BDA Gets Behind 3D Blu-ray Technology

The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) have announced to the world they intend to bring 3D technology to the Blu-ray disc.  The latest 3D technology has had a resurgence in the cinema this year, with a variety of movies - mostly animated fare - showing in both 3D and 2D form, which Walt Disney President Bob Chapek describes as 'very successful'.  The BDA want to ensure future 3D Blu-ray's have the ability to show both 3D and 2D versions, plus new hardware must be backwards compatible too.

This press release ties in nicely with Sony head Howard Stringer's words at the IFA this week, as he claims Sony intend to have 3D televisions out on to the market by the end of 2010, in addition to 3D players and PS3 games.  While in theory 3D is a great thing, the reality is something a little less.  Take Sony's decision on the glasses for example.  They have decided on something called 'LCD shutter' glasses, the lenses of which alternately darken and brighten at the same speed as the TV's refresh rate in order to generate a 3D image.  So, to watch a 3D movie we need a new TV - as 3D requires 120Hz - and a new player, the 3D disc, a transmitter for the glasses and the glasses themselves. 

These stereoscopic images are different from the polarization technique used in cinemas and different again from the traditional red/cyan lens anaglyph method, none of which solve the issues for anyone who already wears glasses!  

So, what are your thoughts on 3D?  Would you buy all the new equipment needed to display a 3D movie?  Do the glasses bother you or give you a headache?  Is 3D just a cynical way for cinemas to make more money by charging for 'glasses rental', or for the industry to overcome piracy?  Let us know in the comments.

Comments

[Shane]

I think 3D is great for the spectacle on a huge cinema screen e.g. Magnificent Desolation on IMAX. I personally would not be interested in having it at home with the exception of if it really added to video games. In any event, how many good 3D movies have there been?

[Horace M]

Would wait for technology to pan out prior to buying. Sounds gimmicky. Would rather see some sort of virtual reality headset/visor invented that could more fully immerse one in a 2D or 3D movie experience. Imagine sitting in front of a virtual IMAX or 70mm screen with full digital surround sound? Now that would be something, wouldn't it?

[Andy Boxall]

VR would indeed be very cool, and far more of a step forward in terms of technology than 3D. You've picked the right word to describe 3D too, a gimmick, and the thing is, it always has been.

In cinemas it makes some sense, as the extra cost is minimal and it's great for the kids. But at home it's expensive and by the time it costs less, the 'fad' will have probably passed.

I must say, the idea of games in 3D is a good one though. Gran Turismo 3D, anyone?