Sony to throw its weight behind 3D TV

Lee Stewart · 09-01-2009, 10:39 PM

Sony to throw its weight behind 3D TV

Quote:

By Maija Palmer in London

Published: September 1 2009 22:01 | Last updated: September 1 2009 22:01

3D technology looks set to hit the home consumer market next year, with Sony on Wednesday announcing plans to sell 3D televisions globally by the end of 2010.

Sony’s decision to throw its weight behind the technology will be an important boost for the 3D industry, which has so far focused mainly on cinemas. British Sky Broadcasting has said it would introduce a 3D satellite channel in the UK next year, but it had been unclear whether there would be equipment available to view it on.

Speaking at the IFA technology trade show in Berlin, Sir Howard Stringer, Sony chief executive, will announce plans not only to sell 3D Bravia television sets, but to make Sony’s Vaio laptop computers, PlayStation3 games consoles and Blu-ray disc players compatible with the technology.

Mr Stringer is expected to tell the audience: “Today, 3D is clearly on its way to the mass market through technology, distribution and content.

“As with high definition a few years back, there are a variety of issues yet to be addressed. But the 3D train is on the track, and we at Sony are ready to drive it home.”

The consumer electronics industry has yet to agree on a single 3D standard, posing the risk of a format war akin to that between VHS and Betamax or Blu-ray and HD-DVD.

There are several types of 3D technology. Sony has opted for “active shutter” technology, using electronic glasses containing tiny shutters that open and close rapidly in synch with the television image to create a 3D impression. Cinema 3D uses “polarisation” technology with simpler glasses. However, this only works when viewers are at a certain angle to the screen, making it less suited to home viewing.

The electronics industry is looking for the next technology to boost sales, as high-definition television sales move past their peak. Hyundai is producing early 3D sets for the Japanese market and Panasonic has flagged up plans for products.

Sony’s commitment, however, improves 3D’s chances of becoming mainstream. It has given no indication of prices, but analysts expect early 3D TVs to cost several thousand dollars. Hyundai’s 3D TVs cost more than €3,400.

In cinemas, uptake of 3D has grown ninefold over three years, with 7,000 digital 3D screens expected to be in use worldwide by the end of 2009.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/2d5adde2-9...nclick_check=1

**PFC5** · 09-02-2009, 10:50 AM

After reading this part i am back to thinking the PS3 may STILL be the BD player to buy now:

Quote:

Speaking at the IFA technology trade show in Berlin, Sir Howard Stringer, Sony chief executive, will announce plans not only to sell 3D Bravia television sets, but to make Sony’s Vaio laptop computers, PlayStation3 games consoles and Blu-ray disc players compatible with the technology.

I am assuming that the SAL BD players will likely need to be new designs and will not be upgradable like the PS3 likely will be.

Loves2Watch · 09-02-2009, 11:08 AM

Quote:

The consumer electronics industry has yet to agree on a single 3D standard, posing the risk of a format war akin to that between VHS and Betamax or Blu-ray and HD-DVD.

As I noted in another of Lee's posts but was told by Lee there will be only one standard.

As was noted in that post, it still remains to be seen (at least according to this article and other professional publications I have read). And I am starting to see the battle lines appear as each CE company wants to use and have consumers adopt their proprietary format.

Matsushita, Sony, Mitsubishi, Hyundai? and the like including Toshiba are all out to grab a piece of the pie. It will be interesting to watch and see what develops. I for one will not be an early adopter of this technology.

Lee Stewart · 09-02-2009, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loves2Watch

As I noted in another of Lee's posts but was told by Lee there will be only one standard.

As was noted in that post, it still remains to be seen (at least according to this article and other professional publications I have read). And I am starting to see the battle lines appear as each CE company wants to use and have consumers adopt their proprietary format.

Matsushita, Sony, Mitsubishi, Hyundai? and the like including Toshiba are all out to grab a piece of the pie. It will be interesting to watch and see what develops. I for one will not be an early adopter of this technology.

