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PopBox licenses RealD's side by side frame compatible 3D format

Technology patents are a funny thing and it can be difficult to understand that RealD owns the rights to encode 3D in the frame compatible side by side format as displayed above -- without license or consent -- but patents are a reality of the world and so Syabas has licensed RealD's 3D format for the upcoming PopBox which will support the 3D format at launch. No word on if the PopBox will support Blu-ray's Full HD 3D which is actually double the resolution of HD instead of trying to squeeze both perspectives into the same HD frame. At this point it doesn't appear that the PopBox will be HDMI 1.4a compliant so while it'll send the 3D signal to your 3DTV, you'll have to be the one to tell the TV it is receiving 3D in order to ensure the 3rd dimension is displayed. Full release after the jump.

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POPBOX™ LEVERAGES REALD TECHNOLOGY TO BRING 3D CINEMA EXPERIENCE TO HDTVs

PopBox now accepting pre-orders via Amazon

Fremont, CA (May 21, 2010)-PopBox™ today announced that in tandem with RealD Inc., a leading 3D technology provider for cinema, home and professional applications, it will equip all PopBox devices with the ability to display high-definition 3D content. PopBox is the first over-the-top set-top box to support the stereoscopic RealD Format for the delivery and display of high-quality 3D content. PopBox will ship 3D-ready at launch, so consumers can enjoy 3D content on all 3D-ready HDTVs.

PopBox makes it simple and affordable to play all the movies, music, home videos, and photos from your home PC and network-connected devices, and content streamed from the Internet, on your HDTV. PopBox will be available soon, and is currently available to pre-order at Amazon.com. PopBox retails for $129.99, and PopBox Wireless for $149.99.

PopBox builds on the success of Syabas' award-winning Popcorn Hour lineup of Network Media Tanks, the Popcorn Hour A-200 and C-200. All Popcorn Hour A and C series devices will also have access to the RealD Format to enable 3D viewing.

"We're thrilled that PopBox has licensed the RealD Format to enable its community to enjoy high-definition 3D content," said Steve Shannon, EVP of Consumer Electronics at RealD.

The RealD Format is a patented side-by-side method of delivering 3D video. The RealD Format combines left eye and right eye 3D image streams into a single channel for delivery of high-definition progressive or interlaced 3D video using today's Internet or broadcast infrastructure, including existing PCs, HD set-top boxes and DVRs, to any 3D-enabled display type.

"This is an excellent opportunity for PopBox and Popcorn Hour to bring our community an amazing experience, and spectacular 3D content in the home," said Alex Limberis, COO, PopBox. "Content created in 3D should be enjoyed in 3D. Leveraging the RealD Format gives our community a new dimension of HDTV entertainment right out of the gate."

The PopBox platform will be 3D-ready beginning at launch. As new 3D content is available, consumers can enjoy the 3D experience in the home, on their 3D-ready HDTVs. The Popcorn Hour A-200 and C-200 will be field-upgradeable to enable 3D playback.

About PopBox™
PopBox is a Syabas brand, and builds on the success of Syabas' award-winning Popcorn Hour lineup of Network Media Tanks. With PopBox, you can finally enjoy an incredibly simple way to play all your own stored media content on your HDTV and home theater system, plus all the best sports, entertainment, movies, videos, and music the Internet has to offer. With an open application platform, PopBox enables virtually anyone to develop rich Internet applications for the biggest screen in the house. With PopBox connected to your HDTV, everything can go big-screen. For more information, please visit www.popbox.com.

About RealD Inc.
RealD Inc. is a leading global licensor of stereoscopic (three-dimensional), or 3D, technologies. RealD's extensive intellectual property portfolio enables a premium 3D viewing experience in the theater, the home and elsewhere. RealD licenses its RealD Cinema Systems to motion picture exhibitors that show 3D motion pictures and alternative 3D content. RealD also provides its RealD Format, active and passive eyewear, and display and gaming technologies to consumer electronics manufacturers and content producers and distributors to enable the delivery and viewing of 3D content on high definition televisions, laptops and other displays. RealD's cutting-edge 3D technologies have been used for applications such as piloting the Mars Rover, heads-up displays for military jets and robotic medical procedures. For more information about RealD, please visit its website at www.reald.com