Takashi Kawai, a Professor at the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, analyses the current boom in 3D entertainment and the potential future applications of 3D technology

2010 has been called the beginning of the 3D era, a year in which the term 3D frequently appeared in the media. Here, I use 3D to mean three-dimensional images, or to give them their proper name, stereoscopic images, reproduced to appear in front of or behind the screen. The word stereoscopic was coined by the inventor of the stereoscope, Sir Charles Wheatstone, who first used the term in a paper published in 1838. It derives from the Greek words stereos, meaning solid, and scope, meaning viewing instrument.

The phenomenon of periodic booms in 3D is often pointed out. These were mainly 3D movie booms that occurred in the 1950s and 1980s, and the present day is sometimes referred to as the third boom. The fact that 3D has until now never developed beyond a temporary fad is an indication of the difficulty in popularizing it. Nevertheless, the repeated appearance of such booms does suggest that 3D is a kind of dream technology for human beings. Here I would like to mention the characteristic ripple effect of present day 3D. The rapid development outside the film industry of 3D-compatible TVs, game consoles and mobile devices currently being announced and released by various manufacturers has exceeded the expectations of most researchers such as myself, as well as industry related people.

Issues of Present Day 3D

Although the spread of 3D is expected to result in the creation of new industries and culture, it is still uncertain what the merits and added value will be for users. When asked, “What is the advantage of 3D movies or TV?” it is not enough to simply answer that “things leap out of or into the screen”. Scientific verification of whether 3D can really convey different sensations than 2D, or of what elements of 3D people find appealing, is urgently required so that the current boom does not turn into just another temporary fad.

At our laboratory, we have been conducting an experimental study of current 3D issues as they relate to the user experience. From Figure 1 we can see that the line of sight is concentrated mostly on people, and especially faces, when watching a movie in 2D. Figure 2 is the result when viewing the same movie in 3D. Here we see that the line of sight is concentrated not only on people’s faces but also on the objects in the foreground. To clarify the cause of such a distinctive difference, we have performed a range of detailed analyses, especially of the link with the spatial construction of visual data.

Fig. 1

Fig. 2
Initiatives toward the Future of 3D

While tackling the present day tasks of explaining viewer recognition and emotional aspects, our laboratory is also facing the challenge of looking to the future of 3D. One such direction is new applications of 3D. An example of this is three-dimensional character blocks for literacy learning developed through joint research with the Division of Developmental Neuropsychology at the National Center for Child Health and Development. The intention is to utilize spatial reasoning capacity in literacy learning by adding information of depth according to the stroke order of a character to its ordinary two-dimensional shape. Such a conceptual shift from representing real shapes three-dimensionally to envisioning a specific effect and venturing to express it three-dimensionally could produce an unprecedented demand for 3D.

Another direction we have taken relates to the extension towards perceptual experience through 3D representation other than vision. Figure 3 shows an example of this, a tactile behavioral illusion system. By combining 3D and tactile stimulation based on certain measurements, this system enables people to experience sensations that have not actually been triggered. Specifically, we can create an illusion related to bodily sensation, a feeling that a stationary object touching one’s hand is moving across the surface of that hand. Such a shift in awareness from a single sense to the integration of multiple senses, or in other words, from vision to brain function, could be vital in shaping the 3D-based media of the next generation.

The desire to see remote things or to present them so that they can be seen is a fundamental trait in human beings. That is to say, interest in and expectations for 3D are perfectly natural, and so the future of 3D also seems linked, to some extent, to human potential.

Fig. 3

About the author:

Takashi Kawai, Professor, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University

Graduated in 1993 from the Department of Human Health Sciences, School of Human Sciences, Waseda University. Having completed a doctoral course at Waseda University’s Graduate School of Human Sciences in 1998, he went on to hold several positions at the University, including Research Associate at the School of Human Sciences, Full-time Lecturer at the Global Information and Telecommunication Institute (GITI), and Assistant Professor at the Graduate School of Global Information and Telecommunication Studies (GITS). Since 2008 he has held the concurrent positions at Waseda University of Professor at GITS and Professor in the Department of Intermedia Art and Science at the School of Fundamental Sciences and Engineering. Dr. Kawai has a doctorate in Human Sciences. His primary works include Fundamentals of 3D Image Expression [3D Rittai eizou hyougen no kiso]

Original post here: http://www.rdmag.com/News/Feeds/2011/01/manufacturing-the-present-and-future-of-3d/

Last year Nielsen released survey results showing that 3DTV ownership/interest levels were higher in Saudi Arabia than anywhere else in the world. That’s not surprising since Saudi Arabia has a young population, booming economy and difficult climate, which forces us to turn to indoor entertainment.