There will be a single 3D standard for BD:

Quote:

The BDA, comprised of major motion picture studio, IT and consumer electronics companies, is working on a uniform specification to ensure consistent delivery of 3D content across the Blu-ray Disc Platform. The Association is examining a number of criteria and at a minimum, the specification will require delivery of 1080p resolution to each eye and backward compatibility for both discs and players, meaning that 3D discs will also include a 2D version of the film that can be viewed on existing 2D players and 3D players will enable consumers to playback their existing libraries of 2D content.

http://forums.highdefdigest.com/high...3d-either.html

Loves2Watch · 09-02-2009, 11:45 AM

The key here too is -

Quote:

The BDA, comprised of major motion picture studio, IT and consumer electronics companies, is working on a uniform specification

Lee Stewart · 09-02-2009, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loves2Watch

The key here too is -

Don't forget this:

Quote:

The Association is examining a number of criteria and at a minimum, the specification will require delivery of 1080p resolution to each eye and backward compatibility for both discs and players,

That's the Panasonic 3D system along with MPEG4 AVC MVC codec.

**PFC5** · 09-02-2009, 01:06 PM

Even IF they do come up with one standard for 3D on BD, it will likely mean new BD players with it are going to be needed. I think what Sony is saying is that the PS3 will be upgradeable from reading between the lines on how far they have been able to upgrade it so far, and the design of it.

We will likely still need new displays also, which will stink since I already own 4 HDTVs. Replacing them all will not be happening anytime soon.

Lee Stewart · 09-02-2009, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PFC5

Even IF they do come up with one standard for 3D on BD, it will likely mean new BD players with it are going to be needed. I think what Sony is saying is that the PS3 will be upgradeable from reading between the lines on how far they have been able to upgrade it so far, and the design of it.

We will likely still need new displays also, which will stink since I already own 4 HDTVs. Replacing them all will not be happening anytime soon.

And?

You had to buy new equipment when you went from SDTV to HDTV.

Now you have to buy new equipment if you want to go from HDTV to 3DTV.

That's what it takes to stay on the leading edge of technology.

Loves2Watch · 09-02-2009, 02:16 PM

Lee, do you even own a Blu-ray player yet?

Lee Stewart · 09-02-2009, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loves2Watch

Lee, do you even own a Blu-ray player yet?

Not yet.

Why? Is that important to the discussion?

**PFC5** · 09-02-2009, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee Stewart

Not yet.

Why? Is that important to the discussion?

I think his point is that you seem nonchalant about people replacing multiple HDTVs as the 3D solution but have not even bought a BD player yet.

Coming up with a solution that requires all equipment to be replaced again will simply make 3D a non-event for most people and that means it will crash & burn IMO.

Lee Stewart · 09-02-2009, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PFC5

I think his point is that you seem nonchalant about people replacing multiple HDTVs as the 3D solution but have not even bought a BD player yet.

If you want 3DTV - you will spend the money for it. Why is this confusing? You wanted HDTV. You replaced your SDTV's with HDTV's right?

And this issue of my not buying a BD player yet - and? You want to be an early adopter - you pay the price - just like I did when I bought my HD DVD player.

Quote:

Coming up with a solution that requires all equipment to be replaced again will simply make 3D a non-event for most people and that means it will crash & burn IMO.

Time will tell - but here are some facts to ponder:

50% of USA HH's have a single HDTV. That means 50% don't have a HDTV.

15% of USA HH's have a BD player (more like 5% for SAL - no PS3) which means that between 85% and 95% don't have a BD player.

Try looking at the Macro issues and not the Micro issue (what affects you).

**PFC5** · 09-02-2009, 04:37 PM

Good point about the macro vs micro positions. But I wouldn't call people who bought a HDTV 5+ years after the HDTVs were available "early adopters". Would you?

Trying to get half the population to junk their HDTV for 3D is not likely to happen IMO though. As the numbers increase quickly from here as I believe they will, now that broadcast analog signals are gone, so the longer they take to get a 3D "standard", the harder it will be for 3D to gain traction.

Lee Stewart · 09-02-2009, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PFC5

Good point about the macro vs micro positions. But I wouldn't call people who bought a HDTV 5+ years after the HDTVs were available "early adopters". Would you?

