World Wide Web 3D | Geolocation & Stereoscopic Space

Part II: Geolocation & Stereoscopic Space

Tim here, and I want to add to a series I'm going to deem World Wide Web 3D (WWW3D) from now on. This will be a multi-part post. However, please don't regard this posting series to be on a regular basis, but sporadically, as articles will come when they come. This article can be attributed in large part to the efforts of Adobe and their recent Web Updates. Adobe Edge brings web animation closer to After Effects, which does stereoscopic graphics as well as any other 3D software application. Where will the web go with this stereoscopic revolution regarding Google Maps?

Simply put: maps are geometric calculations based on the Earth, as measured via scientifically accurate measures from satellites. Google has a street view on major cities, but also very good 3D imaging. Mobile devices are now receiving those direct navigations more accurately, and thus with stereoscopic imaging on phones the major mapping corporations will be able to use all data to accurately portray certain information to people to make them more informed.

Imagine a situation... You and a friend are out in the world, someplace unfamiliar, and you decide to find food. Based on up to date information businesses can be found, and geolocation coordinates can be discovered. Most street view software used by Google images 360° all around a given point, and merges multiple photographs together to make a composite. Soon those multiple images will have simple stereo calculations providing stereo view through processor conversion. This of course requires algorithms written by a standards comity for various screen sizes...

Most WWW3D sites will require standard screen sizes, but at the same time if one could calculate the biggest screen size imaginable and go off percentages of that, then websites and stereo calculations can be easily derived. This comes to cooperation of web-enabled devices' manufacturers. I promise that's impossible in that competitive market. Thus, it will happen in due time: one year and six months. That's at least the time required for standards to be decided on and current autostereoscopic displays could be implemented on devices already out on market. Then the web's tool sets will have to be slightly refined to include stereo space more frequently, and some language may have to be written for commands and style settings.

Now this works perfectly with the major adoptive use for phones, but finding where you're trying to go, that's the big seller of mobile devices. That's why Google Maps was so important to iPhone users. Imagine when all mobile devices are feeding traffic patterns. I know most mobile phones can get an app now that uses to navigation features to give a speedometer. Major speeding violations could possibly be tracked via satellite, and cell carriers could be fined, forcing all passengers to reinforce slower driving. However, that's another concept for another time. The key is stereo integration. Those 3D maps will be able to help people navigate places better, and the future of 3D mapping will shock many.

Don't forget some thoughts on the future from our past interpretations. Automatically navigated vehicles are a major part of those future interpretations. It will be here because of the 3D mapping, which will accurately display more detailed information to the people at the controls. Even law enforcement will benefit because they could use newly gathered traffic data to designate specific speed limits at certain times to all the mobile users in a given area. That's some decent new regulations that are best for safety and avoiding speed traps easier because you're getting a constant reminder from a phone.

How easily will those stereoscopic devices be able to give back web pages that are in stereo? Especially when the software helps code the values in percentages for various screen sizes. This easily allows web designers to gear the stereo content for the maximum screen and each screen smaller than that to a certain percentage based on the standard display sizes. In its nature Adobe Edge does this for animations and other features to be supported on the various screens. Why can't stereo be as easily controlled?

Something that will become a staple of modern technology will be in New York City cabs, and other modern city taxi services, as eventually it is possible for them to have stereo HD touch-screens that run specific apps; such as globalization map oversight, internet connectivity, and naturally ads on both a local, federal, and international level. The experience will be different, but intelligent. Transactions will be able to controlled through it because all taxis will have little computer drives in them that are offloaded by a taxi company at the end of each shift. It's all going to be connected, and the stereo is for the passenger as much as the control is there for the companies, who will make revenue from the ads. Although there are no open plans for this yet, it's a natural evolutionary step to get giddy about. Sure will make taxi rides more bearable.

As a final thought to this topic: Apple led the way with their tablets. The first tablet company (Google's Android is looking solid to lead since MasterImage uses their software) to develop all this into a device that is stereo ready, and push the web aspects along with the app design structure, will reign huge amongst the others. It's an untapped market that will happen in the next year and six months. Adoption of standards, however? We'll see how standards come into practice, and in the next post I'll cover more specifically how future updates to Edge, based on where After Effects has reached, will allow stereographers to work more elegantly through a web environment.

Korea's Largest Theatre Chain CJ CGV Standardizes on MasterImage Digital 3D Cinema Systems

As of right now, MasterImage 3D projection systems are now in more than 70% of Korea's 3D theaters. Those are pretty impressive numbers for the company that continues to make great inroads into the marketplace.