It’s been just over a year since 3DTV debuted at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in the US and the technology is already evolving. The most significant new development in 3D is about to come with the launch of the Nintendo 3DS gaming console — which will be a glasses-free 3D experience. The 3DS is expected to be very popular but Nintendo has warned that children under the age of six may suffer stunted eye development if they play with the console in 3D mode. Last year Samsung and Sony put out warnings about their 3D TV products noting that they could trigger epileptic fits or cause health problems such as altered vision, dizziness, nausea, cramps, convulsions and involuntary movements such as eye or muscle twitching.

Most of these warnings are probably being issued since extensive use of 3D technologies is a new phenomenon and companies don’t want to be sued if research uncovers health issues over time. Nintendo advises all 3DS users to stop playing every 30 minutes and focus at a distance so their eyes have a chance to rest.

Those individuals using a 3D system that requires Active Shutter Glasses may want to purchase EXPAND YOUNIVERSAL series 3D electronic eyewear. These glasses come with a specialized smart phone app that allows them to be optimized to address the fact that every human’s eyes and facial structure are unique and that each user’s viewing requirements and environment are different. The glasses work with all 3DTV models, 3D computers, 3D gaming consoles and cinema. Learn more about the EXPAND YOUNIVERSAL series at www.xpandcinema.com.

Consumers who haven’t purchased a 3D TV yet should consider waiting a few months until LG launches its new TVs which are based on next-generation Film-type Patterned Retarder (FPR) 3D technology. LG claims that these 3D TVS will overcome the problems caused by existing shutter glass (SG) 3D technology.

FPR delivers full HD picture quality, as well as creating a vivid, immersive 3D experience. FPR does not produce flicker or crosstalk, both major criticisms of SG technology. Excessive flicker has been the source of complaints over eye fatigue and poor picture quality, as well as serious health concerns such as photosensitive epilepsy. LG Display’s FPR utilizes polarized glasses that emit no electromagnetic waves, allowing consumers to enjoy long hours of comfortable viewing. FPR clip-on shades will also be available for prescription glasses, replacing the need to wear two sets of glasses with SG displays. Finally, whereas SG glasses severely restrict flexible head movement which cause the glasses to go dark, FPR allows users a fuller range of movement such as lying down on a sofa without losing the 3D picture.

Original post here: http://arabnews.com/lifestyle/science_technology/article243288.ece

(Philip Lelyveld comment: A small but interesting deal)

Ram Investment Group (LON:RAM), the outdoor advertising group, has signed a joint venture agreement that will see it begin marketing 3D advertising screens to shopping malls. The group’s RAM Vision arm has struck a deal with Free Ray UK Ltd, a subsidiary of Free Ray FZ LLC, the sole distributer and business partner of Tridelity Display Solutions Gmbh. The joint venture covers leading edge 3D flat screen technology that can be viewed without the need of special glasses.

Free Ray, which is based in Dubai, will invest £1.5m into capital expenditure as part of the joint venture with RAM Vision. The arrangement comprises individual exclusivity terms on each of RAM Vision’s contracted UK shopping malls scheduled for the 3D roll out. The joint venture will market under the brand name RAM3D. The RAM Investment Group share price remained unmoved at 4.25p.

Ram Vision is projecting gross sales revenues for the joint venture from 3D advertising sales to exceed £600,000 in the first year of operations with the expectation that this new prospective profit centre will not impair the advertising revenues it currently generates with 2D advertising. Free Way, jointly with Tridelity, has already successfully fulfilled major advertising projects in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Turkey, Egypt, Tunis, Kuwait and Lebanon for major international brands.

Tim Baldwin, the executive chairman of RAM, said: “We are very pleased about the joint venture. Firstly because it will give us incremental revenue without the costs of deploying capital or material additional operating expense. Secondly because it demonstrates to our property partners that we are at the leading edge of new technology to enhance the Mall environment and thirdly because 3D is likely to bring us in touch with a greater range and depth of premier international brands.”

