[satfrat]

For all who recently just bought new TV's,,, maybe you should have waited. (especially of you are a DirecTv subscriber) 
 

Panasonic and DirecTV answered weeks of speculation over which U.S. pay-TV operator would be first to launch a 3D HD service by announcing Jan. 6 at CES that DirecTV will launch three 3D channels by June 2010, two linear channels and one video-on-demand-based channel.   Panasonic will be the exclusive presenting sponsor for the channels, which will be viewable on new 3D HD sets in conjunction with existing DirecTV set-tops and feature a mix of sports movies and documentaries.   

You can read the whole CES announcement HERE. 


 
Cheers,
Robin

[GHM]

Sony and ESPN have also teamed up for 3D as well. There will be a large two page article in the Wall Street Journal tomorrow. 3D is much much closer than most realize. I want a 3D projector soooo badly right now! I'm holding out on a 1080P unit ...I gotta have it!!! aa
If not one of the new 720Ps will have to do!

[satfrat]

More 3D news;
 

  CES Chest Beating: 3D, More 3D, Most 3D Okay, we get it:  3D is THE big hype of the soon-to-open (as in tomorrow) CES show.  Among the many, many announcements leading up to the show:
 
 • Programmers vying for the 3D crown:  First ESPN announced its 3D offering slated for a June 11 launch with the first 2010 FIFA World Cup soccer match.  ESPN says it will display at least 85 live 3D games – ranging from soccer to the Summer X games to college basketball and football – across 2010.   Next came Discovery which chimed in with plans to launch a 3D net with Sony and IMAX.  The new channel, slated for 2011, will provide 24/7 entertainment including IMAX and Sony films plus Discovery specials and shows.
 
 •  On the platform side, Next3D says its broadband-delivered 3D HD home service will launch in the 1Q 2010.  The Next3DTV service is touted for its variety of of stereoscopic 3D content, including theatrical 3D movies, films originally created for 3D IMAX theaters, movie trailers, sports, news, documentaries, live 3D weather maps, and games .... to say nothing of user-created content. 
 
 •  Not strictly CES related (except for the auspiciously timed press announcement), CableLabs says its ready to rock, “providing testing capabilities for 3D TV implementation scenarios over cable.”  The cable tech gatekeeper says many new digital set-top boxes  are cleared for 3D use and the group has helped develop recently announced changes to the HDMI 3D specifications to add support for the "Top/Bottom" format and enable legacy STBs to signal 3D carriage.•   

It's 2010 in 3D
 
Cheers,
Robin

[zybar]

Should be interesting...

I am not too keen on wearing glasses on a regular basis to watch tv and I am definitely not going out and buying a bunch of new gear just to get 3D.

I have a feeling that the general public feels the same way.

Look at how long it is taking for people to move to HD (which is clearly superior to standard def TV) - 3D tv doesn't offer anywhere close to the same compelling argument to move to it.

George

[Bigfish]

I totally agree with the comments just posted by George.  Many of us have learned that you have to pay a huge premium for initial, new technology gear.  Within 6 months after the first wave more manufacturers will jump in with improved versions at even more attractive prices.  I can predict I will not be one grabbing-up a 3D Blu Ray Player or New TV for the 2010 Christmas Season!   

Ken

[launche]

I was planning on transitioning to blu-ray and buying a new HD projector in 2010 but also enjoy 3D technology and want that option as well.  But I imagine it's likely 3 yrs before 3D is available for mass consumption at attractive prices.  So that means 3 more years with a 480p projector for me I guess.  Not happy about that but it also makes little sense to buy a non-3D capable HD projector now right?

[mcgsxr]

As attractive and cool as these types of things are, I always think back to Beta vs VHS when different types of new tech come out.

No way I would buy ANYTHING related to this, until the format is proven, and one is king etc.

Then again, to George's point, I just bought an HD display this year so I am hardly a front runner for video tech.

Audio I care more about.

[zybar]

I was planning on transitioning to blu-ray and buying a new HD projector in 2010 but also enjoy 3D technology and want that option as well.  But I imagine it's likely 3 yrs before 3D is available for mass consumption at attractive prices.  So that means 3 more years with a 480p projector for me I guess.  Not happy about that but it also makes little sense to buy a non-3D capable HD projector now right?

Why deprive yourself of a better experience for the next 2-3 years?

There is always going to be something better coming...that never changes.

Today, you can get a nice 1080 pj for around $1k and a very good one for $2k.  At those prices, I think it makes sense to purchase now and enjoy for the next 2-3 years while the next best thing (3-D) matures and becomes affordable.

