Stereoscopic -- Engadget

stereoscopic posts

Sony's 360-degree 3D display prototype makes virtual pets more lifelike, expensive

by Thomas Ricker posted Oct 19th 2009 at 3:19AM

In case you missed it, Sony's got a thing for 3D with big plans to push the technology into your living room next year. While the first application will be applied to the flat screen TV, Sony's obviously thinking about other displays judging by this tiny prototype set for reveal at Tokyo's Digital Content EXP0 2009 on Thursday. The 13 x 27-cm device packs a stereoscopic, 24-bit color image measuring just 96 × 128 pixels viewable at 360-degrees without special glasses. If the prototype ever hits the assembly line then Sony envisions its commercial use in digital signage or medical imaging -- or as a 3D photo frame, television, house for your virtual pet, or visualizer to assist with web shopping in the home. We'll be on-hand for the unveil on Thursday with live coverage and hands-on, check back then for more.

[Via Impress]

Fujifilm Finepix REAL 3D W1 now shipping to soon to be disappointed consumers

by Tim Stevens posted Oct 1st 2009 at 8:04AM

Well, partner, are you the sort to ignore woefully bad reviews and plunk your hard-earned cash down on expensive gadgets anyway? Buck up, because here's your chance. Fujifilm's Finepix REAL 3D W1 may not have impressed the critics -- or, really, anyone, apparently -- but it's now shipping into the hands of consumers who can't be bothered to read such things. MSRP for the camera is $599.95, while the 3D digital viewer will go for $499.95. Finally, if you're still into the whole prints on paper scene, you'll have to wait a few weeks until the company's SeeHere.com goes live, then pay a whopping $6.99 per print. Hey, nobody said the future of imaging would be cheap.

Update: SeeHere.com is indeed live as we speak.

Nokia's 3D N810 Internet Tablet caught on blurrycam

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Sep 2nd 2009 at 3:21PM

We can't say that the idea of stereoscopic displays on cellphones ever really appealed to us -- more than anything, it sounds like the recipe for a nasty migraine. But provided a company figures out how to do it right (and without the silly glasses) true 3D could lead to some pretty interesting interface design, to say the very least. With Sony singing the technology's praises at IFA this morning, it's fitting that Nokia is showing off one such number at Nokia World in Stuttgart today. According to Pocket-lint, the N810 Internet Tablet shown above has been outfitted with a "special screen" made by a "secret third party manufacturer" and displays 3D content to the naked eye. Sure, we're pretty skeptical that 3D will be a hit (or even stop being lousy) any time soon, but who knows? There seem to be a few companies out there who think that it could pull them out of their doldrums.

[Via The Raw Feed]

Like weeds: new Natal Xbox rumor shot down, 3D Xbox rumor pops up to take its place

by Paul Miller posted Jun 16th 2009 at 11:28AM

Rumor mongers seem hell bent on Microsoft building a brand new Xbox, despite what we assumed was wonderful news that current Xbox owners wouldn't have to shell out for new hardware to handle Project Natal. Well, Microsoft has already hit back against 1UP's rumor of a new Xbox coming in Fall 2010, calling the report "nonsense." Others have pointed out that the camera hardware actually does almost all of its own processing, so a slight hardware bump to the 360 would be kind of pointless -- though most seem to agree that Microsoft will package Natal with the 360 in a new SKU akin to the Arcade or Elite.

Meanwhile, TeamXbox, the ones who seemed to think the Zune HD was a portable game console of sorts, have a new rumor in the works: the next Xbox 360 won't be out in 2010 because Microsoft is going to wait for 3D-capable TVs to become more commonplace and launch a stereoscopic 3D console at that time. It sounds enticing, but given the fact that the Wii has succeeded directly in the face of its next-gen television empowering PS3 and Xbox 360 competition, we can't say it's the most likely of ideas -- if anything, Microsoft will need to have some solid backwards compatibility for us 2D "Take On Me" types.