Original post here: http://www.stockopedia.co.uk/content/ram-investment-group-agrees-3d-technology-joint-venture-53218/

Penthouse Studios will roll out its first 3D release in late February with the debut of “Real Porn Stars of Chatsworth” starring 2011 Penthouse Pet of the Year Nikki Benz.

The company said the high-definition Blu-ray 3D movie represents the latest in 3D technological advancements and also officially signals the company’s aggressive move into 3D content both on DVD and online. Viewers will be able to experience the full 3D effects with a 3D HDTV, Blu-ray player and 3D glasses. The day-and-date release of “Real Porn Stars of Chatsworth” will also include the standard-def disc in the same package, and will be distributed by Penthouse’s new exclusive distributor, Exile Distribution.

Kelly Holland, president of Penthouse Studios, said she and her team have been researching 3D technology for the past two years, meeting with major players in Silicon Valley and talking to various technology providers about all aspects of the 3D experience.

She revealed that Penthouse switched to shooting all its content in 3D in August, and has already completed 10 full 3D movies and 95 internet scenes for Penthouse.com. And in March, the company is preparing for another milestone — the launch of the first Penthouse 3D cable channel in the U.S.

“It’s very cool that Penthouse is stepping up to the plate and really taking advantage of the new technology. It’s groundbreaking,” Holland said Thursday during a media conference in which she announced the company’s 3D initiatives. She emphasized that 3D is not the future, rather “3D is now.”

Paul Formanek of SPF Transfer, the company that authors the Penthouse 3D discs, said the new technology “gives you the impression you can raise your hand up and you’re in the picture.”

“It’s almost like a bizarre out-of-body experience,” Formanek said.

“This is not your father’s 3D,” said Howard Levine, who launched Exile Distribution earlier this month and signed Penthouse as one of its first clients. “It’s really technically advanced. This is what they’re using in theatres and in the new DVDs like ‘Resident Evil After Life.’”

Levine said the Penthouse 3D movies will have a “competitive price,” and will be packaged in clear cases to differentiate them from regular Blu-ray movies.

Both Levine and Holland said today’s porn viewer is more savvy and intelligent than ever with what they want to watch and how.

“They’re granular with what they look at,” Holland said. “They know exactly what they want. We’ve had to adopt this sensibility.”

With that, Holland noted there are numerous intricacies with shooting 3D; every shot is different and it’s important to not compromise the heat of a scene.

“We don’t want to let technology get in the way of the experience. You still have to shoot a XXX or softcore movie and give viewers the traditional user experience they’ve come to know. Movies cannot be dictated by technology,” she said. “We make conscious choices about how 3D to make it.”

Levine and Holland go back almost 20 years, so their latest collaboration was a natural. She said she is already working with the veteran sales pro on changing the look and feel of the Penthouse box covers, among other things.

“In the next 30 days you’re going to see a newer, crisper, cleaner look to the box covers with more detailed photos on the back showing who’s doing what to who with more hardcore pictures,” Holland said.

Penthouse, which already has a strong European presence, won 2010 Venus awards for Company of the Year and HD Channel of the Year in October in Berlin.

Marc Bell, CEO of FriendFinder Networks and Penthouse, said the strategic move into 3D represents a “global” branding initiative that underscores the company’s desire to embrace the most advanced technologies available.

“We’re very confident about this,” Bell said. “We’re committed to it and we’re excited about it.”

Just after this year’s International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where Panasonic had one of the grandest 3D displays of any consumer electronics manufacturer, Eisuke Tsuyuzaki sat down with Home Media Magazine editors for a brief discussion of 3D and its role in the future of home entertainment.

HM: Why 3D for the home, and why now?

Tsuyuzaki: 3D in the cinema has come of age. It has moved beyond the “spear in your eye” phase and is now being used to create a sense of depth and spectacle that’s motivated by the story, not working in opposition to it. So it’s natural that Panasonic would try to bring that great sense of spectacle, that ability to feel you’re a part of the action rather than a step removed from it, into the home. It’s what we do in consumer electronics. Beyond 3D in the cinema and its natural extension into the home, the applications for television programming are immense and promising. And, of course, anyone with a teenager at home knows that 3D gaming is a huge opportunity.

HM: Will 3D be the “killer app” that makes Blu-ray Disc universal?