George

[GHM]

I was planning on transitioning to blu-ray and buying a new HD projector in 2010 but also enjoy 3D technology and want that option as well.  But I imagine it's likely 3 yrs before 3D is available for mass consumption at attractive prices.  So that means 3 more years with a 480p projector for me I guess.  Not happy about that but it also makes little sense to buy a non-3D capable HD projector now right?

I would wait just a little while. Meaning a couple of months. The war is going to be fierce between the large electronic manufactures to push 3D out first. Sony projects it will loose money initially during this price war. I'm sure others will as well. This should be great for consumers though. Prices aren't going to be as high as one may believe.

All of these companies are going out on a limb with 3D. The last thing they want to do is turn people off with exuberant pricing. Give it a few months before summer hits, you'll have a large selection to choose from.

Unless a TV or projector is 3D ready..I wouldn't buy it at the moment. Trying to get rid of it in another year will be like trying to sell off a 4:3 analog television! Unless you're an old fart...4:3 analog is pretty useless these days. You can't give those TVs away!!

[zybar]

Unless a TV or projector is 3D ready..I wouldn't buy it at the moment. Trying to get rid of it in another year will be like trying to sell off a 4:3 analog television! Unless you're an old fart...4:3 analog is pretty useless these days. You can't give those TVs away!!

Couldn't disagree more - that analogy just doesn't hold water.

We still have no idea on what will happen with 3-D TV.  It is not clearly the definitive next step in TV like HD/widescreen was to 4:3 analog TV.

George

[GHM]

Couldn't disagree more - that analogy just doesn't hold water.

We still have no idea on what will happen with 3-D TV.  It is not clearly the definitive next step in TV like HD/widescreen was to 4:3 analog TV.

George

I suppose we'll have to wait and see how it plays out. I remember not long ago. Some opposed the push of Blu ray. Seems to be a norm these days. Sony did admit they actually played down Blu ray in the beginning.

As much money as Sony is sinking in this technology. I doubt it will have a chance to fade out quietly.

If nothing else it will become the norm in gaming.

[murphy11]

I don't see a big reason for consumers to adopt in the near term, but it will be interesting to see how content changes over time. I think that regardless of price, what people watch will have a big impact of how quickly this technology is accepted by consumers.

I can see action movies in 3D as enhancing the viewing experience, but I'm not sure about sports or other content. I know 3D stuff will use different camera angles but I don't see the value add for football, baseball and most other sports. Maybe hockey with a shot behind the goalie net would be cool but I'm not sure I'd run out to get a 3D set to replace 1080 unless a significant percentage of content was a lot more compelling in 3D.

[ctviggen]

Personally, I think technology is increasing faster than the consumer can buy.  Speaking for myself, I just got some Blurays (assuming I can ever get the POS Dell Zino to play them), and I don't yet have a player or receiver that will output the high definition sound from Blurays.  By the time I get that, they'll have 3D sound.  And I'm the only person I know (aside from online personalities, that is) that has Blurays at all. 

Personally, I don't plan on upgrading much (except maybe to a receiver that supports 7.1, HD sound) in the near future.  I certainly wouldn't consider 3D technology until I have to replace something.

I also have a bit of technology burnout.  I had to spend hours installing and reinstalling software for my supposedly HT computer (Dell Zino), and the dang thing still has a hard time playing DVDs and Blurays (and I have to buy a $100 program to do that -- the original program is broken after its own update).  (Why did I buy version 1.0???)  Every time I download a Squeezebox update, they've broken something that used to work while fixing something, or changing everything.  My bluetooth phone receiver has a pop-out microphone that pops out now whenever it wants to.  My new, never installed projector uses DVI, while basically all new projectors are using HDMI, which means I should run another cable for future upgradeability. 

As you can tell, I'm just burnt out out technology and don't see myself upgrading to 3D until it's at least on version 2 or perhaps version 3.

[satfrat]

For me personally, the 3D bait is sports coverage moreso than it is movies. As it is with the 3D movies in the theatres, I think someone will need to demo this technology before being willing to make the move to wearing another set of glasses and buying another TV.(I already wear glasses) Once places like Sears have demonstration displays for 3Dtv as they use to do for HD when it 1st made it's appearance, I think this'll take off just like BluRay has against the DVD.
 
I think it's important to realize that this 3D technology works with existing DirecTv HD receivers. All that's needed is a new 3D HDTV (and a set of polarizing glasses). If this 3D technology is instituted in sports coverage and it really enhances the game for it's fans, those beer-guzzling lugheads will be breaking down the doors to get their hands on a 3DTV. And that my frineds is mainstream. 
 
