SPECIAL AWESOME - stereoscopic resource

We at SPECIAL AWESOME are keeping this blog up to date with all the exciting news coming in the world of 3D with special attention to small screens, mobile, consumer devices, and of course - AUTOSTEREOSCOPIC (glasses free). Please dig deep, so much is happening that articles of monumental importance quickly fall down the list into obscurity. Interested in Apple 3D? The latest on touch-screen 3D hand-held devices? Intel 3D? Nokia 3D? ESPN? It's all here and more.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Autostereoscopic Digital Signage


We believe that the explosion of 3D technology in virtually every venue you can imagine is not only imminent but inevitable. Take a look at what is percolating under the surface of this gigantic worldwide industry...

http://www.digitalsignageexpo.net/DigitalSignageExpo/PreConferenceEvents/3DWorkshops.aspx

Friday, October 8, 2010

Not just sports and movies any more...




Nice to see the things we've been predicting coming to fruition. It has seemed obvious to us for a few years, that anything which involves people performing is very appropriate for 3D. All you have to do is see the NFL in 3D on a big screen to verify this.

In the future we will see all sorts of remote viewing of all sorts of amazing things, live in 3D. Imagine seeing something far away which you couldn't otherwise attend in person, produced like a live sporting event with multiple cameras and dynamic directing. Cirque Du Soliel? Royal Shakespeare? Opera from Milan?


http://www.diefantastischenvier.de/
http://gigaom.com/video/35000-watch-worlds-first-live-3-d-concert/

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Report: 50 Million 3DTV Shipments by 2015


By : Erik Gruenwedel | Posted: 06 Oct 2010
egruenwedel@questex.com


The worldwide 3DTV market is projected to surge by 2013 resulting in unit shipments approaching 50 million by 2015, according to a new report.

ABI Research in Scottsdale, Ariz., said ongoing popularity of 3D movies in the theaters coupled with increased 3D Blu-ray title selections and consumers in the market for a new TV will drive growth. The 3D format is seen as the next step in packaged media and a driver for the continued rollout of Blu-ray technology, including as a conduit for Web-based content.

“The 3D TV market is moving faster than expected,” said ABI analyst Michael Inouye. “There was widespread skepticism that production models would be available so quickly. But by June this year, many TV manufacturers had 3D models in their lineups. Most 3D TVs will be Internet-connected.”

The report cautions that 3D programming ultimately will be selective as the theatrical 3D experience doesn’t always translate well to the smaller screen. Specifically, Inouye said, some sports programming featuring wide fields and big stadiums don’t lend themselves to 3D. The analyst said video games in 3D make “a lot of sense,” considering the huge installed base of game consoles and that both the Xbox 360 and the PS3 are capable of supporting 3D content – the latter also supporting 3D Blu-ray.

Other challenges include that premium prices are attached to 3DTVs, Blu-ray player compatibility and that active infrared glasses required for most 3D technology can vary by TV manufacturer.

“Everything looks good in HD, but not everything looks better in 3D,” said analyst Jason Blackwell said. “Content producers should be selective about what titles they assign to 3D production release.”

http://www.homemediamagazine.com/3-d/report-50-million-3dtv-shipments-2015-20787

Monday, October 4, 2010

Jeffrey Katzenberg Calls 3D the "Opportunity of a Lifetime"

This is long and very worth it - one of the visionary leaders of the industry sheds a lot of light on many aspects of our business:

New 3D Android Phone Won't Require Glasses

re-posted from:

http://pocketnow.com/android/new-3d-android-phone-wont-require-glasses

After Sharp had announced that the company would be bringing a 3D phone to the market without the need for active shutter or passive 3D glasses, a trio of companies have partnered to show off a 3D Android prototype at the GTC 2010 conference. NVIDIA, rumored to provide the concept phone with a Tegra processor, has teamed up with Scaleform and Master Image, to show off a concept that could make it to launch in the latter half of 2011. According to Android and Me, which was present at GTC, it was the "best glasses-free 3D" experience and that the video, re-posted below, doesn't do the technology any justice. With 3D on a phone without the need for glasses, a whole new dimension of Android games could come to Android Market.



(via: PhoneArena and Android and Me)

Friday, October 1, 2010

Panasonic don't slow down or disappoint


Below is the release from this yeras NAB - and today they announced this camera is available and shipping!


take a look:


LAS VEGAS, NV (April 11, 2010) – Panasonic Solutions Company showcased its new AG-3DA1, the world’s first* professional quality, fully-integrated Full HD 3D camcorder offering SD media card recording. Panasonic is offering video professionals the opportunity to reserve their AG-3DA1 camcorder (list price: $21,000) by placing a non-refundable $1,000 deposit with Panasonic. Details of the program and sales contact information are now available by calling (201) 348-5300 or e-mailing pbtsinfo@us.panasonic.com.**

Panasonic booth (#C3712) visitors will be able to view 3D video content shot with the 3DA1 during show hours. Also on display will be Panasonic’s recently announced BT-3DL2550, a 25” professional-quality 3D LCD monitor for field use, and the AG-HMX100, a professional HD digital AV mixer for live 3D event production.

At less than 6.6 pounds, the AG-3DA1 is equipped with dual lenses and two 1/4.1-inch full 1920 x 1080 2.07-megapixel 3-MOS imagers to record 1080/60i, 50i, 30p, 25p and 24p (native) and 720/60p and 50p in AVCHD. It can record for up to 180 minutes on dual 32GB SD cards in Panasonic’s professional AVCHD PH mode, and offers professional interfaces including dual HD-SDI out, HDMI (version 1.4), two XLR connectors, built-in stereo microphone and twin-lens camera remotes. It is also equipped with remote terminal for focus iris, zoom, REC start/stop and convergence point. Its 3.2-inch LCD screen provides the option to switch from Left, Right or overlay image display.