Further, MasterImage 3D also recently entered the New Zealand exhibition market, with the sale of its first digital 3D cinema system to Palmerston North-based Downtown Cinemas, that nation's largest multiplex franchise.

Here is the Korean press release:
Burbank, California and Seoul, Korea (July 19, 2010) - 3D technology company MasterImage 3D, LLC announced today that CJ CGV, the largest theatre chain in Korea, recently converted 58 additional screens to 3D with MasterImage digital 3D cinema systems. In addition to supplying systems for all of CJ CGV's 160 3D theatres, MasterImage 3D has also installed four systems in Korea's Lotte Cinema in Suncheon.

These installations, combined with existing systems at Primus Cinema, Ya Woo Ri Cinemas and more theatres across Korea, bring MasterImage's total to 175 of the country's estimated 250 digital 3D screens -- more than 70% of Korea's total 3D exhibition market share.

CGV Manager Sung woo Kang said, "MasterImage 3D's system offers an outstanding value compared to other products on the market, and it is simple to install. Also, with the high resolution picture quality, audiences' responses to the presentation are great."

MasterImage 3D has experienced rapid growth in the demand for its digital 3D theatre systems, nearly doubling its worldwide installation in the past eighteen months. Today, the company has installed more than 1,800 systems in 40 countries worldwide (approximately 400 in the US, 770 in Europe and 700 in Asia and the rest of the world).

Younghoon Lee, founder, chairman and CEO of MasterImage 3D said, "From our US headquarters and offices in Asia and Europe we are aggressively converting theatre markets all over the world. Exhibitors are recognizing that our ownership-based model and passive-glasses approach offers them a different, and often more attractive business proposition than competitive systems and they're demonstrating that recognition by choosing MasterImage in increasing numbers."

About CJ CGV
CJ CGV (http://www.cgv.co.kr) is the largest multiplex theater franchise in Korea. Established as a joint venture consisting of CJ Group of Korea, Golden Harvest of Hong Kong and Village Roadshow of Australia, CJ CGV is independently managed by CJ Group at present. As of January 2010, CJ CGV owns 70 movie theaters nationwide. Recently, CJ CGV, as the first in Korea, opened a 3D screen in LA for advancing into the U.S. market.

About MasterImage 3D, LLC
MasterImage 3D, LLC is a stereoscopic 3D technology company that provides pioneering 3D solutions for theaters, television and handheld devices. With more than 1,800 theatre systems installed worldwide, MasterImage offers audiences the best 3D image experience, while providing exhibitors with a compelling ownership-based pricing model. The company's auto-stereoscopic (glasses-free), 3D LCD technology for mobile and electronic devices are the first commercial displays of their kind, and the company's 3D camera ASIC empowers dual camera-equipped devices that enable users to create and share 3D content. The company is gearing up to deploy millions of auto-stereoscopic units with multiple manufactures worldwide. Founded in 2004, MasterImage is privately held by Symphony 3D Holdings and is headquartered in Burbank, California with offices in Buckinghamshire, UK and Seoul, S. Korea.

MasterImage is a sponsor of MarketSaw

MasterImage 3D Lands Another Theater Chain In Europe

MasterImage has just announced at Cinema Expo in Amsterdam that the Kinepolis Cinema Group has standardized on the MasterImage digital 3D projection system.

If you have been following this 3D projection company along with us, then you will know that they offer a superb 3D projection solution at an affordable price to theater owners. Consumers love the experience too - I have seen their solution firsthand and was very impressed. Congratulations MasterImage on yet another signing.

Kinepolis has 23 multiplex theaters across Europe.

Here is the press release:
43% of Kinepolis digital screens will be using MasterImage MI-2100 systems only by year’'s end in France, Spain and Switzerland

Burbank, CA (June 22, 2010) Today at Cinema Expo 2010 in Amsterdam, 3D technology company MasterImage 3D, LLC announced that Kinepolis Cinema Group has standardized on MasterImage digital 3D cinema systems to bring stereoscopic 3D movies and programming to audiences across Europe. Kinepolis has purchased and installed MasterImage MI-2100 systems covering 35% of their digital screens to date, with a rollout of an additional 8% planned by year’s end for cinemas across Europe.

Kinepolis Cinema Group, which encompasses 317 screens in 23 multiplexes, was one of the first exhibitors to adopt digital projection on a large scale and have great plans to increase the rollout of 3D screens across Europe. After extensive technical tests Kinepolis has now chosen MasterImage 3D to be their preferred supplier of 3D screens in France, Spain and Switzerland. This will include rolling out 3D to new cinemas as well as replacing 3D screens from Kinepolis’ previous supplier.