[Via PC World]

Read - Microsoft sources play down reports of new Xbox
Read - TeamXbox predicts 3D Xbox

Acer launching 3D laptop in October, nerd specs required

by Thomas Ricker posted Jun 8th 2009 at 8:29AM

3D laptops? Sure, why the hell not... after seeing a desktop shoved into a vase at Computex we guess anything goes. According to Campbell Kan, VP of mobile computing at Acer, we can expect a 15.6-inch Aspire 3D laptop by the end of October. The laptop will run Windows 7 and support native 3D content (something that's becoming steadily more available) while running software that converts 2D content into 3D with presumably mediocre effect. Unfortunately, viewers must wear those bulky, stereoscopic glasses for the full experience. But if anyone stares, just frantically scribble something into a Moleskin with a deep furrowed brow -- they'll assume you're an artist. A glasses-free version is in the works too though that's TBD if you want to wait.

3DFusion debuts glasses-free 3DFMax display

by Darren Murph posted Feb 20th 2009 at 10:48AM

Forget all those 1080p sets with internet connectivity -- what you really want is an HDTV that does three-dee. Over at the Digital Signage Expo in Las Vegas, 3DFusion has announced the market launch of its 3DFMax stereoscopic, glasses free, broadcast ready (get all that?) 3D display. The set is built upon the Philips WOWvx 3D solution, but outside of that, we're really left to wonder what this thing's made of. No resolution, no contrast ratio, no price. Just the hope of a chicken in every pot and a 3D HDTV in every den.

Olympus PC 3D Viewer Kit: perfect for up-and-coming stereoscopic stars

by Darren Murph posted Feb 16th 2009 at 6:06AM

Like it or not, 3D is back. Er, it's attempting to be back, though we'd argue the jury is still out on whether it'll stick around for any meaningful amount of time this go 'round. At any rate, those who are already sold on the mesmerizing powers of stereoscopics should probably give this one a look, Olympus' PC 3D Viewer Kit is one of the first consumer-level packages designed to give 3D content creators a look at their work on a standard LCD. The bundle will be comprised of a BenQ E2400HD 24-inch LCD (1,920 x 1,080 resolution), 3D media player software, 3D shutter glasses and a controller box -- just enough to get you proofing without having to rent out a visual effects studio. There's no word on a price for the currently Japan-only package, but really, you can't put an MSRP on the third-dimension.

[Via AkihabaraNews]

DisplayPort 1.2 adds Apple's mini connector, stereoscopic 3D

by Ross Miller posted Jan 14th 2009 at 11:52AM

If Apple's no-fee licensing wasn't enough to entice manufacturers, the Mini DisplayPort connector is now being added to VESA's DisplayPort 1.2 specifications. The update will also double the available bandwidth to 5.4Gbps, which can be used for 1920 x 1080 stereoscopic 3D imagery, four 1920 x 1200 screens, or one massive 3840 x 2160 display. According to Register Hardware, the 1.2 standard will be published by the middle of this year.

[Via Mac Rumors]

Nvidia GeForce 3DVision gets reviewed

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Jan 10th 2009 at 6:01AM

The short, happy history of 3D gaming has been unimpressive -- dual-display glasses and high-priced 3D monitors have generally failed to bring source material originally built for two dimensions into the three dimensional world. Keeping this in mind, the kids at bit-tech seem to be as wary as we are, but when all is said and done they came away from the sordid affair rather impressed. "An excellent piece of tech," they said -- one that actually seems to work on existing games -- although the fact that a new monitor is required to use it "knocks the legs out from underneath." Sure, it worked well enough that the well-heeled, hardcore gamer might be interested in it, but for the time being this doesn't seem to be an option for the casual consumer. But don't take our word for it: hit the read link for the in-depth review.

NVIDIA offers up GeForce 3D Vision, takes WoW players further down the rabbit hole

by Richard Lawler posted Jan 7th 2009 at 9:09PM

Look for something to drive your new Samsung monitor or 120Hz 3D HDTV? Enter NVIDIA's GeForce 3D Vision package, loaded up with powered 3D glasses (no red / blue silliness here, charged via USB) and an IR emitter to keep everything synced between the display and your glasses. Left 4 Dead, WoW: WotLK and several other games are already compatible with more expected to come soon. CES had a quick demo and didn't notice any of the headaches sometimes associated with stereoscopic 3D, but at $399 for the display and $199 for this set when it's available in the next few days, we're not sure how close we want to get to those zombies, but WoW fans may see things differently.

