Smartphone, Handheld Gaming and Tablet PC Markets," November 2009.

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 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.

For more information, visit MasterImage3D.com.

Crytek and CryENGINE are registered trademarks or trademarks of Crytek GmbH in the USA, Germany and/or other countries. All Rights reserved.

The glasses free "cell matrix barrier" approach sounds like a winner to me. Today's portable devices depend on users being able to use both portrait and landscape freely - a must have! More info when I get it! Stay tuned for more CES 2011 reports...

MasterImage is a sponsor of MarketSaw.

Toshiba Unveils Glasses-Free TVs In Japan!!

Well now isn't this something? I cannot comment on how WELL the 3D is accomplished, but for what it is worth, Toshiba today showed the world its new REGZA GL1 series of autostereoscopic TVs (glasses-free) at Japan's CEATEC 2010 which is the country's largest electronics show.

The first specifications of the series are definitely on the smaller side hinting that the technology for the trailblazing initiative is new and complex. The series introduces the 20GL1 (1280 x 720p image resolution but with an amazing 829 million pixels which is 4 times the amount used for a 1920 x 1080p display) which is 20 inches in diagonal and the 12GL1 (466x350 resolution) which of course is 12 inches. "It can combine and display nine parallax images carrying information from nine images created in real time from a single frame".

How do they achieve glasses-free 3D? Lenticular lens', which again does not surprise me. From all the lenticular lens setups I have seen thus far (have not seen the Toshibas though) the 3D is definitely inferior, so I am of course rabidly curious as to whether this new tech holds water or not as being a true alternative for consumers. Clearly the screen size is not up to today's expectations in the home. Time and R&D may solve that.

Regarding the processing power behind the screen, both sets use the Cell CPU (yes, the same one as Sony employs in the PlayStation 3).

Prices? Not cheap. The 20GL1 is $2,885 and the 12GL1 is $1,443 (converted from Yen). They will be available in Japan only starting in December.

As pricey and small as they are, I would still love to get my hands on one to review! Toshiba - you reading this? :-)

More info when I get it...

Sources: reghardware | engadget

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!