“MasterImage’s approach gives us what we need most — the best presentation for our audiences and a business model that makes sense,” said Nicolas Hamon, Kinepolis’ projection and sound manager. “There’s no seat tax to pay as we’ll own the systems outright, and we won’t need to manage the loss of expensive glasses, since MasterImage offers one-time and reusable glasses, both at a fraction of the cost of other providers. We’re confident that MasterImage is absolutely the right choice for our cinemas and our audiences.”

The MasterImage MI-2100 digital 3D cinema system offers high-quality presentation, single-or multi-use eyewear, is easily portable between screens and is available through a compelling, ownership-based pricing model. Supported by European and all six major Hollywood studios and many independent distributors, MasterImage systems are installed in 38 countries including the UK, France, Italy, Denmark, US, China, Australia and more.

“MasterImage seems one jump ahead of their competitors and have proven to us that they understand both the technology and the financial concerns of the cinema owners,’’ continued Hamon.

Brian Kercher, Managing Director of 3D Cinema, MasterImage Europe notes that “we are delighted to be working with such a dynamic organization as Kinepolis and welcome the opportunity to bring high quality 3D to Kinepolis audiences throughout Europe.’’

About MasterImage 3D, LLC
MasterImage 3D, LLC is a stereoscopic 3D technology company that provides pioneering 3D solutions for theaters, television and handheld devices. With more than 1,600 theatre systems installed worldwide, MasterImage offers audiences the best 3D image experience, while providing exhibitors with a compelling ownership-based pricing model. The company’s auto-stereoscopic (glasses-free), 3D LCD technology for mobile and electronic devices are the first commercial displays of their kind, and the company’s 3D camera ASIC empowers dual camera-equipped devices that enable users to create and share 3D content. The company is gearing up to deploy millions of auto-stereoscopic units with multiple manufactures worldwide. Founded in 2004, MasterImage was recently acquired and capitalized by US-based Symphony 3D Holdings and is headquartered in Burbank, California.

About Kinepolis Group
Kinepolis is a source of relaxation and contemporary entertainment for all age groups through its network of movie theatres. The Kinepolis concept is characterised by a constant drive to innovate and focus on customers. In terms of technology, in past years this has resulted in the digitisation of the motion picture medium and the development of 3D cinema. In terms of content, Kinepolis now programmes an original mix of traditional movies and sports, cultural and social events. Since forming in 1997 and the initial public offering in 1998, Kinepolis has grown into market leader in Belgium and trendsetter in Europe. Kinepolis runs 23 multiplex cinemas in Belgium, France, Spain, Poland and Switzerland. Kinepolis employs 1880 people and welcomed 22 million paying customers in 2009. Revenue in 2009 was € 231.2m.

MasterImage is a sponsor of MarketSaw

Ridley Scott May be Partnering With OR BUYING His Own S3D Company!

Huge news here guys from New York magazine if it comes to fruition! Sir Ridley Scott is apparently in deep negotiations to become partners with Symphony 3D which happens to be the parent company of MasterImage. If you will remember, I am very bullish on MasterImage and love their 3D projection solution and products.

Seems Scott will be renaming the venture Scott Three Productions (his current shingle is called Scott Free Productions) so it seems he will be taking a very active role - perhaps owning it outright! Now there is an obvious difference between running a 3D projection company and a production house, so I have a well placed email in to a person in the know to get the lowdown on how it all looks.

The combination of a strategically placed 3D company in the hands of one of the masters of our time is a perfect combination for this new generation of filmmaking! I can feel the energy and excitement pulsing within the Scott camp lately - can you feel it? 3D is playing a huge role in this renaissance; I am ecstatic that Ridley Scott is front and center!!

MasterImage is a sponsor of MarketSaw

3D Projection Company MasterImage Expands Into Europe

Jim here. When I was at ShoWest this year, I had the pleasure of meeting the executive team of MasterImage who showed me their new 3D projection technology and it was simply amazing. And affordable! I love their business model and I believe the industry needs this solution to open doors for all theater players and situations. They are a serious player in this space and their product is very, very good. If you are a theater owner investigating options, definitely consider this company.

Here is their press release about their new offices at Pinewood Studios in the UK (emphasis is mine):

3D company MasterImage 3D, LLC has expanded its operations with the opening today of its European office. Located in the UK’s legendary Pinewood Studios, the new office serves the fast-growing number of theaters adopting MasterImage’s 3D digital cinema systems across Europe and will help drive adoption of its auto-stereoscopic 3D display systems. Cinema technology veterans Brian Kercher, newly named managing director of 3D cinema, MasterImage 3D Europe, and Andrew Lee, director of sales engineering, are leading the company’s European operations.