Minoru 3D Webcam ships this week, still looks freaky

by Darren Murph posted Jan 5th 2009 at 4:36PM

In case you haven't noticed, 3D is the topic of this year's CES. And we're not talking about 3D HDTVs exclusively -- we're talking about 3D figurines that double as webcams. To be quite honest, the USB 2.0 Minoru 3D Webcam is ripe for a Billy Mays plug, but considering that he's charging like seven figures per promotion these days, Minoru is settling for the spotlight in Vegas. The device features two cameras spaced "roughly the same distance apart as human eyes" in order to create a stereoscopic effect, and buyers get five pairs of 3D glasses just in case you lose one (or four). For those interested in seeing even more depth in their video chats, you can snag one from Amazon on January 8th for $89.95. Full release is after the break.

Gallery: Minoru 3D Webcam ships this week, still looks freaky

Continue reading Minoru 3D Webcam ships this week, still looks freaky

Wazabee autostereoscopic overlays bring glasses-free 3D to iPhone, ultraportables

by Darren Murph posted Dec 19th 2008 at 10:46AM

While the engineers at Cupertino may or may not be toiling away on a 3D operating system, the gurus at Spatial View definitely are... in a manner of speaking, anyway. The company, which prides itself on making products "for creating 3D effects," is bringing a new trio to MacWorld 2009. First up is the Wazabee 3DeeShell, which is detailed as "a special protective skin with an integrated removable lens that can display 3D content on the Apple iPhone." On deck is the 3DeeFlector, an "autostereoscopic overlay for the MacBook Air and other 13.3-inch notebooks," which supposedly brings eye-popping visuals (and headaches, we'd imagine) to your ultraportable without the need for humiliating glasses. Finally, the Wazabee 19-inch Gaming Display will probably go head-to-head with the IZ3D, though a frighteningly light amount of details are currently available. One's things for sure out of all this -- three-dee is the future, y'all.

Gallery: Wazabee autostereoscopic overlays bring 3D to iPhone, ultraportables

IZ3D's 22-inch 3D LCD monitor finally hits the B&M scene

by Darren Murph posted Dec 19th 2008 at 7:19AM

It's mildly amusing that up until now, your only option when buying IZ3D's 22-inch 3D LCD monitor was to buy it on a decidedly 2D website. At long last, the recently cheapened (now $399) display has hit the brick and mortar realm, with both Fry's Electronics and Micro Center agreeing to carry it. The move is just one more in the inevitable push to get 3D in the home, and we have all ideas that it'll be joined by a number of others after CES '09 is all wrapped up. Feel free to drop by one of the aforesaid retailers to check this thing out in person, but we'll warn you, those frightened by 3D glasses need not apply. Full release (including specs) is after the break.

Continue reading IZ3D's 22-inch 3D LCD monitor finally hits the B&M scene

iZ3D's 22-inch 3D monitor stoops to $399

by Darren Murph posted Dec 4th 2008 at 10:33AM

iZ3D's been doing the whole "3D monitor" thing for years now, with its first baby -- a 17-incher -- ringing up at $1,499 back in 2005. In the latter part of last year, you may recall that a 22-inch version emerged for $999, and now that 3D is all the rage, it's making a second push to clear out all that dusty inventory by lowering the price in dramatic fashion. As of this month, the MSRP on the switchable 3D / 2D display is just $399, and that includes three pairs of passive linear polarized glasses, all the power and video cables you need and gratis membership in the firm's "upcoming 3D gaming league." Oh, and if you're feeling fancy, you can snag a custom-painted model from Smooth Creations at $549 apiece. So, any takers yet? Or are we holding out for free-after-rebate?

[Image courtesy of ICEAV]

Panasonic puts forth proposal for 3D standard on Blu-ray Disc

by Darren Murph posted Nov 24th 2008 at 10:57PM

For those of you plugging your ears whilst humming along in hopes of this whole 3D revolution fading away, we've got a rude awakening headed your way. Just days after hearing that the HDMI specification could be updated to better handle stereoscopic 3D content, along comes word that Panasonic has submitted a proposal to the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) for an official BD standard to store 3D imagery formed of "left / right-eye two-channel Full HD images." Panny reportedly made the move early in order avoid a format war, but really, it's just looking to cash in on royalties for the next ~~decade~~ five years or less. It's no secret that movie studios are dead set on moving forward with 3D production -- might as well be ready on the other end, right?

[Image courtesy of 3DS]