Blu-ray 3D specifications finalized, your PS3 is ready!

[I am Penguin]

Click on Pic

In case plans by AMD and a slew of other tech vendors planning to showcase 3D Blu-ray compatible products at CES wasn't a tip-off, the updated specifications are done. The key details? First, that the Blu-ray Disc Association has chosen the Multiview Video Coding (MVC) codec to store 3D, so that even though it is now providing a full 1080p frame for each eye, it will only require about 50% more storage space compared to the 2D version, and all discs will be fully backwards compatible, in 2D, on existing players. Better than backwards compatibility, the PlayStation 3 will be forwards compatible with the new discs -- a new HDTV setup (the spec promises to work with plasmas, LCDs or projectors equally well) with IR emitters and glasses will still be necessary. According to the PR (after the break) we can expect Blu-ray 3D-stickered products in 2010, our only advice is to keep those responsible for the Cowboys Stadium abomination far, far away from it.

Blu-ray Disc Association Announces Final 3D Specification
"Blu-ray 3DTM" Expected to Reach Consumers in 2010 LOS ANGELES --(Business Wire)-- Dec 17, 2009

The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) today announced the finalization and release of the "Blu-ray 3DTM" specification. The specification, which represents the work of the leading Hollywood studios and consumer electronic and computer manufacturers, will enable the home entertainment industry to bring the 3D experience into consumers' living rooms on Blu-ray Disc, the most capable high definition home entertainment platform.

"Throughout this year, movie goers have shown an overwhelming preference for 3D when presented with the option to see a theatrical release in either 3D or 2D," said Victor Matsuda, chairman, BDA Global Promotions Committee. "We believe this demand for 3D content will carry over into the home now that we have, in Blu-ray Disc, a medium that can deliver a quality Full HD 3D experience to the living room."

The "Blu-ray 3D" specification fully leverages the technical advantages of the Blu-ray Disc format to deliver unmatched picture quality as well as uniformity and compatibility across the full range of Blu-ray 3D products, both hardware and software. Notably, the specification allows every Blu-ray 3D player and movie to deliver Full HD 1080p resolution to each eye, thereby maintaining the industry leading image quality to which Blu-ray Disc viewers are accustomed. Moreover, the specification is display agnostic, meaning that Blu-ray 3D products will deliver the 3D image to any compatible 3D display, regardless of whether that display uses LCD, Plasma or other technology and regardless of what 3D technology the display uses to deliver the image to the viewer's eyes.

"From a technological perspective, it is simply the best available platform for bringing 3D into the home," said Benn Carr, chairman, BDA 3D Task Force. "The disc capacity and bit rates Blu-ray Disc provides enable us to deliver 3D in Full HD 1080p high definition resolution." The Blu-ray 3D specification is also designed to allow PS3 game consoles to play back Blu-ray 3D content in 3D. Additionally, the specification supports playback of 2D discs in forthcoming 3D players and can enable 2D playback of Blu-ray 3D discs on the large installed base of Blu-ray Disc players currently in homes around the world.

"In 2009 we saw Blu-ray firmly establish itself as the most rapidly adopted packaged media format ever introduced," said Matsuda. "We think the broad and rapid acceptance Blu-ray Disc already enjoys with consumers will be a factor in accelerating the uptake of 3D in the home. In the meantime, existing players and libraries can continue to be fully enjoyed as consumers consider extending into 3D home entertainment."

The Blu-ray 3D specification calls for encoding 3D video using the Multiview Video Coding (MVC) codec, an extension to the ITU-T H.264 Advanced Video Coding (AVC) codec currently supported by all Blu-ray Disc players. MPEG4-MVC compresses both left and right eye views with a typical 50% overhead compared to equivalent 2D content, and can provide full 1080p resolution backward compatibility with current 2D Blu-ray Disc players. The specification also incorporates enhanced graphic features for 3D. These features provide a new experience for users, enabling navigation using 3D graphic menus and displaying 3D subtitles positioned in 3D video.

The completed specification will be available shortly and provides individual manufacturers and content providers with the technical information and guidelines necessary to develop, announce and bring products to market pursuant to their own internal planning cycles and timetables

Yep its true! NOT a rumor!

 

[RazedInBlack]

Cool!

All I wanna see now is pricing.

