Where 3-D goes nobody knows

By Phil Vecchione

Imagine sitting on the couch with the family as the minions from "Despicable Me" jump off the screen. The figures appear to be so tangible; that your children try to reach out and grab them.

With the development of 3-D television and video games you can enjoy the wonder of 3-D imagery right in your living room.

Persistence is a strong quality of 3-D technology. The seemingly prehistoric 3-D technology continues to avoid extinction. New technological innovations are helping to sustain the 3-D life force.

3-D televisions had a standard cost of as low as $3,000 when they came out early this year. Overtime, like any piece of technology, they have decreased in price. Samsung is currently selling 22 different 3-D TV models on BestBuy.com. The most expensive model comes from Samsungs' Magnolia series.

The massive 55'' 3-D LED-LCD HDTV costs $6,000. Best Buy slashed the price of the 3-D behemoth by $2,000. Consumers must keep in mind that glasses are sold separately.

3-D glasses can cost anywhere from $100 to $250 per pair. Best Buy currently has a great deal. 3-D TV enthusiasts can get a 50'' Samsung 3-D plasma HDTV with two free pairs of glasses. The deal is marked at $969.99.

The 3-D glasses are not interchangeable amongst different brands. This is the reason they are named "active" glasses. The glasses are only activated by their specific manufacturer's TV. Samsung glasses cannot be activated by a Philips brand TV.

Televisions without 3-D glasses are being developed. Toshiba currently has two working models that do not require glasses. The problem is the LCD flat-panel screen only comes in 20'' and 12'' sets.

"It will take several years to develop larger 3-D TVs without glasses with screen sizes of 40 inches and more at a yet reasonable price point," said Toshiba European marketing chief Sascha Lange on News.cnet.com.

The two glassless TVs are set to release at the end of the year in Japan. The cost for the 20'' will be around $2,900; the 12'' will go for $1,400.

A large contribution to the future of 3-D television relies on TV networks. Networks have to convert their filming and broadcast to 3-D. Therefore network studios must be equipped with 3-D cameras. The process works similarly to the filming of 3-D movies.

One drawback is the amount of content you can actually get from 3-D television. Many networks have not made the necessary adjustment. ESPN is on network that has openly embraced the 3-D conversion.

ESPN launched the first 3-D TV network back on June 11, opening up their first broadcast with a World Cup Soccer match. ESPN became the first all 3-D network. The network plans to run 85
live 3-D sporting events in it's first year.

CNBC sports business reporter, Darren Rovell, feels that 3-D TVs still do not offer enough incentive to sports fans for the price. He breaks down the mind set of the sports fans in his Sports Biz segment on CNBC.com

"Many sports fans thought that HD was worth the price upgrade. The picture, for the first time, looked so clear that you almost feel like you where there," Rovell said. "3-D feels like the players are in front of your face and I can see how some don't think it's an upgrade at all."

A second drawback is the strain 3-D TV can put on the viewer's eyes. Samsung has posted a disclaimer on their website that states watching 3-D TV for long periods of time can put a strain on the eyes. Even symptoms such as dizziness can occur. This will also not bode well for sports fans.

"Wearing glasses at the movie theatre twice a year is cool, but wearing it to watch a three and a half hour game?" Rovell said on CNBC.com.

A 24/7 3-D TV network is being developed by Discovery Communications, Sony and IMAX. The network is expected to launch in 2011. A name has yet to be finalized.

Sony is also working on the next wave of 3-D video games. Sony was the first company to invest in 3-D video game technology. Over the summer Nintendo joined the mix as they unveiled their 3-D gaming technology at the annual E3 video game convention.

Nintendo plans to release the 3DS around the holiday season. The Nintendo 3DS is a handheld system that utilizes 3-D imagery without glasses. Company President Satoru Iwata wanted to release a device that had no need for a 3-D TV.

"As soon as we launch this 3-D device, everybody will be able to enjoy it," Satoru said on Businessweek.com.

While the innovation is great for big companies like Sony and Nintendo, smaller publishers feel it will hurt their business. The cost to make 3-D games will make things difficult in an already tough economic struggle.

"I'm a little bit cautious because I'm skeptical it's going to really transform our business," said Strauss Zelnick Chairman of Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. on Businessweek.com.

3-D advancement has moved far beyond the movie theatre. Where this technology goes depends on the consumer and their willingness to work out a few kinks. Family's will have to be patient, but in the mean time sit back, relax and let Cristiano Ronaldo kick a soccer ball into your living room.



Expand Your knowledge

Samsung 3-D safety disclaimer
Sports Biz with Darren Rovell
More on 3-D video games
Check Prices at Best Buy