Sony Insights » 3D

3D Blu ray on Sony PS3 without HDMI 1.4: It’s Possible

Tom Pretty — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:27:08 +0000

3D Blu-ray over HDMI 1.3?

With the many rumours and stories circulating the media of 3D TV and Blu ray players capable of 3D playback it seems that Sony have not forgotten the millions of PS3 owners out there. Earlier in the year it was announced that in the coming months PS3 owners could have a 3D capable Playstation by the way of a firmware upgrade.

This however led to some confusion amongst owners and industry commentators as it was highlighted that without a HDMI 1.4 connection, 3D Blu ray would be impossible as no update to a Sony Playstation’s software would change the physical makeup of the device. Gizmodo however have reported that this may not exactly be the case, arguing that a loophole is clearly possible.

The theory is that HDMI 1.4 can be split into four distinct sections; these sections carry an audio return channel, a 4K support channel, one for HDMI Ethernet and finally one for 3D. However, it seems that while HDMI 1.3 will not give support to all of these channels, it will still be more than capable of displaying a 3D signal; that is if your TV set is also 3D ready.

However there are sacrifices to be made when using HDMI 1.3 rather than 1.4 for the displaying of 3D images. The 3D signals will not be transmitted in 1080p Full HD although 1080i will be possible. 1080i images shouldn’t be a major bugbear for those thinking of forking out for 3D technology though, after all the PS3 remains one of the best Blu ray players on the market and with this 3D firmware update it should be possible to enjoy both fully immersive movies and games at home.

Sony 3D TV Bravia Ranges Unveiled in Store for Pre Order

Josh Tait — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:10:23 +0000

All new Bravia 3D TV at CES 2010

The 3D TV bandwagon is certainly gaining considerable momentum, particularly since this year’s CES in Las Vegas. The latest 3D TV developments have come from Sony with their announcement that three Bravia ranges capable of faithfully recreating 3D images will be hitting the market soon, just days after Samsung and Panasonic made similar statements.

Of the models it is the LX900 that will be 3D capable out of the box whilst the HX800 and HX900 will need an add on. These TVs however seemingly offer more than a 3D experience, the HX900 for example provides viewers with Full HD 1080p resolution and a technology labelled as “Intelligent Dynamic LED”. The technology actively alters the backlighting of sections of the screen in order to heighten contrast levels and provide a richer picture.

The LX900, as the 3D TV flagship will, according to reports will have a built in 3D transmitter and is likely to come boxed with a pair of active shutter glasses. No prices have been mentioned as of yet but customers can see some of these TVs at Sony Style stores. In store the TVs will be placed in a mock up living room where viewers have the chance to see 3D clips from a FIFA football match (probably to prepare people for the “3D World Cup”) and trailers from the 3D version of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. This effort to have 3D in real life situations apparently helps Sony engineers to better understand the public’s reaction to this new technology and of course allows customers to pre-order what will certainly be one of the hot technologies of 2010.

For those not lucky enough to see one of these new TVs it is clear that simple styling has played a major part in the design of these models. Monolithic Design combined with the slim profile means that these new models will perfectly sit in any modern home. Available in screen sizes from 22 to 60 inches we will be waiting with baited breath for this latest step in the 3D TV revolution.

Sony Expands 3D TV Offerings With Home Cinema Update

Naomi Roberts — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:51:36 +0000

3D Television at home!

After news that Sony will be releasing 3D capable Blu-ray players they have now announced that 3D movie playback will now be available for some 2.1 and 5.1 home cinema systems via a software update.

Customers that want to experience the immersive experience that is 3D have a number of home cinema products available. The BDV-F500 and BDV-F700 2.1 channel packages offer Blu-ray 3D capability, the former with desktop or wall mountable satellites, the latter with slim floor standing speakers. Sony’s 5.1 home cinema system offering are equally impressive in technological terms. Style has also played an important part in the design of these models, created to perfectly match the latest BRAVIA televisions. Models include the BDV-E370, BDV-E670W, BDV-E870, BDV-E970W and the BDV-IZ1000W.