Tsuyuzaki: Our research tells us that Blu-ray, with its 1080p resolution, already is perceived by consumers as the best way to view any pre-recorded content in the home. The format is amazingly robust and has become the gateway to an entire world of entertainment not otherwise available. Panasonic’s stance is that 3D enhances the value and viability of Blu-ray and ushers in a whole new area of possibility and broadens the definition of in-home entertainment. It is truly the icing on an already delicious cake.

HM: First with Blu-ray and now with 3D, Panasonic truly has been on the forefront, both in promoting the technology and in forming partnerships with the Hollywood content community. Is this a strategic decision, and if so, why?

Tsuyuzaki: Our role at Panasonic is not simply one of selling products, but of evangelizing the technologies in which we so deeply believe. By doing so, we can lead the industry to best practices, seed the market with great content, and help grow existing and build new businesses. Through the hard work of our dedicated team, Panasonic has pioneered the development of key Blu-ray and Full HD 3D standards. In fact, we recently received an Emmy Award for our contributions to Blu-ray Disc technology. Not only did we help complete the formats, but our work also put us in a leadership position and into an even closer partnership with the Hollywood community. We worked collaboratively with the studios to promote Blu-ray and 3D, and to create opportunities to move the businesses forward. You could ask, are we also helping our competition by taking such an active lead? Sure. But in doing so, we’re helping the entire industry. The consumer can decide which company’s products truly deliver on the vision of a connected TV, 3D TV and Blu-ray. And we at Panasonic know we’re up to the challenge.

HM: You are considered by many in the home entertainment community to be the CE industry’s “point man” with Hollywood. How do you see yourself, and what you have done over the past few years?

Tsuyuzaki: I love movies and have always been attracted to the creative side of the entertainment business. While certainly not an entertainment content creator myself, I’ve been fortunate to have been a facilitator. Over the years I’ve worked at melding the interests of the consumer electronics and entertainment industries because, frankly, we both need each other’s success to succeed. I was lucky enough to be an integral part of the team that worked to perfect the BD standard and in doing so helped the studios create what I believe are some of the technically best Blu-ray releases. For example, when I was head of the Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory, our team was instrumental in developing the H.264 advanced video compression standard for Blu-ray. That group also was key in creating the Blu-ray BonusView, or picture-in-picture feature, and then the much-lauded BD Live feature. BD Live has dramatically expanded the appeal of Blu-ray and insured it a long life. It combines the best aspects of physical media — extraordinary picture resolution and a wealth of additional content — with the limitless creative and new business opportunities that come via an Internet connection.

While we were deep in the development of 3D technology, I remember introducing our Full HD 3D concept to James Cameron and his enthusiastic reaction. There were a lot of Panasonic products used by him in the production of Avatar. That relationship has certainly continued to work out well for all parties, I believe. To help grow the 3D business, Panasonic has invested in 3D content creation through our partnership with DirecTV and their N3D Powered by Panasonic 3D channel, the 24/7 3D entertainment and sports channel. And we’ve recently partnered with Verizon to perfect the streaming of full 1080p resolution 3D content via their FiOS fiber optic television service.

In everything we do, we believe that Panasonic and Hollywood have many areas of mutual interest. I believe we must do our part to help maximize the value of these close relationships.

HM: If you had to grade yourself, what do you see as your biggest professional accomplishments over the past couple of years, both as they pertain to Panasonic and to the CE world in general?

Tsuyuzaki: That’s a tough question! We work very hard, but there’s always more to do. To paraphrase a top auto industry executive, we aim for perfection because if we don’t we’ll only achieve mediocrity. Looking back, I’m impressed with what Panasonic has achieved and am happy to have played my small part. We made digital flat-panel TVs not only affordable, but with phenomenal picture and sound quality as well. Our work, with our industry partners, has ensured that Blu-ray disc production and creation would be of only the highest standard. And I’m proud of the work our industry has done in perfecting Blu-ray and in conveying its benefits to consumers.

Finally, the hard work of everyone involved in introducing 3D to the consumer is now starting to pay off, in increased consumer awareness, exploding plasma TV sales and an understanding by the public that 3D can really create a whole new kind of visual excitement in the home.

HM: Look ahead at our business in one year, three years, five years. Where are we headed?

Tsuyuzaki: Despite the naysayers, 3D will absolutely continue to grow. You will see a dramatic ramp-up in 3DTV content, which will turn 3D into a “must-have” feature for consumers. 3D will be embedded in a wide range of devices, from TVs to smartphones, and the cost of making your own 3D content will decline.

