3-D TV is Coming!
Watch out, Ralph!
By Dawn Gordon Luks and Ron Luks
In 1955, in a classic episode of "The Honeymooners," wife Alice is demanding they buy a new television. Cheapskate husband, Ralph, famously declares, "You know when we're gonna get a new television, Alice? -- When they have 3-D TV, THEN we'll get a new television!" Well Ralph, it may be time to pony up.
After previous attempts at 3-D in the 50's and 70's bombed with their cheesy red and blue paper glasses, the entertainment industry is hoping this 3rd time is the charm--thanks to new and much improved technology. The public has embraced a series of 3-D movies in select theaters and IMAX showplaces. The NFL has already experimented with a 3-D broadcast in late 2008 and the NBA is scheduled to stick its toe in the water in 2009. Video and computer gamers are also clamoring for this hot technology.
The entertainment industry has long used television as an outlet to bring in revenue beyond the box office and with 3-D production costs ranging from 10-25% higher than regular filming, having 3-D television systems in the home can help recover these additional production costs. The following hardware companies are currently working on 3-D systems:
Dolby
While it might seem odd that a company devoted to sound reproduction would enter the 3-D race, Dolby claims it’s system will work with any 3-D TV. The company is in talks with content providers about encoding its digital 3-D technology into Blu-ray movies and video games. Most 3-D technologies require the use of glasses, from simple polarized lens models to more expensive pairs with hyper fast shutters. Dolby’s system is designed to support whichever glasses the TV manufacturer uses.
Panasonic
Panasonic’s 3-D Full HD Plasma Home Theater System enables the viewing of true-to-life 3-D FHD images by using a Panasonic 103-inch Plasma HDTV and a special Panasonic Blu-ray Disc player, capable of distributing full High Definition images to the left eye and right eye. According to the company plasma is currently the only TV technology capable of delivering a 3-D Full HD experience due to its ability to refresh at a speed that enables multiple image display without loss of resolution. Panasonic’s system delivers full 1080p resolution using a special pair of active shutter glasses that work in synchronization with the Plasma TV. Hopefully, the technology can eventually be used with a smaller plasma model that’s a lot more affordable.
Samsung & NVIDIA
The Samsung 2233RZ, which is compatible with NVIDIA’s new GeForce 3-D Vision graphics card, will be available for purchase in April 2009 and carries an MSRP of $349. The 2233RZ, in conjunction with NVIDIA’s advanced software, automatically converts over 350 games to stereoscopic 3-D without the need for special game patches. High-tech active shutter glasses, designed with top-of-the-line optics, deliver double the resolution per eye and ultra-wide viewing angles than passive glasses. In addition, the new pure 120Hz LCD monitors unlock crystal-clear, flicker-free stereoscopic 3-D gaming that provides 60Hz per eye. The 3-D glasses are designed so that users can simultaneously wear prescription glasses comfortably. The 3-D glasses are powered over a standard USB cable and can last an entire week without a recharge, which helps to minimize battery replacement. The only hitch with this system is that you need to be connected to a PC to use it.
Mitsubishi
The company’s new line of Laser Powered rear-screen projection sets are 3-D ready, and are designed to work with NVIDIA and other systems currently under development.
Front Projection
Texas Instruments developer of the DLP light engine and JVC, well-known for its D-ILA imaging technology, have both designed 3-D front projection systems.
3-D technology isn’t quite ready for prime time yet. There are still too many standards and technologies rather than one cohesive system. The capability is there, the audience is there and the financial motivation is there. We just have to have all 3 come together in a unified manner.
Dawn Gordon Luks is a veteran consumer electronics journalist. In addition to her writing schedule, Dawn also designs home audio, home theater, and home automation installations in South Florida. Send an email to Dawn Gordon Luks.
