3D viewing up, but still small when it comes to the bigger picture
Some 113,000 people watched the London 2013 opening ceremony in 3D, figures confirm, sending mixed messages on whether the format is finally starting to be adopted, or if it still has a long way to go before it proves itself in UK homes. ...
A simpler way though is to look at sales of 3D television sets in the UK. According to market research firm GfK, 1.3 million 3D TV sets have been sold to date in the UK. ...
Fast forward to Wimbledon 2012, and according to Attentional data provided to Pocket-lint, the final starring Andy Murray and Roger Federer was watched by 30,000 in 3D and 17 million viewers in 2D. That's a 0.18 per cent share. Compare that to the London 2012 opening ceremony and the 3D share of viewing figures rises to 0.4 per cent, more than double the viewers, but still incredibly small in comparison to the 2D figures.
So the verdict? It seems 3D TV numbers are growing, but at a very slow pace, especially when you consider just how many people still prefer to watch television without glasses.
See the full story here: http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/46728/3d-tv-viewing-update-but-still-small
James Cameron Company Launches 3D Film Venture in China
James Cameron's Cameron Pace Group has signed a joint venture agreement in China to promote 3D filmmaking, develop the availability of the necessary equipment and provide training. ...
Hollywood studios have also struck a range of deals in China this year. Walt Disney agreed to co-produce Iron Man 3 in the country, followed by an investment of Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. in Bona Film Group. And this week, DreamWorks Animation detailed plans for its joint venture in China, which includes an animation studio and the establishment of an entertainment complex. ...
See the full story here: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/james-cameron-china-3d-film-venture-307928
Museum of Endangered Sounds: Phil Hadad, Marybeth Ledesma, and Greg Elwood Explain Their Project (INTERVIEW)
[Philip Lelyveld comment: this is a fun idea of an art project.]
Maybe you remember the sound of a cassette rewinding, a payphone's "We're Sorry" message , the sweet sounds of Tetris on a Gameboy, or even the clicks when dialing on an old rotary phone. If you don't, you're still in for a treat, since the trio from the Museum of Endangered Sounds has preserved these treasures for all to enjoy. We interviewed Phil Hadad, Marybeth Ledesma, and Greg Elwood -- three recent graduates from VCU Brandcenter in Richmond, Virginia -- about their project, and their answers are below.
Read the interview here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/06/museum-of-endangered-sounds_n_1686745.html?1344285295&utm_hp_ref=arts
3D Audio and fMRI (technical whitepaper)
This whitepaper explores the use of fMRI to perceive and improve the 3D audio experience. See the technical whitepaper here: http://smartech.gatech.edu/bitstream/handle/1853/44442/Schmele_ICAD2012.pdf?sequence=1
Why Apple Will Turn to Holograms
... Apple must forge a new direction, because not only will its patent lawyers have difficulty claiming rights to all tablet designs, the touchscreen may soon be obsolete.Walt Disney (DIS), not known for being a gadget leader, recently announced its R&D division has developed “swept frequency capacitive sensing” that turns virtually any material into a touchscreen. Called Touché, the system would allow couches, doorknobs, clothing, and even water to sense your movement or finger swipes, making touchscreens irrelevant. If you can type on a tabletop, the need for a tablet may disappear. ...
As tablets become commodities, it’s not hard to predict the design battle will move from hardware to the virtual visual realm. Even Sir Jonathan Ive can take glass panes only so far. I don’t know if an iPhone 5 will hold holograms, but eventually Apple will serve us 3D images—because while anyone can copy a glass tablet, not everyone can make the world float in your hand.
See the full story here: http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-08-07/why-apple-will-turn-to-holograms
Top 10 3D TVs (2012) [update]
Like it or not, 3D TVs are here to stay, and they're getting better year after year. For 2012, you can expect even more inexpensive passive 3D and glasses-free models to launch. The double image (crosstalk) issue may no longer be an issue for active shutter eyewear versions, too.
See the full list with descriptions here: http://asia.cnet.com/top-10-3d-tvs-2012-update-62204313.htm
MATRIX 300 – Siggraph 2012 Los Angeles
[Philip Lelyveld comment: this 3D printer uses plain printer paper. It uses a blade to cut out the programmed pattern, sprays a thin layer of glue, places the next sheet of paper on top, then, cuts the pattern of the next layer. The result is a hard, strong 3D object.]
Product Specifications
- • Ease of Use The Matrix 300 has a new sleek
design with an improved user friendly interface making 3D printing easier than ever.
- • Improved Speed The Matrix 300 allows a faster turnaround on part production and so putting even more parts into more hands but at no extra cost.
- • Unmatched Affordability The material costs are still up to 50 times less expensive than our competitors offering truly accessible 3D printing.
- • Eco-friendly The process uses A4 paper and a water based adhesive which makes the output eco-friendly.
- • The Feel Factor Models straight out of the Matrix are ‘tough, durable and eco-friendly’™ and meet a wide range of form fit and feel requirements.
3D: Premium prices for not-so-premium experience
No, this isn't the '50s all over again. The 1950s 3D boom lasted about 18 months. This 3D revival arguably began with the Imax 3D version of "The Polar Express," in 2004, so it's already lasted five times as long. Two 3D movies have won cinematography Oscars. One is the biggest grosser ever. And if 3D TV ever really gets off the ground, 2D movies will go the way of black-and-white.
But I do have doubts. Some of what I see these days makes me wonder if this 3D movie revival carries the seeds of own destruction. Specifically, I think the 3D upcharge is proving both a blessing and a curse. We're getting movies with enough 3D to collect the upcharge, but not enough to deliver the premium experience the audience is paying for. ...
But if filmmakers don't embrace 3D and make it a plus in their storytelling, and if exhibs won't do the extra work and spend the extra money to show 3D beautifully, eventually auds might decide that aside from the work of a few people who have publicly promoted the format, Hollywood's 3D is just a cynical cash-grab. And the sad part is, they might be right.
Then, 3D really might disappear again. Just like the '50s.
Read the full story here: http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118057345.html?cmpid=RSS%7CNews%7CLatestNews&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Holovizio glasses-free 3D theatre system (at Siggraph)
Viewers should see a 3D image on the screen, as they would see in reality. Systems that cause any discomfort or restrain the viewer will not be broadly accepted. Several announcements were made about the invention of the ultimate 3D display but none of these are "true" 3D display solutions, since none of them comply with all the following criteria:
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No glasses needed, the 3D image can be seen with unassisted naked eye
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Viewers can walk around the screen in a wide field of view seeing the objects and shadows moving continuously as in the normal perspective. It is even possible to look behind the objects, hidden details appear, while others disappear (motion parallax)
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Unlimited number of viewers can see simultaneously the same 3D scene on the screen, with the possibility of seeing different details
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Objects appear behind or even in front of the screen like on holograms
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No positioning or head tracking applied
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Spatial points are addressed individuallyLear more at their website: http://www.holografika.com/