Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: 3-D TV on the way?

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Posted by Shane Cooper (Member # 2510) on 06-19-2008, 09:20 PM:

This TV is sold in Japan only currently, but is it that long before it crosses the Ocean?
3-D TV Sold In Japan

TOKYO, Japan (AP) -- Badminton matches look so real playing on Hyundai's new 3-D TV that you may reflexively dodge the virtual shuttlecock.

Kim Pyeng-joong, senior manager of Hyundai Japan, wears special glasses to watch Hyundai's new 3-D TV.

A polar bear pawing the glass of his tank may seem to be inside the TV pushing on the screen.

Hyundai is offering -- in Japan only -- the first product for watching the 3-D programs that cable stations in Japan now broadcast about four times a day.

There are a few catches:

The 46-inch liquid-crystal display requires 3-D glasses; it's expensive -- $3,960, including two pairs of glasses, or about 25 percent more than a comparable regular LCD TV; and the only programs available so far include just a few minutes of video from Japan's northern island of Hokkaido -- shots from the zoo, motorcycle races and other short scenes.

Seen on regular TVs, 3D programs split the screen vertically so the same image appears in both the left and right halves. Conversely, wearing the 3-D glasses while watching regular programming on the Hyundai 3-D TV produces a slight 3-D effect.

The TV uses stereoscopic technology called TriDef from DDD Group Plc in Santa Monica, California, which works by sending the same image separately for the left eye and the right eye.

Ryo Saito of BS 11, the cable channel that runs the 3-D shows, says more content is needed for the technology to catch on, and other manufacturers need to start making 3-D televisions.

"People are showing interest in 3-D programs, but most homes don't have the special TVs," he said.

Samsung already sells 3-D rear projection TVs in the U.S., but there are no 3-D TV broadcasts in the United States. The technology is also available on desktop monitors and for video games.

Hyundai IT is hoping to boost its image by gaining a niche audience in Japan, where the TV market is dominated by Sony Corp. and Sharp Corp. The South Korean electronics maker's 3-D TV went on sale in April, but unit sales numbers weren't available.

There is no plan to sell the TV overseas, said senior manager Kim Pyeng-joong.

Posted by Bill Enos (Member # 440) on 06-19-2008, 09:34 PM:

I've never seen anything on TV that I would pay $3960 to see in 3D. I don't believe all the TV I've ever seen is worth $3960 total.

Posted by Paul Mayer (Member # 355) on 06-19-2008, 11:34 PM:

There were a lot of 3D systems on display at NAB this year. I'm sure some form of 3D TV will start here right after we deal with the DTV conversion next February.

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 06-20-2008, 08:38 AM:

Nope, I don't buy that 3D will catch on for TV...though I can see it catching on for games and such. That is where I see 3D having the largest user base.

Steve

Posted by Andy Frodsham (Member # 4061) on 06-20-2008, 12:10 PM:

I gather 3D technology has improved vastly over recent years (due to digital cinema, no doubt) but I stll can't forget some of the 3D films I've seen in the past! Cardboard glasses and coloured filters, I still remember that unique sensation of having my eyeballs forcibly yanked apart!

I also must admit to seeing, what must have been, one of the few soft porn 3D films! Aged 16, a friend and I illicitly gained entry to a local cinema (both being under 18 at the time) to see 'The Three Dimensions of Greta'! This was a UK made movie par excellence! However, I'll keep the description of the scant storyline for another time!!