November 14, 2005

IBM Announces a $1000 3D Video System

One of the most painful memories of my childhood was my parents refusal to take me to see "Jaws 3D". Besides missing out on the great Jaws storyline (okay, I just wanted to see blood in 3D), I was amazed that my parents refused to embrace 3D technology, which was going to be in everyones home in just a few years. Flash ahead 20 something years, it looks like 3D in our homes is getting close. According to Physorg.com:

International Business Machines, a worldwide leader in technology innovation, has announced a new and affordable 3D video system that works with normal DLP (Digital Light Processing) televisions. Before now, 3D video systems would set you back at least $1,800 while the price of IBM’s new system is expected to be only $1000 – if only a grand sounds cheap to you.

the biggest issue though:

On the downside, you still need 3D glasses to correctly view the image and practically no video is shot in 3D as it requires more expensive cameras, but as price drops and general interest rises, this is sure to change.
Some sports TV networks have expressed interest in filming NFL games in 3D. To shoot in 3D, TV networks would need to install expensive 3D cameras and image processing hardware.

It's really hard for me to see 3D becoming popular simply for the fact that people are going to have to wear silly glasses that gives you headaches, but who knows?

At Physorg.com