3D Gaming*

[patsu]

3D TV Not Growing as Fast as TV Makers Expected in 2010, but Will Become Mainstream by 2014, with 90 Million+ Shipments:
http://www.displaysearch.com/cps/rd...ing_as_fast_as_tv_makers_expected_in_2010.asp

3D TV is now readily available in retail, but the uptake among consumers has been limited by high prices and lack of content. However, with falling prices, increased content availability, and improvements in technology all expected, there will be tremendous growth in 3D TV shipments over the next few years. DisplaySearch forecasts that 3.2 million 3D TVs will be shipped in 2010, with growth to over 90 million in 2014. Based on this forecast, 3D will grow from 2% of all flat panel TVs shipped in 2010, to 41% in 2014.

...

The Quarterly TV Design and Features Report results also found that sales of 3D glasses in Western Europe remain low, with most countries failing to achieve 1:1 sales of glasses to sets.
“This is particularly disappointing,” noted Gray, “A healthy level would be closer to two pairs of 3D glasses per TV, so it’s clear that these sets at best are being chosen for future-proofing, and at worst it’s an indication that consumers cannot buy a premium set without 3D.”
Nevertheless, 3D is a feature that set makers are determined to develop. 3D product choice is expanding fast with increased product launch plans and more set makers adding 3D. Rapidly expanding product offerings and 3D TV set prices have led DisplaySearch to increase its forecast for 3D in later years, with an anticipated 90 million sets being shipped in 2014.

 

[patsu]

http://www.twice.com/article/458741-ISee3D_Unveils_Single_Lens_3D_Solution.php

Toronto - ISee3D, the developer of new optical switching technology enabling single-lens 3D capture devices, said Wednesday that its system is now available to consumer electronics manufacturers to implement in next-generation 3D cameras and camcorders.

The technology is said to bring significant advantages to 3D capture over dual-lens approaches by eliminating many of the problems inherent in current 3D shooting standards.

"For the consumer market, it presents the first viable option to put natural, high-quality 3D into existing devices with a camera," the company said. "Cellphones, digital cameras and camcorders can all utilize the ISee3D optical process to allow users to shoot and produce 3D with the ease and speed that they currently associate with 2D," the company said.

The system is said to skirt two-lens technology problems, including cumbersome equipment, and high-cost and complicated calibration and post-production work.

... [more details]...

 

[patsu]

About 3D glasses…

Active Shutter

Samsung adds prescription lens option to its active shutter 3D glasses:
http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/20/...tion-lens-option-to-its-active-shutter-3d-gl/

Samsung is the first major manufacturer with a solution now that it's unveiled a prescription version in Korea. The SSG-R2200 models appear to be very similar to the company's other active shutter 3D glasses in various shapes and sizes, but they're made to order from an optometrist. We know this is something several companies have been working on and expect to see these available in the US eventually as well, but we'll have to see a pricetag of some type before we decide if rocking the dual specs or just sticking with 2D is the best option.

Passive

Oakley Releases Special TRON 3D Glasses:
http://www.crunchgear.com/2010/10/20/oakley-releases-special-tron-3d-glasses/

“TRON” Limited Edition 3D Gascan features HDO-3D™, a collection of proprietary lens innovations that have achieved the first optically correct 3D eyewear on Earth.* Oakley 3D lenses virtually eliminate the ghosting or “crosstalk” between images that reach each eye from one moment to the next, a potential problem with inferior 3D eyewear.

A second key difference between Oakley 3D eyewear and conventional designs is the lens curvature. Greater curvature around the eyes provides a wider field of view, but without highly precise optics, even a mild curve can cause visual distortion. Oakley technology maintains optical clarity so the wearer can enjoy a wide field of sharp vision. The curvature of Oakley 3D lenses has the added benefit of minimizing distractive glare.

…

“TRON” Limited Edition 3D Gascan will be available in November for U.S. $150 through select Sunglass Hut, Oakley Stores and www.Oakley.com.

Still a long way to go for mass adoption...

 

[patsu]

Sony Files Naked Eye 3D LCD Patent:
http://www.conceivablytech.com/3686/products/sony-files-for-naked-eye-3d-lcd-patent/

The key claims of the patent include (from the patent filing):

- a display panel configured to display an image in a first arrangement state and a second arrangement state which are switchable with each other, the second arrangement state being defined as a state where an arrangement direction of the display panel is rotated by 90.degree., in a plane parallel to a display surface of the display panel, from an arrangement direction of the display panel in the first arrangement;