Very simple - do the HDTV shuffle - move the LR set to the MBR - move the MBR set to the oldest kids room - buy a new 3DTV for the LR.

Do you really believe people are going to have more than one 3DTV in their home - like right away?

Quote:

Trying to get half the population to junk their HDTV for 3D is not likely to happen IMO though. As the numbers increase quickly from here as I believe they will, now that broadcast analog signals are gone, so the longer they take to get a 3D "standard", the harder it will be for 3D to gain traction.

Who said junk it? Oh - you did.

See above about moving it - or just sell it - you want 3DTV that bad - you will make it happen.

If we are to believe the CEA - there are 11 million HDTV's that do not have an HDMI connector - so no UP DVD and no HD VOD/PPV that requires HDCP.

3DTV is going to hit retailers in 2011. This date has been forecasted for quite some time. It is not something you want rushed into. No reason to do that. The library of 3D films needs to continue to grow before the release of 3DTV - which many feel will be 3D BD first - here in the USA.

And the success of 3DTV will be based on the support of CEM's and the studios - just like BD.

**PFC5** · 09-03-2009, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee Stewart

Very simple - do the HDTV shuffle - move the LR set to the MBR - move the MBR set to the oldest kids room - buy a new 3DTV for the LR.

Do you really believe people are going to have more than one 3DTV in their home - like right away?

Who said junk it? Oh - you did.

See above about moving it - or just sell it - you want 3DTV that bad - you will make it happen.

If we are to believe the CEA - there are 11 million HDTV's that do not have an HDMI connector - so no UP DVD and no HD VOD/PPV that requires HDCP.

3DTV is going to hit retailers in 2011. This date has been forecasted for quite some time. It is not something you want rushed into. No reason to do that. The library of 3D films needs to continue to grow before the release of 3DTV - which many feel will be 3D BD first - here in the USA.

And the success of 3DTV will be based on the support of CEM's and the studios - just like BD.

I already do that. Why do you think i have 4 HDTVs?

I am nearly out of bedrooms to pass them down through. Only 2 left, and neither of them really need a HDTV at this point.

09-02-2009, 01:06 PM	#7
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 28,412	Even IF they do come up with one standard for 3D on BD, it will likely mean new BD players with it are going to be needed. I think what Sony is saying is that the PS3 will be upgradeable from reading between the lines on how far they have been able to upgrade it so far, and the design of it. We will likely still need new displays also, which will stink since I already own 4 HDTVs. Replacing them all will not be happening anytime soon. __________________ Denon AVR-887 Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs) All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr) Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35 For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841 Panny 50pz80u plasma SETTINGS RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+ SA 3250HD 47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom) Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support) Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers The_Cable_Game Take the high ground and be happier

09-02-2009, 02:16 PM	#9
Loves2Watch SPAM Police Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: AZ, NM, TX, MX Posts: 13,972	Lee, do you even own a Blu-ray player yet? __________________ Theater 1 - Panasonic TH-85PF12U Plasma TV, 6 Conrad Johnson LP275M Amps, Anthem Statement D-2 Pre/Pro, 6 Thiel SCS4 Speakers, 2 REL T-1 Subs, Infinity Interlude 120S Sub, Simaudio MOON Orbiter Universal Disc Player, ELP Laser Turntable, 2 Dish Network ViP 622 DVR's, Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray Player, Onkyo DV-HD805 HD DVD Player.

09-02-2009, 04:37 PM	#13
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 28,412	Good point about the macro vs micro positions. But I wouldn't call people who bought a HDTV 5+ years after the HDTVs were available "early adopters". Would you? Trying to get half the population to junk their HDTV for 3D is not likely to happen IMO though. As the numbers increase quickly from here as I believe they will, now that broadcast analog signals are gone, so the longer they take to get a 3D "standard", the harder it will be for 3D to gain traction. __________________ Denon AVR-887 Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs) All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr) Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35 For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841 Panny 50pz80u plasma SETTINGS RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+ SA 3250HD 47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom) Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support) Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers The_Cable_Game Take the high ground and be happier

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