Just my opinion as a (nondrinking) sports lughead,,,, 
 
Cheers,
Robin

[GHM]

Personally, I think technology is increasing faster than the consumer can buy.  Speaking for myself, I just got some Blurays (assuming I can ever get the POS Dell Zino to play them), and I don't yet have a player or receiver that will output the high definition sound from Blurays.  By the time I get that, they'll have 3D sound.  And I'm the only person I know (aside from online personalities, that is) that has Blurays at all. 

Personally, I don't plan on upgrading much (except maybe to a receiver that supports 7.1, HD sound) in the near future.  I certainly wouldn't consider 3D technology until I have to replace something.

I also have a bit of technology burnout.  I had to spend hours installing and reinstalling software for my supposedly HT computer (Dell Zino), and the dang thing still has a hard time playing DVDs and Blurays (and I have to buy a $100 program to do that -- the original program is broken after its own update).  (Why did I buy version 1.0???)  Every time I download a Squeezebox update, they've broken something that used to work while fixing something, or changing everything.  My bluetooth phone receiver has a pop-out microphone that pops out now whenever it wants to.  My new, never installed projector uses DVI, while basically all new projectors are using HDMI, which means I should run another cable for future upgradeability. 

As you can tell, I'm just burnt out out technology and don't see myself upgrading to 3D until it's at least on version 2 or perhaps version 3.

Wow..sorry to hear about the quandary with the little HTPC. Have you considered trying to rip the BRs to drive and playing them from there?

I can understand your frustration. Hope you get it straightened out soon!

For me personally, the 3D bait is sports coverage moreso than it is movies. As it is with the 3D movies in the theatres, I think someone will need to demo this technology before being willing to make the move to wearing another set of glasses and buying another TV.(I already wear glasses) Once places like Sears have demonstration displays for 3Dtv as they use to do for HD when it 1st made it's appearance, I think this'll take off just like BluRay has against the DVD.
 
I think it's important to realize that this 3D technology works with existing DirecTv HD receivers. All that's needed is a new 3D HDTV (and a set of polarizing glasses). If this 3D technology is instituted in sports coverage and it really enhances the game for it's fans, those beer-guzzling lugheads will be breaking down the doors to get their hands on a 3DTV. And that my frineds is mainstream. 
 
Just my opinion as a (nondrinking) sports lughead,,,, 
 
Cheers,
Robin

Yup I'm with you Robin, I'll just have to be a Guinea pig for this one.
Of course I love goofing around with this type of stuff any way..its a hobby for me.

[satfrat]

Yup I'm with you Robin, I'll just have to be a Guinea pig for this one.
Of course I love goofing around with this type of stuff any way..its a hobby for me.

Well Gyame, being that I've been jobless for over 2 years now, i'm sorta currently sitting on the sidelines. But it hasn't deadened my desire to see the potential that this 3D has for greatly enhancing both sports and movies. That could be because I've seen quite a few 3D movies in the last year and compared to the last time this fad showed itself(it always gave me a headache after 15 minutes), the quality and ease of 3D has really come into it's own. To be able to watch a football flying in midair in front of me is indeed an enticing thought.
 
I hear that the World Soccer tournement will be available in 3D this summer. I can only imagine seeing the football (soccer term) flying in the air from player to player as they run up and down the field. It's really not a favorite sport of mine but a 3D presentation does have me wondering,,, 
 
Cheers,
Robin

[GHM]

Well Gyame, being that I've been jobless for over 2 years now, i'm sorta currently sitting on the sidelines. But it hasn't deadened my desire to see the potential that this 3D has for greatly enhancing both sports and movies. That could be because I've seen quite a few 3D movies in the last year and compared to the last time this fad showed itself(it always gave me a headache after 15 minutes), the quality and ease of 3D has really come into it's own. To be able to watch a football flying in midair in front of me is indeed an enticing thought.
 
I hear that the World Soccer tournament will be available in 3D this summer. I can only imagine seeing the football (soccer term) flying in the air from player to player as they run up and down the field. It's really not a favorite sport of mine but a 3D presentation does have me wondering,,, 
 
Cheers,
Robin

I've also read that next years College BCS championship Bowl game will be 3D broadcast. The sports bars around here that have this technology will be bursting at the seams!!!

I agree I wasn't expecting much from the last 3D movie I saw. I was pleasantly surprised with how well 3D has come along.