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Comcast positioning itself to be King of 3D programming, will upgrade to real 3D this year
You know it's coming: the inevitable slew of boutique 3D television channels that will serve nothing but gratuitous content the same way all those HD-specific stations and their nature programs did a few years ago. Comcast wants to be at the forefront of the 3D exploitation capitalization to come, and while its current offerings are modest (a 3D version of The Final Destination, a Jonas Brothers concert, and other stuff your step-brother Billy might like) and only offered in anaglyph format (red/blue glasses), the good news is it isn't charging any extra for the content -- yet. Better still is a confirmation that it won't let DirecTV have the real 3D spotlight to itself for long, as VP Derek Harrar confirmed it will offer the same frame-compatible 3D (which doesn't require a new cable box, only a 3DTV) "this year." Comcast isn't saying exactly what else is coming next, but specialized channels should be cropping up before the summer is through, and you can be sure they'll be grouped into a premium "3D Tier" for the ultimate in billing surcharges.
Apple Store SoHo cited as a bad neighbor
Is Apple's oldest NYC retail store causing agita for its well-heeled neighbors in SoHo? AFP and Dow Jones are reporting that the SoHo Alliance, an umbrella community organization, has complained to city officials and Apple execs about a litany of issues with the popular outlet. Crowds outside the store (sometimes overnight) have blocked streets and left trash behind, to the frustration of nearby residents. The recent Jonas Brothers in-store concert may have been the final indignity for alliance director Sean Sweeney. "This concert attracted thousands of young teenage girls who screamed incessantly on the street for hours for their idols, blocking traffic, injuring one resident in the crush, and inconveniencing scores of other people and businesses." I suppose there's a price to pay for being busy and popular. Considering that the immediate vicinity of the store is home to scores of restaurants, bars and high-end boutiques, it's surprising that Apple is the biggest quality-of-life offender in the area, but maybe it's time for some of the bigger draws to move to the 14th Street store instead. [via Cult of Mac]