- a lens array device arranged to face a display surface of the display panel and including a plurality of cylindrical lenses configured to be arranged in parallel along a direction according to the arrangement state of the display panel, wherein when the display panel is in the first arrangement state, the plurality of cylindrical lenses are arranged in parallel along a horizontal direction so that axe of the cylindrical lenses are inclined from a vertical direction in the plane parallel to the display surface, and when the display panel is in the second arrangement state, the plurality of cylindrical lenses are arranged in parallel along the horizontal direction so that the axes of the cylindrical lenses are directed to a vertical direction in the plane parallel to the display surface

- and the display panel has a pixel configuration that a plurality of sub-pixels are two-dimensionally arranged, each of the plurality of sub-pixels corresponding to each of a plurality of colors necessary for color display, and a position of each of sub-pixels which are used, as a combination, to configure a unit pixel for color display are changed between in the first arrangement state and in the second arrangement state.

The patent is one of the most detailed filings of 3D technology we have come across and clearly attempts to cover all bases of a lenticular lens for a stereoscopic 3D display.

...

 

[MfA]

Is just plain old lenticular with all the usual downsides.

 

[patsu]

http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2010/10/23/3ds_motion_controls_and_3d/

Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto has commented on the issue in the latest issue of Nintendo Dream. As reported at Game Memo, Miyamoto told the monthly magazine that it would be difficult to combine 3D output with tilt-based controls in a race game, as tilting the system makes the 3D effect disappear.

The Game Memo writer notes that this probably isn't a problem with the 3DS hardware itself. That is, the system is capable of outputting 3D while detecting motion through its gyro sensors. However, the two technologies may not be compatible for something that requires precise controls, like a race game.

 

[Xenus]

Isn't that kinda a problem with the technology of the 3DS though? It's a problem of the display only allowing 3d viewing from a fixed position that is adjustable but not on the fly as yo track where your head is.

 

[patsu]

The people who saw it in TGS seem impressed. May have to try one for ourselves to appreciate.

 

[patsu]

http://www.homemediamagazine.com/3-d/npd-3dtv-exceeds-theatrical-experience-20960

Consumers watching 3DTV demos in stores found the enhanced high-definition format more visually impressive than in the theater, according to a new report.

The NPD Group, in a survey, found that 20% of consumers reported being “amazed” by the 3D demos in stores, versus only 15% who felt that way about their experience in the theater.

3DTV, along with connected TVs, is expected to get a strong push by consumer electronics retailers this holiday season.

The survey determined that 26% of consumers had experienced 3D entertainment in theaters in the past 12 months followed by retail outlets at 4%.

Those interested in 3DTV are being driven by the cinematic experience, with the vast majority of consumers stating that they intended to purchase a 3DTV when purchasing a larger screen, and that they would buy multiple pairs of 3D glasses. However, consumers remain reluctant to purchase a 3DTV, citing cost, a dearth of 3D content and early stages of the upgraded technology.

The report found that 42% of consumers surveyed were somewhat interested in watching 3D movies at home, but only 11% intend to purchase a 3DTV. More than 50% of those intending to purchase a 3DTV agreed that 3D enhanced the viewing experience, and 42% said 3D represented the future.

 

[patsu]

http://www.tvbeurope.com/main-conte...e;jsessionid=AF49858A5F31D6544C68BC352FDDD414

ESPN’s 3D channel is half way through a one year trial with which to prove a business case or it may be pulled from the air, writes Adrian Pennington. The network, which launched in June carrying 25 FIFA World Cup matches and plans to produce 94 live events in its first year, will have its future reviewed in early 2011.

“We committed to a full year of trial of ESPN 3D and we’re preparing for a second year, but whether this is something we repeat or continue or cut is something that at this point we have very little indication on one way or another,” ESPN Senior Director of Technology, Jonathan Pannaman (pictured), told the Sports Broadcast Europe conference.

“We’re still not sure what makes sense for 3DTV and we don’t yet see a proven ROI,” Pannaman said. “At the same time the buzz is huge and we are hopeful of a huge push by the consumer electronics association ahead of Christmas to market 3DTV sets and services, and we’re seeing more stereo 3D movies and 3D Blu-ray discs come to market.

“Regardless of whether we continue as an event-based network or go to a 24/7 network switch to VoD, we definately have to make production efficiencies to make it work. We’ve also got to get more eyeballs looking at 3D to get some idea of acceptance in the marketplace.”

…


“That’s a tall order,” said Pannanman. “The current approach is based on the film model but it’s our focus to reduce and change that. We have to bring in more automated rig correction, even to the point where there is a single workstation which can manage many tasks. Currently we are fielding a convergence operator for each camera position. That economy can’t be allowed to continue.”