 

[Dolby]

Doubt it was quicker adopted than DVD though. DVD offered a massive benefits over the format before (resolution, sound, convenience etc) so was quickly adaopted. There also was no format war and consumers were keen to buy. By comparisson, Blu Ray doesn't offer a huge leap over DVD - with slight resolutiion and sound - and with the format, it was pretty slow to get buy in.

I'm guessing maybe they mean by units sold (BR vs DVD players) - and in that case they're taking into account the almost 30 million PS3 out there. Of those, you'll probably find 29,800,000 bought it for games as a primary function.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blu-ray_Disc

According to Adams Media Research, high-definition software sales were slower in the first two years than standard DVD software sales.[46] 16.3 million standard DVD software units were sold in the first two years (1997–98) compared to 8.3 million high-definition software units (2006–07).[46][47] One reason given for this difference was the smaller marketplace (26.5 million HDTVs in 2007 compared to 100 million SDTVs in 1998).[

And since HD DVD was around in that period, we can take off those sales from the 8 mlillion odd HD ...

 

[Syphonx]

"most Rapidly adopted packaged media format ever introduced", sounds like marketing mumbo jumbo, can anyone here even definitely state what a packaged media format is? I assume it includes cd,vhs,cassette,vynils,dvd etc?

 

[RPG_Fan]

One of the problems that made HD content so hard to adopt is the investment of a HD panel. Are they saying that 3D can be views on current HD Panels?

 

[Smurfatefrog]

Good to know but I have a feeling most of us will be on at least a PS4 by the time this is mainstream

 

[RazedInBlack]

Good to know but I have a feeling most of us will be on at least a PS4 by the time this is mainstream

And an XBox 180 for others

 

[Dolby]

And an XBox 180 for others

Nice bait ..

 

[thisgeek]

One of the problems that made HD content so hard to adopt is the investment of a HD panel. Are they saying that 3D can be views on current HD Panels?

From what I understand, only if the panel can do 120hz refresh.

 

[RazedInBlack]

Nice bait ..

 

[RPG_Fan]

And an XBox 180 for others

More like xbox 90.

 

[I am Penguin]

One of the problems that made HD content so hard to adopt is the investment of a HD panel. Are they saying that 3D can be views on current HD Panels?

Some units may be compatible already, depends on the inputs, etc.
See my post here for a indication! http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthr...n-3-non-bias&p=3624931&highlight=#post3624931


As for the Adoption of BluRay, Why are people questioning the validity of the statement if it's a fact. Sure if it was not for the PS3 it would have been much less, 30 Million less maybe, matter of the fact is it is true and just again show the Sony marketing genius at work.

Despite of the global economic crisis, U.S. consumer spending on home pre-recorded entertainment, which includes DVD, Blu-ray disc (BD) and digital distribution, was around $4 billion in Q3 2009, down by 3.2% annually. BD movie sales continue to show growth with overall sales up 83% for the year and playback devices in 11.7 million U.S. households. However, sales of packaged media continue to decline, reports Digital Entertainment Group.

Sales of Packaged Media Down amid Increasing Penetration of Blu-Ray

Consumer spending on sell-through packaged media was down 13.9% in the third quarter, meanwhile, Blu-ray was up 66.3% to $161 million compared to the same period last year (up 83% year-to-date to $568 million). Digital distribution (including both video-on-demand and electronic sell-through) was up 18% for the quarter to $420 million (up 20% year-to-date to $1.4 billion). Furthermore, according to Rentrak Corporation’s Home Video Essentials, rental spending was up 9.9% for the quarter, with Blu-ray rental spending up 44.5%.

http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/multim...rity_of_Packaged_Media_Continues_to_Drop.html

 

[I am Penguin]

"most Rapidly adopted packaged media format ever introduced", sounds like marketing mumbo jumbo, can anyone here even definitely state what a packaged media format is? I assume it includes cd,vhs,cassette,vynils,dvd etc?

Yep, even LP33's and cassette deck8, tape decks, tape rolls, film rolls since the 40's etc.

 

[Syphonx]

Yep, even LP33's and cassette deck8, tape decks, tape rolls, film rolls since the 40's etc.

I still find it hard to believe, I doubt its picked up that fast locally

 

[I am Penguin]

By comparisson, Blu Ray doesn't offer a huge leap over DVD - with slight resolutiion and sound ...

Yep, Thats interesting. How many BluRay titles have you watched!

..... Oh I remember now, we cannot see or hear the difference, its only a marketing gimmick and peoples imagination. DVD can supply all the same content on one disk, HD sound included, the extra capacity are not even required and are just a waste of space.