Sony are certainly throwing their weight behind the 3D revolution, after a raft of announcements at CES this year that included the latest models of BRAVIA televisions, a demo of Gran Turismo 5 in 3D and a host of Blu-ray players, this latest news highlights that 3D TV and movies are an important aspect to Sony’s offerings this year. The commitment of the company to start broadcasting television, movies and sporting events in the 3D is further evidence of this commitment.

The hope is that the cardboard glasses of yesteryear will be completely done away with; instead Active Shutter glasses delivering the stereoscopic experience will bring 3D technology into the home. The Active Shutter technology tricks the eyes by synchronising the refresh rate of the TV set with the glasses, displays are then alternated to deliver a 3D effect to the viewer.

It is technology like this that will make a Sony home cinema system a key component in creating a 3D movie experience in the living room. This latest update to home cinema systems and new 3D ready products will only add to the speculation that 2010 will be the year of 3D.

Sony Step up 3D TV Commitment with Blu ray and Home Cinema

Josh Tait — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:50:48 +0000

3D Blu-Ray on the way!

At the CES this year 3D technology was certainly one of the major talking points. Following the show, Sony has now announced that they are now releasing a 3D blu-ray player at an affordable price. The BDP-S470 will be 3D capable after a quick firmware upgrade and of course when connected to a 3D enabled TV. The bonus for owners is the fact that blurry images will be no more; a full 1080p High Definition picture is brought to life with the specially designed Active Shutter glasses, bringing the action right into your living room.

The other product Sony has announced today is the BDP-S570. This blu-ray player will be 3D capable out of the box, doing away with the need for the firmware upgrade. This latest addition to the range of Sony 3D products complements existing 3D TV models and home cinema systems, all products building upon what is an already high performance HD experience to deliver 3D technology to the home viewer.

As 3D works its way into many of our lives it is clear that television, blu-ray and home cinema will play an integral part in bringing the third dimension into the home. This year it is expected that existing television companies such as Sky and the Discovery Channel will be jumping on the 3D bandwagon and even some matches during the FIFA World Cup will broadcast in 3D.

Stuart Kemp, Business Manager of Sony Europe’s Audio & Video Marketing stated that these latest products “confirm that Sony is in a unique position when it comes to providing consumers with the full 3D experience”. Mr Kemp went on to say that “the fact that we are already able to expand our range of 3D capable Blu-ray Disc Players shows our commitment to making 3D available to all.”

Keep on Trucking, Sony 3D Broadcast Truck Hits the Road

Naomi Roberts — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:29:30 +0000

3D is going to be big for 2010

It seems that 2010 is going to be the year of 3D. The technology has made a massive resurgence due to the use of new techniques that deliver impressive results. The latest development in the world of 3D is that Sony has ordered a truck capable of performing outcast broadcasts in 3D. This news comes off the back of Japanese broadcaster Sky Perfect Communications announcing that they will begin transmitting programme in 3D from the middle of the year.

This is not a technology purely for Japan either, many television companies have started to consider the benefits of 3D. In the U.S. the major sports broadcaster ESPN has announced a commitment to 3D, whilst other companies such as the Discovery Channel and Sony have also shown interest in launching 3D channels. Over in the UK BSkyB have also announced the launch of a 3D channel this year, this trend is being shown all over the world.

3D has experienced a massive growth in popularity. The latest 3D movie creation, ‘Avatar’ has shown that there is certainly an appetite for 3D amongst cinema goers and with Sony due to announce 3D compatible televisions and an update for the Playstation system that allows for 3D gaming, seemingly even gamers will get a taste for this before the year is out.

The truck ordered by Sony will be capable of outside broadcasts. Viewers are likely to get their first true taste of the 3D revolution during the World Cup, where Sony have committed to broadcasting 25 of the matches in the new format. With Sony set to release 3D televisions as well as blu ray players later this year it is becoming increasingly likely that 3D will be a major part of the technological landscape in 2010.