…

 

[patsu]

Sharp Galapagos 003SH and 005SH bring glasses-free 3D to Japanese Android lovers:
http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/04/sharp-galapagos-003sh-and-005sh-bring-glasses-free-3d-to-japanes/

Sharp has just trotted out a pair of glasses-free 3D Android handsets for Japan's Softbank network in the form of the touchscreen slate 003SH and QWERTY-slidin' 005SH. A 1GHz Snapdragon powers Froyo on both, with the 3D-capable displays stretching to 3.8 inches and 800 x 480 resolution. The 003SH also comes with a 9.6 megapixel camera, while the 005SH settles for 8 megapixels, although both are capable of 720p video. There are also bundled 3D content deals in place, such as the one with Capcom that will see Mega Man, Resident Evil and Ghosts 'n Goblins titles coming preloaded on the handsets.

 

[Billy Idol]

bought super stardust hd today to test out my 3d tv (pannasonic, plasma VT series)

and boy, i have to say that i am mighty impressed: with the 3D in the game and the 3D performance of the TV. When your own ship explodes is a phantastic effect right in your face! I also used the boost to check out fast movements: no ghosting apparent for me -> nice! game itself is super crisp with nice stuff going on - problem, I don'T like this game so much...bought it just to check out 3D.

 

[patsu]

You'll have GT5 3D to toy with soon. :-/


I am rather happy cellphones have started to use auto-stereoscopic 3D display so soon. Hopefully their implementations don't disappoint.

 

[Arwin]

bought super stardust hd today to test out my 3d tv (pannasonic, plasma VT series)

and boy, i have to say that i am mighty impressed: with the 3D in the game and the 3D performance of the TV. When your own ship explodes is a phantastic effect right in your face! I also used the boost to check out fast movements: no ghosting apparent for me -> nice! game itself is super crisp with nice stuff going on - problem, I don'T like this game so much...bought it just to check out 3D.

I thought the Endless mode was pretty cool - does this have it by default, or do you have to get the solo expansion pack to get it? If so, do it - it's worth it. Endless mode is one of the most visually amazing experiences I've had on the PS3 and I can only imagine what it must be like in 3D.

 

[Billy Idol]

I thought the Endless mode was pretty cool - does this have it by default, or do you have to get the solo expansion pack to get it? If so, do it - it's worth it. Endless mode is one of the most visually amazing experiences I've had on the PS3 and I can only imagine what it must be like in 3D.

thanks for the tipp!
I bought the complete bundle with everything included...so I hope that endless is included as well

 

[Billy Idol]

You'll have GT5 3D to toy with soon. :-/


I am rather happy cellphones have started to use auto-stereoscopic 3D display so soon. Hopefully their implementations don't disappoint.

GT5 supports 3D? Does it have a "real" 3D implementation...in the sense of 2 images computed seperately?

 

[Billy Idol]

I am really curious to learn if there is any ghosting in 3D whith fast movements on my TV.
My feeling is, that in theatres this is the most annoying part of the experience: fast moving action scenes ghost/blur strongly.
I thought about my test with SSD HD, where I used the boost to trigger a fast movement. but the afterburner effect could very well hide some of the ghosting, if present. in racing games, you typically don't have that fast movements of objects either.

so I wonder if there is an available 3D game where one can test fast movement ghosting?

 

[tritosine5G]

Ghosting isn't a motion artifact. *

Its "crosstalk". Obviously a head mounted display has no ghosting, for example. Also DLP has no ghosting either, bcuz of ze insanely fast pixel switch rate.

LCD and Plasma technology: it's imperfections detailed. Test pattern included

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1283907

* 60hz LCD might show motion artifacts , gross motion resolution.

 

[Billy Idol]

Ghosting isn't a motion artifact. *

Its "crosstalk". Obviously a head mounted display has no ghosting, for example. Also DLP has no ghosting either, bcuz of ze insanely fast pixel switch rate.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1283907

* 60hz LCD might show motion artifacts , gross motion resolution.

ok, so I mean crosstalk - thanks for the info.
Just to clarify if we are talking about the same stuff:
The last time I checked a Sony LCD 3D TV, it was really apparent on fast moving scenes: if you are in store and check out a 3D TV, ask if they have some kind of soccer game for instance to watch, then the soccer ball is "ghosting"(? or crosstalking) around, like a small comet with a nice trail...

 

[MfA]

My feeling is, that in theatres this is the most annoying part of the experience: fast moving action scenes ghost/blur strongly.

The level of crosstalk depends on projection technology. dual projector setups or digital projectors with filter wheel really shouldn't ghost. Projectors using Z-screen a lot more.

Judder blurring is always a problem in theaters of course, but that's because of that great cinematic 24 Hz (when your eye is moving and the 24 Hz frames are tripple flashed on your retina you see 3 overlapped images, which is why pans look so god awful on film). Not a 3D problem.