3D Vision Blog

The HDMI 1.4 specifications were introduced earlier this year, but we are yet to see devices using the new standard and taking advantage of the new features that were introduced, one of which is the official stereoscopic 3D support. Aside from that HDMI 1.4 increases the maximum supported resolution to 4K (4096×2160 pixels), new HDMI Ethernet Channel with speed of up to 100 Mbps, Audio Return Channel, new Micro HDMI Connector, expanded support for different color spaces and an Automotive Connection System.

Of course the thing you are probably most interested in is the stereoscopic 3D support that is expected to be the key factor into making the 3D support widely available on TV sets and other consumer electronic devices, including game consoles. The HDMI 1.4 specifications support wide range of 3D display formats at up to 1080p resolution, including: frame, line, or field alternative methods; side by side methods (full and half) and 2D plus depth methods. And as 3D video requires substantial data throughput, you’ll have to use a High Speed HDMI cable that can be even an HDMI 1.3 compatible, although with such you’ll not be able to use the new Ethernet Connection feature.

Here comes an interesting question that is related to PlayStation 3 – how will Sony add stereoscopic 3D support for the console that only supports HDMI 1.3? The truth is that even HDMI 1.3 is capable to provide enough bandwidth for 120Hz video output even at 1080p resolution, but the actual problem might be in the console not being capable to support 120 frames per second in Full HD resolution. So it is most likely that stereoscopic 3D gaming on PS3 will start of at 720p resolution, especially if Sony will want their consoles to be able to work on 200/240Hz displays providing enough fps for good experience. Anyway these are still some thoughts about the issue and are not based on official information coming from Sony, so we should still wait a bit more to see what will actually happen. It is also quite possible that the firmware update fore the PS3 that will add the S3D support won’t add support for gaming in stereoscopic 3D for all the already released games and we’ll have to wait for new titles. Another thing that is also still not quite clear regarding the PlayStation 3 is the support for the recently finalized Blu-ray 3D specifications and the upcoming Full HD movies on Blu-ray next year. The PS3 should also be able to play 1080p videos in 3D, but we are yet to see how thing will turn out…

- For more information about the HDMI 1.4 specifications and features…

Nowadays it is quite normal that the introduction of a new entertainment device is linked with the establishment of a new format for distributing and enjoying video, games or something else. In this respect, the PlayStation consoles have all played a serious role in each of the three generations Sony has released so far. The first generation PlayStation proved to be a great CD player and some audiophiles still use these, whereas PS2′s DVD playback capabilities provided a major boost for sales of this format when it was first introduced. And now PlayStation 3 already has played a big role in the establishment of Blu-ray Disc as the next generation High Definition successor to DVD for Video and Games, but now it seems this might not be the only achievement of the third gen PlayStation console…

You can say that the first two generation PlayStation consoles were a part of the kids bedroom or elsewhere away from the main living room with the general idea for the devices to provide entertainment for the kids while playing games on them. The PlayStation 3 on the other hand has been designed from the start with the idea to be something more than just a gaming console – a home entertainment hub, sitting beneath the TV set in the living room and doing a lot more than running games. And the next big feature coming from Sony Computer Entertainment for the PS3 is the release of a free firmware upgrade for the console, which will enable it to playback games in Stereoscopic 3D mode with the added perception of true depth. But that might not be the only thing, as with the 3D Blu-Ray standard almost finalized and with the expected availability of HD movies on Blu-ray sometime next year, the PlayStation 3 could also become a great Stereoscopic 3D movie player.

Not a long time ago at a special briefing Sony has announced that it will be releasing stereoscopic 3D game titles for PS3 in conjunction with Sony’s 3D TV launch timing next year (Bravia 3D TV anyone?). The company explained that it will also actively support software developers and publishers, providing technological information to develop stereoscopic 3D games and content. Furthermore, all the existing PlayStation 3 consoles will be made stereoscopic 3D compatible through the system software update. This is possible because PS3 comes with an HDMI video output as a standard right from its launch (unlike Microsoft’s Xbox 360) and also because the system integrates the quite powerful and versatile Cell processor.

