The Blu-ray Disc Association has announced the finalization of the “Blu-ray 3DTM” specification. So what does this mean? Now the home entertainment industry has the go-ahead to produce and ship full-blown high definition (1080p) 3D experiences to capable television sets for consumers. The specification allows Blu-ray players to display full HD in 3D to each eye. Also, it’s agnostic, meaning that capable Blu-ray players and TVs will be able to display HD 3D images regardless of display type (LCD, plasma, etc.). The spec features enhanced graphics for displaying menus and subtitles in 3D. All Blu-ray 3D-enhanced discs will contain a 2D version of the content, thus making them backwards compatible with standard Blu-ray players. Notice I’ve been careful to label Blu-ray players and TV sets as “capable.” In order to receive the high definition 3D experience, you must own a 3D-capable TV and Blu-ray player. This means that your current entertainment setup likely will not be compatible with the specification. It is worthy to mention that there’s a lone exception; the Sony Playstation 3 will be forwards-compatible with the spec. Sony has stated that it will become 3D ready via a future firmware update. Remember, though, that a new HDTV with IR emitters and those pesky 3D glasses are necessary. Expect all this new tech to release starting in 2010. Full press release is after the break.
What’s to come of all this? No one is certain of the future of 3D tech in the home. For starters, many have been skeptical of this idea, labeling 3D movies a gimmick with silly glasses. However, a number of people have admitted like movies like Pixar’s UP and the freshly released Avatar are better in 3D than 2D because instead of acting as in-your-face gimmicks they are great films that truly immerse you into the environment of the on-screen characters, making the movie experience better. The real question is whether or not manufacturers will have success helping consumers transition from standard HDTV sets to 3D-capable ones.
[Via Engadget]
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