projection
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Bill Gates expects the web to be the best single source of education within 5 years
Bill Gates just might be the world's most famous college dropout (sorry, Kanye), but lest you think he's changed his mind about the educational establishment, he's got a few words of reassurance for you. As the closing speaker of the Techonomy 2010 conference, Bill dished out his vision of how learning will evolve over the next few years, stating his belief that no single university will be able to match the internet when it comes to providing the learning resources a student needs. Describing traditional studies as "place-based" and inefficient, he forecasts that university education will become five times less important within five years, with online lecture sources picking up the reins of enlightening our youth. In other news, Bill's pen-based tablet PC idea is going great!
iPad used for 3D effect
This is really wild -- Japan's Aircord lab has used the iPad to create a 3D effect, but not what you'd think, with the standard glasses and views. Instead, the iPad is used to project a set of three images onto a specially-coated glass pyramid, which then reflects the three video images in all directions, creating a 3D effect as you move around the display. You can see the thing in action in the video after the break -- it's not completely perfect (obviously, when you hit a seam while moving around, the image distorts and breaks up), but there is a definite projected hologram feel to it as you look head on. And really, any high resolution display could be used here, but I'm sure the iPad is the cheapest and most handy option for something like this. Very cool idea for sure -- it's tough to think of a real application (maybe a museum installation is the most obvious use), but it is a neat effect. [via MacStories]
ABI Research predicts Blu-ray players in 18% of TV owning households next year
After successfully predicting shocking trends like Blu-ray player prices heading downwards and the PS3's continued install base lead on other players, analysts at ABI Research see 62.5 million Blu-ray players shipping next year. Analyst Mike Inouye sees this as a part of the growth potential of TV-centric devices related to price declines, plus new technology arriving like larger displays, internet access and 3D. With market penetration (in TV owning households) expected to rise from 7% in 2009 to 18% next year, we're wondering what's holding the format back from even more growth. Prices are relatively low now, full featured players are easy to find, and HDTVs are rapidly taking over. Is that other 82% happy with upscaled DVDs, movies on cable or on demand, internet downloading/streaming, or are we just being impatient?
New Mitsubishi 3D DLPs arrive for 2010, is this the mysterious StreamTV?
Sure most other manufacturers are new to this 3DTV thing but Mitsubishi is already on its fourth generation, announcing the new 638, 738 and 838 series DLP TVs. New for the 2010 lineup, and possibly giving some insight to those weird HDTVs that appeared on Amazon yesterday is "StreamTV" interactive media which appears to be a new (post Wal-mart acquisition?) branding for the VUDU Apps service we spotted during CES with Pandora, Flickr, Picasa and others built in. If that sounds like a little too much then don't worry, it's not in the base 638 series televisions while the 738 models add StreamTV, an optional WiFi N adapter and video calibration options, and the top of the line 838 models offer Mitsubishi's 16 speaker built-in iSP surround sound tech along with a few other minor adjustments as upgrades. We're still waiting to find out when these ship (probably in the next month or so), but one thing that never changes is projection's ability to go big for less money than its flat-panel competitors, ranging from $1,199 for the 60-inch WD-60638 to $4,499 for the 82-inch WD-8238 (don't forget to add in the price of a special checkerboard compatible 3D Blu-ray player or an adapter to make everything work.) Check after the break for a full breakdown, we'll let you know once more info is available -- or if some $6k autostereoscopic options pop up on the horizon. %Gallery-90047%
Samsung's pico projecting W9600 gets a brief hands-on
Samsung made a fairly tame showing at CES but we did bump into a rather sweet bit of integrated projection fun. The W9600 replaces last year's W7900, and, like its predecessor, the specs are pretty thin. We do know, however, that it uses Texas Instruments' WVGA chip for the projection, has a 5 megapixel cam, a completely beautiful touchscreen AMOLED display, and can project vids, pics, and even the phone's interface. We've always felt that projection phones are pretty toys but ultimately, we didn't see a really solid reason they existed when we first saw them, and we still don't with the W9600. That being said, this phone doesn't feel so much like a work in progress, the focus wheel, finish, branding and the rest make this feel a bit more like a real phone and less like a dummy phone. Of course, the whole point is moot as the Anycall-branded W9600 will likely never make its way to our pockets, let alone our carriers. But do feel free to wander the gallery and take in the sights. %Gallery-81854%