The firmware update with the new features will be freely available to be downloaded by everyone, without the need to purchase something to enable the Stereoscopic 3D support for the console, but you’ll still have to wait some time before it is made available. The technology that will be used is active shutter glasses along with a TV set capable of providing true 200/240 Hz refresh rate – being able to accept input of up to 200/240 fps. This is what the new Bravia 3D TV sets should be capable of, unlike the currently available generation that just take up to 60Hz input, but are able to increase internally the framerate for video to make it appear more smooth and clear with the use of specialized algorithms. Aside from Sony’s new Bravia TVs that will probably premiere with the console update in 2010 (hopefully by the summer) other companies are also going to release more 3D TVs that might be compatible with the PS3′s new functionality.

One interesting question that arises is if the PS3 will be able to also work on 100/120Hz TV sets and maybe even computer monitors that do have an HDMI input, or will it require specifically the higher refresh rate models. Speaking especially for the use of 120Hz computer monitors there might be another issue for lets say the owners of Nvidia’s 3D Vision and this is related to the synchronization of the glasses. 3D Vision is not compatible with PS3 and you cannot have the glasses sync up to something from the monitor – they need the IR transmitter and it does not support the console, so 3D Vision is a no go. Unless of course you kind of do a Frankenstein and use the IR transmitter on a PC, just to send the needed signal to the glasses in order for you to play on the console… this might do the trick. But there is also another question regarding the sync rate of the 3D Vision shutter glasses, currently they work on either 100, 110 and 120 Hz refresh rate meaning that each of them “flashes” 60 to 60 times per second, but with a true 200/240Hz the sync rate should be doubled. Of course the 3D Vision should be able to sync up with the higher refresh… in theory, but we still need to wait and see if that will work on practice.

Anyway, one thing can be for sure and that is when Sony provides the free upgrade to all its lets say over 30 million existing PS3 consoles this will for sure result in serious increase of the interest for Stereoscopic 3D content. And this will also result in serious demand for 3D capable TV sets and this is also probably what Sony is hoping for in order to quickly push their upcoming Bravia 3D TVs. Of course the game developers should also start preparing for the demand for good stereoscopic 3D games, although one thing is still not very clear – will all the old games be playable in stereoscopic 3D or not. In theory it should not be too hard to do something like what the 3D Vision drivers are doing on the PC, but for the PS3, but here the issue might lay elsewhere and actually be related to Sony not willing to do that in order to open the demand for new games. But if you have a S3D capable console and TV set would you be willing to wait for months for each and every game title that will come out with Stereoscopic 3D support… probably not!

Some more good news for next year as Sony and FIFA announced an agreement for selected media rights of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in 3D. FIFA is to produce the world’s first FIFA World Cup in 3D with up to 25 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa matches being produced using Sony’s 3D professional cameras, which will provide coverage of the action that is unprecedented in depth, vividness and excitement to people around the world.

“Global sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup are very important drivers of new technology, particularly in the TV market”, explained Tom Morrod, Senior Analyst, TV Technology at Screen Digest. “The news that the FIFA World Cup will be filmed in 3D for the first time will certainly increase the uptake rate of 3D TVs in the home and develop the installed base earlier than would otherwise have been the case. As a result of this news, and an increasingly bullish industry outlook on 3D, Screen Digest has increased its forecast, and now estimates that 13.6m 3D TV sets will be installed in Europe by 2013.”

“3D will undoubtedly transform the way we enjoy content in the Living Room,” said Fujio Nishida, President of Sony Europe. “At Sony, the 3D entertainment experience will not only focus on the 3D TV alone, but from 2010 will also encompass a range of 3D compatible products such as Blu-ray Disc players, VAIO notebook computers and PlayStation 3. During June and July 2010 we will provide our European consumers with the most compelling 3D content to enjoy and experience first-hand, for example at the FIFA International Fan Fests.”

Viewers will be able to enjoy 3D experiences at the following locations:
- During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, FIFA will host the “International FIFA Fan Fest” public viewing events in 7 cities around the world (Berlin, London, Mexico City, Paris, Rio De Janeiro, Rome, and Sydney). At Sony’s commercial displays located within the “Fan Fest,” people will be able to enjoy and experience promotional highlight trailers of the FIFA World Cup in 3D.
- In anticipation of the Official 3D Film, viewers will be able to watch promotional trailers for the film of the World Cup in 3D at retail outlets (including Sony stores) that sell Sony products around the world.
- Sony Pictures Home Entertainment plans to produce and distribute the Official 3D Film on the Blu-ray Disc and other formats.

And I’m already eagerly awaiting for Sony’s 200/240Hz Bravia 3D TVs to start coming out in the market next year with that will be able to provide the best possible experience when playing games or watching movies with stereoscopic 3D shutter glasses… ;)