MasterImage provides 3D solutions for cinemas, flat panel displays for televisions and mobile devices, and cameras. In the past six months MasterImage has doubled its theatrical market share, with more than 1,600 systems installed worldwide (over 500 of them in Europe). All six major Hollywood studios, along with independent distributors, support the MasterImage format for their 3D features. In 2009 the company also commercialized the world’'s first glasses-free 3D mobile device, the Hitachi Wooo.

“"When I encountered MasterImage’s technology I was struck by the opportunity",” said Kercher. “"The company had an incredibly strong offering and a significant opportunity for growth in Europe. The quality of the MasterImage 3D presentation is unrivaled, and it has a cost of ownership that cannot be matched by 3D technology that uses expensive glasses or an endless ‘seat tax’ business model. Plus, MasterImage works through local integrators that cinemas already know and trust. With our full support and service organization now based in Europe together with our local integration partners, MasterImage is well positioned to bring beautiful 3D digital images to audiences in every corner of the region.”"

Kercher joins MasterImage from Eastman Kodak, where he was general manager of the company’s digital cinema business. In his fifteen-year tenure with Kodak Kercher held executive and sales roles, most recently developing the company’s digital cinema business in EMEAR. Kercher also developed new market customer bases for Quantel and Hi-Q Systems, and has been a member of the Board of Directors of Cinesite Europe since 2004.

Andrew Lee heads technical operations of MasterImage 3D Europe. He has been with the company since 2009 and was most recently vice president of cinema technology. Lee relocates to the UK from Toronto. A twenty year veteran of the 3D motion picture presentation industry, Lee built his expertise at IMAX, where he spent fourteen years developing 3D glasses and 3D camera and presentation technology. He is recognized as an industry expert in 3D screen technology and manufacturing techniques. Lee has also held senior level R&D roles at MDI and Franklin Designs International.

Said MasterImage CEO Younghoon Lee, "“We have been quietly developing and delivering 3D solutions since 2004 for an emerging 3D market, to the point where we are now providing the highest quality 3D experience from cinemas to cell phones. With Brian’s and Andrew’s experience and leadership, our European operation will help us to meet the demands of our growing customer base and deliver 3D images to a worldwide market hungry for 3D content and the means to view it.”"

About MasterImage 3D, LLC
MasterImage 3D, LLC is a stereoscopic 3D technology company that provides pioneering 3D solutions for theaters, television and handheld devices. With more than 1,600 theatre systems installed worldwide, MasterImage offers audiences the best 3D image experience, while providing exhibitors with a compelling ownership-based pricing model. The company’s auto-stereoscopic (glasses-free), 3D LCD technology for mobile and electronic devices are the first commercial displays of their kind, and the company’s 3D camera ASIC empowers dual camera-equipped devices that enable users to create and share 3D content. The company is gearing up to deploy millions of auto-stereoscopic units with multiple manufactures worldwide. Founded in 2004, MasterImage was recently acquired and capitalized by US-based Symphony 3D Holdings and is headquartered in Burbank, California.

I had the opportunity to try out the Hitachi Wooo H001 and let me tell you it was impressive. It has a 3.1 inch with an outstanding 854x480p resolution and is autostereoscopic! I was skeptical until I saw it. It has quite a wide range of viewing angles without losing 3D too. It is worth the time to check it out!

Looking forward to seeing more from this company as they continue their rapid 3D theatrical projection growth around the world.

Stereoscopic 3D Technology Awards Coming October 5, 2010; Call For Nominations Now On

Jim here. The International 3D Society is now accepting nominations for its Stereoscopic 3D Technology Awards to be held October 5, 2010 at 7pm at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

The 3D Technology Awards honor technological achievement in the stereoscopic medium -- mainly cinema, television, special venue, themed attractions, video games, PC and other media. The Society announced today that it is accepting entries from the 3D professional community to be voted upon by a blue-ribbon 3D Technology Awards panel. The first 3D Technology Awards of its kind, the program will recognize individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact on the advancement of stereoscopic arts and technologies from January 1, 1980 through December 31, 2009.

"The International 3D Society is seeking to honor the contributions of engineers, scientists, and inventors who have helped to create the stereoscopic medium," said 3D Awards Committee co-chair and Oculus 3D President Lenny Lipton. "We are interested in calling attention to work that has been done in the recent past to advance the technology of the 3D moving image."

Buzz Hays, Society Chair and Senior Vice President of the Sony 3D Technology Center, Sony Corporation of America, added, "For those of us who have worked in 3D, it is nice to see our colleagues recognized with awards presented by their peers."