15 Minutes of Fame: Mr. Big
15 Minutes of Fame is WoW.com's look at World of Warcraft players of all shapes and sizes -- from the renowned to the relatively anonymous, the remarkable to the player next door. Tip us off to players you'd like to hear more about.This guy's is bigger. Really. In fact, this interview is expressly designed to provoke e-peen envy. Because really now, if I have to interview this chap while squinting at my (admittedly not-so-tiny widescreen) monitor (because it's still T minus 5 days to my optometrist visit, and respeccing my prescription is definitely in order) in the face of this visual largesse, then all of you people need to hunker down along with me. Misery loves company, and once you get a look at this WoW setup, we'll be able to finish this 15 Minutes of Fame in green-eyed envy together. Because this is an impressive view of WoW. We're sure there are plenty of you out there nodding along right now, muttering, "Oh, that ain't nuthin', little lady – mine's easily as big as that one ..." Well, folks, I've got pictures of this one. And it's big, really big ... 133 inches worth of big, to be exact.
Ask Engadget HD: Best outdoor projector setup?
It's that time, even HDTV watchers want to get outside and enjoy the summer -- but how do we get our HDTV kicks outside? We've reached out for suggestions on outdoor flat screen televisions, but our friend Alpha Kanu wrote in with a slightly different question: "I was just curious to know whether you guys have any recommendation for me in terms of a very good out door projector for showing movies in a tropical climate. In addition to that do you know of any compatible system like a DVD, Blu-ray or VHS and DVD that can work with it? Thanks for your answers." So, there you have it, anyone picked up an outdoor projection screen and 1080p PJ to go along with their fireworks show last weekend? If you've got any experience or suggestions, drop a line in the comments. Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Priceless tapestries of Henry VIII now priceless projection screens
Modern HD projection technology is being used to restore the grandeur of some of the 2,000 tapestries collected by King Henry VIII, which are starting to fade and deteriorate. These pieces aren't as easily replaced as that velvet Elvis you love so much, so researchers from Manchester University were called in. By analyzing individual threads from the less-faded backsides of the tapestries, they were able to simulate the original color of the dyes and then create a "color correction" image of over 2-million pixels (1920x1080, perhaps?) that when projected on the front restores the original brilliance of the artwork. Considering that the tapestries are woven with threads of gold and silver and originally cost as much as two battleships, it's safe to assume that these are the world's most expensive (albeit heirloom-quality) projection screens. [Photo courtesy Inventory of Henry VIII -- Tapestries & Royal Wardrobe]
Ask Engadget HD: Can a projector really serve as my main HDTV?
Okay, so we've had the HDTV vs. HD projector talk before, but this is different. We're talking about your main set -- the one that everyone gathers around each and every night to enjoy. The one that your spouse and kids have to like. Yeah, that one."So, I'm considering something pretty crazy. I'm thinking of getting rid of my big 65-inch HDTV and just using an HD projector with a 70-inch screen instead. Would this work? I can control the lighting in my den just fine, but I'm not sure if I'd go crazy with my room mostly dark the majority of the time. Are there any HD projectors out there that can also operate nicely in dimly lit rooms without costing me a fortune? Help!"Yeah Tyler, "crazy" is a good description here. We can't say we'd wholeheartedly recommend it, but maybe we haven't seen the perfect projector to make your scenario feasible. Any tips, readers?Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Light Blue Optics showcases holographic laser projection technology at CES
Light Blue Optics may not be as familiar a name as say, Optoma or Texas Instruments, but it's bringing an equally interesting approach to pico projection at CES. Showcased in Vegas last week was the outfit's holographic laser projection technology, which is reportedly brighter and smaller than existing alternatives. The demo system will also check in with double the brightness and at half the volume as its previous setups, and it's looking to wow with a conceptual rig that features a "table-down mode that allows the user to control the projector simply by touching the projected image." Now, if only these guys could push resolution to 720p+, we'd really consider ourselves fans.
