Sony offers 3D gaming and video via PS3 firmware update

[Uli]

i read the rumor a while ago but now it's official CES news. on the show floor Sony is demonstrating Super Stardust HD in 3D.

i think this is great news because it's a singnal to the industry which says 3D at home doesn't necessarily have to mean to invest in a complete new HDMI 1.4 compatible Audio-Video setup, which would surely cost us a small fortune again.

however, if HDMI 1.4 was the only plan of the industry then this year's 3D revolution at home will most likely happen without me since i wont update my recently completed Full HD AV setup anytime soon.

Sony demo footage: http://www.gfdata.de/archiv12-2009-gamefront/4655.html

[Brad]

Surely we'll all need new TVs?

[abigsmurf]

I think we will need new TVs as you need a TV capable of accepting a 120hz input (although in theory they can do it with 60hz for an effective frame rate of 30fps).

HDMI 1.4... will TV makers offer firmware upgrades for this? God knows.

[Uli]

Surely we'll all need new TVs?

no, not necessarily. it depends on what 3D technique is used. Sony relies on shutter glasses, which means every 100/120Hz compatible TV set could display 3D images @ 24/50/60p. i think Panasonic uses polarizing filters directly on their TV panel, thus meaning you have to buy at least a filter screen, if not a new TV set and player all together.

[EvilBoris]

That can't be right, all LCD screens rely on the panel being polarised to display an image, putting another polarising filter on top will just make your TV darker or just pitch black.

Polarised 3D requires 2 image sources polarised on different axis' so your polarised 3D specs allow a different image through into each eye.

[Brad]

I don't think any of the big players have any incentive to make 3d work on TVs we already have. Sony will want PS3 owners to buy new Bravias for example.

[sj33]

I'd imagine this is being implemented largely as a proof-of-concept, similar to HD on the original XBox. They're surely not expecting mass adoption any time soon.

However, I can see it being quite popular when the inevitable Playstation 4 comes out. Going by the expected life-cyle, people might actually be looking to buy new TVs by then, and the success of Avatar etc. has put 3D in the public consciousness. On top of that, forthcoming hardware will probably take the overhead of 3D into account, whereas it will always be a consideration on existing hardware. We're not going to see Killzone 3 or whatever in 3D, mostly stuff like Super Stardust.

[EvilBoris]

Because it doesn't actually require any extra hardware from the manufacturers point of view (bar the shutter specs which are inexpensive) making sure that you actually have products available to work with compatible sets is a must. There is no point putting 3D ready on the set if there is no media to play on it.
It'll be the games first , then 3D compatible bluray discs which again the ps3 will be leading the way forward in Market penetration.

[sj33]

On the subject of 3D Blu-Ray...

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/354025/nvidia-announces-3d-blu-ray-for-2010

The above link confirms the requirement of 120Hz input for films at least, too.

Suddenly the recently announced Blu-Ray discs than can hold 33GB per layer (and work on existing players) seem useful.

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/sony-to-increase-blu-ray-capacity

[Uli]

HDMI 1.4... will TV makers offer firmware upgrades for this? God knows.

as far as i came to understand the whole silly point is basically that you can't update your existing HDMI hardware with just a new firmware. i assume HDMI 1.4 adds more than just communication protocols...

[Psyduck]

It's hardly conclusive but when i read about this stuff ~6 months ago with sky trialling 3d TV articles were saying you'd need a new TV. This was probably newspapers rather than techy stuff though, so may not necessarily be right.

[J0e Musashi]

The Evening Standard said you'll need a new TV. Sony are launching in June along with two different pairs of specs. TV is £2,000 for 40", and the specs are £60.

Seems cheap enough. I'll get one.

[QualityChimp]

Cheap at twice the price

I think this is the article J0e was referring to.

I'm not particularly enamoured with the idea of buying another telly, but I was bowled over by the Panasonic 3D plasma demo booth.

[Hodge]

Not sure if I`m gonna bother with 3D or not. I`m after a new tv now but after viewing Avatar in 3D the other day for 2 1/2 hours I had a splitting headache for the rest of the day. Make me think what playing games in 3D will do to me Depends on the price point I suppose but if it`s gonna be ?2000 for a 40inch they can forget it.

[Number45]

I'm sure I read that a TV would need to be able to display two 100hz images for the tech to work. Not bothered either way - I enjoyed Avatar in 3D, but not to the extent that I think it offers a significantly greater experience than watching it normally.

By the time I come to replace the current TV, the tech should have advanced significantly and the pricing should be appropriate.