"All of us working in this exciting 3D environment today realize we are standing on the shoulders of giants who created the very technologies which make stereoscopic 3D possible," said Jim Chabin, President of the International 3D Society. The organization is a professional community dedicated to advancing the arts and technologies of Stereoscopic 3D.

The 3D Technology Awards Show will feature MasterImage3D passive glasses and technology. Rules, regulations and entry forms are available online at http://www.international3dsociety.com/awardstech.html. There is no entry fee for submissions. The deadline for submissions is May 30, 2010. Nominees will be announced prior to the show.

International 3D Society sponsors include Signature Sponsor XpanD and Founding Sponsors MasterImage 3D, Panasonic Hollywood Lab and IMAX.

AWESOME! About time this took place. I am really looking forward to seeing the outcome of the show! Best of luck to everyone involved.

MasterImage To Unveil New Multi-Use 3D Glasses at 2010 NAB Show

Jim here. I have been impressed with what I have been seeing from MasterImage of late and I think now is the time to bring up something that I think is an excellent idea: Choice. MasterImage is another 3D projection company in the same business as RealD, Dolby 3D, Xpand, IMAX 3D and others.

As you know, when you go to theaters in most cases you will be given a pair of disposible and recyclable glasses. Others will offer you glasses that you must return at the end of the screening. They are a good solution for the masses. However, there has never before been a choice of glasses offered before by a single vendor. Enter MasterImage.

MasterImage is adding a premium quality set of glasses that may be offered for sale in theaters for patrons who know that they will be seeing future 3D movies and want to own their own pair of glasses. Wholesale price is $5.

The only issue I see that may develop is that customers may deem that they should not have to pay as high a premium for 3D movies if they are bringing their own glasses. Customers are not savvy to the inner workings of why 3D movies cost more, but they obviously know that the pair of 3D glasses that they get at every screening costs money. If they are eliminating that cost by bringing their own theater-bought glasses... you see where I am going with this.

Then again, it may not happen. I personally like choice and I feel it is an excellent solution that other 3D projection companies should look at. Of course either way it is ultimately a better environmental solution to reuse than recycle if given a choice. And yes, you can certainly reuse your disposible 3D glasses too, but they are far more flimsy and will not last nearly as long.

Here is their press release:
MasterImage 3D, LLC, a 3D technology company that provides pioneering stereoscopic and autostereoscopic 3D systems, will introduce premium quality, multi-use glasses for their 3D
digital cinema systems at the 2010 NAB Show. The environmentally friendly, high-performance glasses are fitted with the company's advanced, circular polarized lenses. The MasterImage glasses will be available to theater owners worldwide, May 2010, at a market setting list price of $5.00, per pair.

Supported by all six major studios, MasterImage has seen its theatrical market share rise 1200% during the past 18 months because it offers superior digital technologies, along with a cost-effective, ownership-based pricing model. The stylish, reusable glasses do not require batteries and complement the company's single-use offering.

"We are mindful of the environmental benefits afforded by reusable glasses and wanted to offer exhibitors options, so they can select the right product for their needs," said MasterImage's Peter Koplik. "With this new, market setting offer, Master Image will outfit theaters with multi-use glasses at less than one-fourth the cost of what competitors are charging for comparable alternatives."

MasterImage is exhibiting at the 2010 NAB Show in Las Vegas, in the 3D Pavilion, booth SL 4514G, April 12-15. There, the company will showcase the new glasses, along with its pioneering, autostereoscopic mobile display systems.

About MasterImage 3D, LLC
MasterImage 3D is a stereoscopic 3D technology company that provides pioneering 3D solutions for theaters, flat panel displays and handheld devices. With more than 1,400 digital 3D theatre systems installed worldwide, MasterImage offers audiences the best 3D image experience, while providing exhibitors with a compelling ownership-based pricing model. The company's auto-stereoscopic (glasses-free), 3D LCD technology for mobile and electronic devices are the first commercial displays of their kind, and the company's 3D camera ASIC empowers dual camera-equipped devices that enable users to create and share 3D content. The company is gearing up to deploy millions of auto-stereoscopic units with multiple manufactures worldwide. Founded in 2004, the company was recently acquired and capitalized by US-based Symphony 3D Holdings and is now headquartered in Burbank, California.

Keep an eye on these guys. I saw their projection in action at ShoWest and it is excellent. Further, their solution costs ~$30,000 and there is no monthly subscriber fee. Once theater chains own the solution, that's it. I like what I see! They have had a heckuva year.

Oh and if you are at NAB, check out their portable, glasses-free 3D solution! It looks STUNNING.