Da-Lite's online Projection Screen Calculator makes the decision for you
Baffled when trying to choose what size screen to install in your home theater? Let Da-Lite help. The outfit has just made live its web-based Screen Calculator, which guides individuals through an "easy and clear process for selecting the right projection screen." Users will be able to determine the optimal screen size by "selecting the appropriate format the projection will be shown in, choosing the screen type and lastly picking the correct material or surface." Just don't be shocked if you suddenly start craving a Da-Lite screen when it's all said and done.
Da-Lite reads the trends well, intros 3D Projector Stackers
You just have to love how meaningful bandwagons can be, don't you? With practically everyone from movie studio heads to TV makers champing at the bit to involve themselves with the advent of 3D, Da-Lite is making sure it doesn't miss the boat. The screen company has just announced its new 3D Projector Stackers, which are hailed as "the perfect mounting solution for front or rear projection stereoscopic 3D displays." Sure, we're no experts in mounting, but the timing here indicates that there just might be a bit of marketing hoopla going on. At any rate, the Stackers are available with two shelf sizes and are built to accommodate "the most common projectors in the market." Oh, and if you're wondering how these are so beneficial, Da-Lite states that "because projector alignment is critical to an excellent 3D display, each cradle offers a host of fine tuning adjustments to make image alignment simple and efficient." Right-o.
Runco ships $40k 100-inch VideoWall VW-100HD in-wall projection system
Just when we thought everyone was scaling back in order to cater to the poor, cash-strapped consumer dealing in these tough economic times, along comes Runco to help us remember that there's still a market out there for the uber-elite. The outfit's remarkable 100-inch VideoWall VW-100HD 1080p in-wall projection system is shipping just in time for that special someone on your holiday gift list, but you better be expecting something absurdly awesome in return. Not just anyone deserves a $39,995 present, you know. Full release is after the break.
JVC, Sensio team up on high-end consumer 3D projection system
Far from being the first (or second, or third) partnership aimed at getting 3D in the home, JVC and Sensio have jointly chosen EHX Fall 2008 to announce their loving new union. By joining forces, they're purporting to introduce the "very first high-end 3D solution available on the consumer market." Granted, this so-called solution won't be cheap nor simple, as it will require a pair of JVC's costly D-ILA projectors and a media server integrating Sensio's 3D decoding technology. At the show, the pair demonstrated the forthcoming system by utilizing two $9,000 (yes, each) DLA-RS2 beamers (pictured), though it's never stated whether or not any gaudy goggles are required for visualizing the third-dimension. At any rate, the kit won't be available until sometime in 2009, but it's quite possible we'll get a sneak peek at CES in January.[Via Electronic House]
Movie studios & theater operators agree to expand the number of digital, 3D-ready cinemas
Digital Cinema Implementation Partners (DCIP) -- representing AMC, Cinemark and Regal Cinemas -- has worked out a deal to finance the installation of thousands of digital movie screens starting next year in the U.S. with the help of Lion's Gate, Paramount, Fox, Universal and Disney. Not participating, at least for now, are Warner Bros. and Sony Pictures, with the latter expected to announce a separate deal soon involving the installation of Sony 4K SXRD projectors around the world. Key to the deal? "Virtual print" fees, meant to help defray the expect $70,000 cost to switch to 3D-ready digital projection setups, as the studios will kick in the $800 - $1000 they would have spent on old school movie prints to finance the changeover. In the future they save by distributing only digital prints, not to mention having somewhere to show the dozen 3D flicks expected to debut next year. Both sides are betting the $1 billion package will help pull us away from the HDTVs and back into a movie theater, but until they work out a payoff with that one guy who won't stop talking, we're not sure how likely that is.Read - Wall Street JournalRead - ReutersRead - Variety
AMC opens all digital cinema in Seattle
We're not told whether or not all 16 of the digital Sony projectors in the Southcenter 16 are 4K or not, but AMC's still pretty proud of its latest cineplex. The 2,900-seat venue houses 16 screens (obviously) which will see imagery from all digital PJs, meaning that nary a strip of film will be shipped in. Additionally, the design of the facility was made to showcase the surroundings, with a vast window in the reception area that "on a clear day, frames Mount Rainier to look like the Paramount logo." Hey, look at that -- we just found you some plans this weekend up in the Pacific Northwest.