I’ll also venture a few other predictions. We’ll be watching content on a wide range of devices, starting a program on Blu-ray in the living room and finishing it up on a smartphone or tablet while sitting on the train to work.

Most consumers will actually connect their Internet-connectable TVs to the Internet. Manufacturers will offer a wide range of differentiated Internet-based services, continuing the expansion of the Internet into more aspects of our lives. And we’ll wonder how we ever got along using a TV that wasn’t online.

Original post here: http://www.homemediamagazine.com/people-conversation-with-eisuke-tsuyuzaki-21835

BSkyB has changed its regulations to allow more 2D-to-3D converted content within programmes broadcast on its Sky 3D channel.

It is a tacit acknowledgement of the high cost and technical difficulties associated with trying to film stereo 3D content entirely natively with 3D rigs.

Its new guidelines allow up to 25% of non-3D content to be used in any 3D programme, up from the strict 10% of converted material written in its original specifications, published last February.

The new rules came quietly into force last year, but Sky has yet to update the specification on the technical section of its 3D website, introducingsky3d.sky.com.

Sky said the change brought its 3D guidelines into line with its HD guidelines, which dictate that 75% of content should be in true HD.

It said the change was also about taking a “pragmatic approach to supporting the growth of 3D production in the UK”.

The 2D-originated footage must be HD and in segments that do not exceed five minutes during any 15-minute period.

This only applies to post-converted 2D-to-3D material, and Sky is still adamant that automated conversion of 2D HD programmes to 3D is not acceptable as “original 3D content”.

However, it makes an exception for the use of live conversion tools for certain scenes or camera shots during live events.

Original post here: http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/technology/bskyb-amends-3d-content-rules/5022844.article

For all of their high-tech advantages, laparoscopic surgical systems are only capable of providing a two-dimensional visualization — or in other words, no depth perception

“This means that often surgeons can’t pinpoint the exact location of an organ until they brush up against it with their tools,” explains Ramsin Khoshabeh, a Ph.D. candidate in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of California, San Diego. “I hate to put it this way, but some surgical procedures are still done by brute force.”

Khoshabe and his colleagues are part of the Video Processing Laboratory (VPL), which is run by electrical engineering professor Truong Nguyen from the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering. The researchers, who are also part of the UC San Diego division of the California Institute for Telecommunications and Information Technology (Calit2), are working to bring three-dimensional video feeds into the operating room by leveraging the use of autostereoscopic displays. Their hope is that one day surgeons will not only be able to perform minimally invasive surgeries in 3D, they will be able to do so without having to wear potentially cumbersome 3D glasses.

“Surgeons are often slow to adapt to new technologies,” says Khoshabeh. “They worry that a new technology will be dangerous, that it will interfere with the procedure. They say, ‘I’ve been doing this the same way for 40 years; why change things?’

“To accommodate for all these types of mentalities, we are pitching 3D laparoscopic surgery as a supplement. It’s a way for surgeons to enhance their abilities, and it’s also a way for interns and everyone else in the room to learn from what they are doing by watching the video feed.”

Professor Truong Nguyen, from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), is an expert in digital signal processing. Other collaborators include world-renowned UCSD surgeons Dr. Mark Talamini (chairman of the UCSD Department of Surgery) and Dr. Santiago Horgan (director of Minimally Invasive Surgery), as well as Dr. Horgan’s researcher, Dr. Noam Belkind. The work being done at the VPL — with collaboration from visiting scholars from all around the world — is at the forefront of research in 3D processing.

Original story here: http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-01-3d-room.html

Sony’s Next Generation Portable is without doubt one technological powerhouse thanks to its high specs and extensive quality features implemented in the system. However, one of the notable missing technologies is 3D.

Sony might be the company pushing 3D technology onto the market via its BRAVIA LCD TVs and PlayStation 3 games. Nevertheless, Sony Entertainment Europe boss, Andrew House, explained to Eurogamer why 3D support is absent from its forthcoming portable device, the NGP.

“We view 3D as having the greatest potential, in the near term, in what I would call a dedicated entertainment environment,” he said.

“And that’s in the home, around the television, and where it’s a shared experience. I think that’s really important. We struggle a little bit to see how that 3D, shared experience translates to portable devices as they currently stand.”