Is that's why there are such a slow uptake in the market you say?

What BluRay player do you have again?

I also remember You are an avid Home Theater enthusiast, yet what I find strange is that the general consensus on the AV forums are exactly the opposite and mostly if I am looking at the top echelon with avid fans setting up their own full theater rooms, mostly all have BluRay players feeding huge screens and projectors. Some of those serious enthusiasts even use the PS3 as player or BOTH. I must look hard to find ANY avid Enthusiast dishing BluRay titles, BluRay players and HD sound codecs like you do!

Strange indeed!

 

[I am Penguin]

I still find it hard to believe, I doubt its picked up that fast locally

I do not think when they made that statement they included third world countries at all. Matsuda prolly do not even know where Africa is or that they/we exist!

 

[PeterCH]

Yep, Thats interesting. How many BluRay titles have you watched!

More than you. I have lots more expendable income than you and certainly Bluray is not worth it.

..... Oh I remember now, we cannot see or hear the difference, its only a marketing gimmick and peoples imagination. DVD can supply all the same content on one disk, HD sound included, the extra capacity are not even required and are just a waste of space.

Scientifically proven that you cannot see the difference. You need to sit within 3.5 heights of the screen to discern full HD vs SD. There is a graph on EngagetHD and it's a well known fact. Call up your optometrist and ask, if you don't believe me.
Until 50-60inch sets become mainstream and affordable of FULL HD projectors become so (Sony sells the cheapest one for R27,000) there is no significant difference for most viewers.

Is that's why there are such a slow uptake in the market you say?

Yes there is. An 83% increase over low numbers is still low. Have you been to a DVD store lately? Have you compared the DVD inventory vs the BD inventory?

What BluRay player do you have again?

Suddenly it now depends on the make and model of the player. Which one do you own?

I also remember You are an avid Home Theater enthusiast, yet what I find strange is that the general consensus on the AV forums are exactly the opposite and mostly if I am looking at the top echelon with avid fans setting up their own full theater rooms, mostly all have BluRay players feeding huge screens and projectors. Some of those serious enthusiasts even use the PS3 as player or BOTH. I must look hard to find ANY avid Enthusiast dishing BluRay titles, BluRay players and HD sound codecs like you do!

LOL haha - typical ad hominem BS. Are you a top HT enthusiast. Do you own a R300K projector or a R200K plasma? I doubt it. These top HT enthusiasts own HUGE screens or projectors and so - yes at small distance and huge screen there is a difference but plonking a 40 or even 46 inch (let alone 32) LCD into a large living room does not cut it.

Strange indeed!

Shill much?

 

[PeterCH]

Yep its true! NOT a rumor!

You better not tell Matsuda all the anti-Japanese drivel you've been saying on these forums.

 

[PeterCH]

I do not think when they made that statement they included third world countries at all. Matsuda prolly do not even know where Africa is or that they/we exist!

He certainly would blush if he heard your anti-Japanese drivel on MyBB.

 

[Fudzy]

Yep, Thats interesting. How many BluRay titles have you watched!

..... Oh I remember now, we cannot see or hear the difference, its only a marketing gimmick and peoples imagination. DVD can supply all the same content on one disk, HD sound included, the extra capacity are not even required and are just a waste of space.

Is that's why there are such a slow uptake in the market you say?

What BluRay player do you have again?

I also remember You are an avid Home Theater enthusiast, yet what I find strange is that the general consensus on the AV forums are exactly the opposite and mostly if I am looking at the top echelon with avid fans setting up their own full theater rooms, mostly all have BluRay players feeding huge screens and projectors. Some of those serious enthusiasts even use the PS3 as player or BOTH. I must look hard to find ANY avid Enthusiast dishing BluRay titles, BluRay players and HD sound codecs like you do!

Strange indeed!

Arrgh! Please don't start this again We've just come out of multiple phonebook length threads regarding the quality of the PS3's Blu ray capabilities.

Back on topic, if the 3D effects in cinemas are anything to go by any screen sub 50" won't really have the same sort of immersion that the bigger screens offer. Saying that, I hope this technology becomes more demanded and mainstream as it will drive down the price of larger displays. Like we've seen 12" CRT monitors being replaced with 17/19" LCD displays, I would like to see 32" LCD displays replaced with 60" OLED 3D displays