Tag Archives: television
…Especially when that flying object comes flying out of the screen!
With every recent Hollywood blockbuster available in 3D I ask myself if this is a new technology that makes entertainment better, or if it’s simply a throwback to the cinema experience of the 1920s.
Developments in technology and the film industry might determine if 3D trend here to stay or a technology gimmick that will a be a stamp on the second decade of the 21st century. How will 3D affect our work and devices? Will I have to wear those goofy glasses in order to do my job?
Why is 3D so popular?
For one, it sells. What a great way for the movie industry to offset the audience created by the growing segment of home movie viewers. We all know it is now more economic to wait for that movie to come out on Tivo or Netflix (which are gearing by the way into broadcasting 3D soon) than spending $80 for the family at a theatre (popcorn included). So your nearest movie theatre will charge $3 to $7 more for a 3D movie compared to a regular viewing.
But we’re only talking about movies. What about TV content? Should we get as excited about American Idol in 3D? Maybe not, but TV producers can be as resourceful as movie producers to generate a new audience, and we might see in a near future more TV shows geared for a better showtime for a 3D audience at home.
I still have a puzzling question in the back of my mind: do I need to buy a new 3D TV, when I just bought a new flat screen TV 2 years ago to watch the brand new release of The Bridges of Madison County on Blu-Ray?? Since I shed a tear for that movie every time, my 3D glasses might fog up!
As a consumer, I am confused by the different technologies out there.
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By Alan Dodaro | Critical Mass Chicago
Photo by diebmx
3D’s popularity exploded in theatres last December with Avatar, the $600 million blockbuster filmed with new cameras and production technology developed specifically for the movie. TV manufacturers are now looking to cash in on the popularity with 3D-HDTVs that require special glasses ranging from $55-$150 per pair for the full 3D effect. Most sets are only bundled with two pairs, making for an expensive 3D Super Bowl party unless it’s BYO3D. Companies like Intel are working on glasses-free 3D but the technology is facing challenges in image quality and narrow viewing angles to see the effect.
A surprise play was recently made by Nintendo with the announcement of a new portable system that’s 3D-capable without the need for special glasses. The Nintendo 3DS will replace the DSi and DSi XL before March of next year. We don’t know how the 3DS displays image depth without glasses, but a puzzle game released for their current DSi system may give users a preview of what to expect. The game uses the built-in camera to track head movement adapting the angle based on user motion and giving the impression of peeking inside the game’s environment without the need for expensive display technology. If this is the technology behind the 3DS, it would be interesting to see this carried over to the world of 3D HDTV. Sony already has sets loaded with face- and motion-detecting technology and this could be an interesting feature as TVs become more aware of their environments.
Nintendo has pioneered “cheap tech” solutions that made the Wii a huge success, despite the lack of multimedia capabilities and HD video included with other systems. If Nintendo’s portable 3D solution is equally successful, we may see TV manufacturers borrow their process to ditch the dorky glasses necessary with today’s 3D TVs. I see current 3D sets as transitional, temporary solutions until more refined 3D technologies are perfected and the costs come down.
My antiquated 6-month-old Bravia won’t be going anywhere until 3D sets forego glasses. By then, I’m sure I’ll hold out for a hologram TVs that will be “a few months away.” As for the Nintendo 3DS, I’m considering one of these to hold me over until next March.
Alan is the business development/marketing coordinator from our Chicago office.