House revealed how Sony considered 3D at some point in the development process:

“In the development process, we had studied the possibility of introducing stereoscopic 3D feature to NGP, but decided not to install it. After careful consideration of our goal of offering users the ultimate portable entertainment experience with a revolutionary user interface we have decided to focus on the features and specs announced today first.

“SCE will continue to play an important role within Sony group by promoting 3D in tandem with Sony Corporation’s 3D compatible BRAVIA LCD TVs to deliver the sublime 3D entertainment in the living room and without having to go to the cinema. We will continue our effort to provide users with true 3D entertainment experience that only Sony can deliver.”

For full interview, check Eurogamer.

Original story posted here: http://tbreak.com/megamers/20589/news/sony-3d-has-great-potential-it’s-just-not-right-for-portable-devices.html

SMPTE just distributed a story on the impact of table computers on studio workflows.

…“A prime example of the way tablet computers have infiltrated production and post is Warner Bros. Motion Picture Imaging (MPI)—an on-lot post-production facility that works closely with emerging technology,” Cooney says….

…The Hungarian post-production company, Colorfront, is also experimenting with importing 3D look-up tables (LUTs) into tablets and other mobile devices. Colorfront is even attempting to calibrate tablet monitors in a sense by passing standard photometers across their surfaces as a metering method for checking the individual device’s specific color and density characteristics before importing LUTs into them. …

Read the entire story on the SMPTE site here: http://www.smptenews.com/newswatch/smpte_tech_2011-01.html

Now PlayStation 3 fans will have two 3D tennis games to choose from this year

Tennis, anyone? While the top hockey players in the world gather for the 58^th NHL All-Star Game at the RBC Center, 2K Sports was talking tennis. NHL 2K11 was playable on Wii at the NHL Fan Fair in downtown Raleigh, but Mike Rhinehart, senior brand manager at 2K Sports, was talking about other sports, as well. Rhinehart said that 2K Sports had enough success with its stereoscopic 3D version of the PlayStation 3 NBA 2K11 game that it’s adding 3D gameplay to Top Spin 4 this year. While MLB 2K11 won’t have stereo 3D this year, Rhinehart said the studio is open to adding that in the future. He also believes the NHL 2K franchise could benefit from stereo 3D.

On the tennis front, 2K Sports has hired Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams and Andre Agassi for the cover of the new 3D game. This will mark the first time in a decade that Andre Agassi will be featured in a game. Top Spin 4 ships March 15 for Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii.

“Tennis has been in my life for as long as I can remember,” said Andre Agassi, former No. 1-ranked player in the world, winner of eight Grand Slam singles tournaments and 17 ATP Master Series tournaments. “I hope that with Top Spin 4 players can enjoy the sport as much as I have.”

In development at 2K Czech, Top Spin 4 brings the competitive action of tennis to life like never before with redesigned controls, jaw-dropping player models and enhanced TV-style presentation elements. Each of the title’s top athletes and legendary pros will be equipped with 2K Sports’ Signature Style animations, including player-specific swing styles and behavioral AI, custom celebrations and outfits.

“Top Spin 4 does a phenomenal job capturing the unique authenticity and highly competitive skills of these 25 world-class athletes,” said Jason Argent, vice president of marketing for 2K Sports. “When playing Top Spin 4, we wanted consumers to feel they are playing more than a tennis game, we wanted them to feel like they are in a world title prize fight.”

Top Spin 4 features the largest roster in the franchise to date, including Andre Agassi, Bjorn Borg, Roger Federer, Jim Courier, Rafael Nadal, Boris Becker, Serena Williams, Patrick Rafter, Michael Chang, Dinara Safina, Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Ana Ivanovic, Ivan Lendel, Pete Sampras, Andy Roddick, James Blake, Caroline Wozniacki, Nikolay Davydenko, Gilles Simon, Bernard Tomic, Eugenie Bouchard, Stanislas Wawrinka, Vera Zvonareva, and Jelena Jankovic.

To commemorate this fourth entry in the Top Spin series, 2K Sports is offering an exclusive vintage Andre Agassi playable character for free in North America only when gamers pre-order and reserve their copy of Top Spin 4 at GameStop.

Original post here: http://www.gamerlive.tv/article/big-games-2011-2k-sports-top-spin-4-goes-stereo-3d