HD goes underground in London's Tube
Light control is probably the biggest challenge to a good projection setup. The subterranean nature of London's subway is pretty much ideal in that regard, and now CBS Outdoor has brought its cross-track projection (XTP) system to the Tube. The Piccadilly Circus, Euston, Bank, Liverpool Street and Bond Street stations have been outfitted with a total of 23 14-foot screens that are getting HD video ads beamed onto them, sans audio (thankfully). There are plans to build out to 150 XTP screens and compliment them with 2,000 digital screens Tube-wide, which all fits in with CBS Outdoors' plans to bathe subway riders in advertisement. If ad-targeting tech is brought into the equation, we see some potential for really embarrassing hilarity. Meanwhile, London readers are encouraged to let us all know how the picture XTP quality is holding up!
Image Fulgurator projects images into other people's photos
There's DIY mischief and then there's next level DIY mischief, and we'd have to say that Julius von Bismarck's Image Fulgurator is one of the best scare-the-squares toys we've ever come across. A sensor detects camera flashes of nearby victims, triggering a projection of the image or text of your choice onto their subjects -- and into their photos. Anyone using a digital camera will notice the trick immediately, of course, but marks with film equipment won't ever know what hit 'em -- although they might remember the weirdo with the pistol-grip camera thing standing next to them. Check the video after the break.[Via Core 77]
Movie Gadget Friday: Sunshine
Ariel Waldman contributes Movie Gadget Friday, where she highlights the lovable and lame gadgets from the world of cinema.Last month on Movie Gadget Friday we reviewed the rough and rugged modified gadgets of the post-apocalyptic era in The Road Warrior. Shifting from stick shifts to spaceships, this week examines the pre-apocalyptic adventure of a team of astronauts tasked with re-igniting the sun by delivering a massive payload in Sunshine. Based in 2057, this near-futuristic film has heavy influence from 2001: A Space Odyssey and 2010: The Year We Make Contact. With relatively unexplained artificial gravity, inner-spaceship scooters and gold leaf heat-deflecting spacesuits, many of the gadgets and technology are taken for granted in this 2007 release. 3D Projection CubeStructured as a small room on board Icarus II, the 3D projection deck serves as a way to boost astronauts' spirits and calculate routes. Translucent walls with embedded light-emitting cells make up the entire cube of a room, allowing for an interactive 3-dimensional experience without the need for external projectors. It's unseen yet as to if this experience requires the use of optical tracking cameras for a gestural user interface. Specific cells have the ability to toggle on or off depending on the specific need of the projection. While this gadget realistically blows away any CAVE we've seen (guesstimating these visuals to be upwards of 100 million pixels), the tactile-keyboard-loving-geek in us is still unrealistically holding out for a touchable hologram to toy with. More after the break.
Telstra shows off network capacity with live hologram beaming
If we were betting souls, we'd say seeing a hologram of Bill Gates is still far more frightening than one of Telstra's CTO, but nevertheless, said exec was recently beamed from Melbourne to Adelaide via hologram in order to "speak at a major function for senior business executives." According to David Thodey, the live demonstration symbolized "what has become possible using the high data speed and capacity of [its] network" -- something the outfit is calling Next Dimension Working. The actual hologram was transmitted over the company's network using the Musion Eyeliner System, a "high-definition holographic video projection system that allows three-dimensional moving images to appear within a live stage setting." Telecommuting just took on a whole new meaning.[Via News, thanks Brad]Update: Video added after the jump!
