[by PR Web]

Joanne Bryant State Farm Insurance will be holding a private 3D movie screening of Disney/Pixar Cars 2 on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at 5:45 PM at the Regal Cinemas Hacienda Crossings in Dublin, CA for friends and clients who have supported their business this past year. Tickets will also be given to children with special needs of Murray Elementary School and contest winners of the Dublin Farmers Market on June 30.

Over 130 people will enjoy treats, walk down a red carpet, and be seated in a 3D private screening of Disney/Pixar Cars 2, which is sure to be a great hit with the local families. The event will also host the Nor Cal Elite All-Stars Cheerleaders and support from Dublin Mayor Tim Sbranti.

Space is limited, so please contact their office if you would like a pair of tickets. This event is RSVP and tickets will only be available at the door. The Bryant team will start handing tickets out at 4:30pm. Photographers will also be there to take pictures of the event so make sure you come smiling!

Joanne has gained a distinguished reputation for excellence and continues to be one of the Bay Area’s leading insurance agents. Her agency vision is a product of skill, innovation and hard work. Joanne Bryant can be reached at http://joannebryant.tel or (925) 866-2044.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: www.prweb.com/releases/prwebjb/statefarm/prweb8613059.htm

Report sees 3D set penetration growing from 5% in 2012 to 21% of U.S. homes in 2015

[By George Winslow -- Broadcasting & Cable]

Sales of 3D TV sets are expected to slow this year, with only 1.8 million or about 2% of all U.S. TV homes owning a 3D set by the end of 2011, according to a new report from SNL Kagan, which is also predicting that growth will return in 2012 and beyond, as 3D set penetration grows from about 5% in 2012 to 21% in 2015.

The Future of 3-D and Internet TV report predicts more robust growth of Internet connected TV, with the penetration of Internet TV hitting 14% of U.S. TV homes by the end of this year as 8.4 million net new homes acquire connected sets. The report puts penetration of connected sets at about 6% in 2010.

Overall SNL Kagan is predicting that about 23% of all U.S. homes will have at least one Internet-connected TV set or Blu-ray player in 2012 and that the proportion will hit 51% by 2015.

While 3D sets are moving into the home at a much slower pace, the report expects the adoption of 3D to take about the same time as HD and would be in line with previous TV technology launches for color TV, digital TV and HD TV, which took 10 to 15 years.

The report also notes that the lack of 3D content has slowed sales but that the ongoing popularity of 3D sports and theatrical films indicate that some successful business models are being put together for 3D content that will help sustain the technology in the future.

See the original post here: http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/470440-SNL_Kagan_Only_2_of_Homes_to_Have_3D_TV_Sets_in_2011.php

[By Richard Carlton, HD TV Test]

Japanese consumer electronics giant Sony is continuing to explore the possibilities of 3D technology, with significant research and development poured into this area. The company recently revealed that it has a number of different R&D projects underway involving the third dimension, which are all ultimately aimed at providing consumers with various forms of state-of-the-art home entertainment.

Speaking in an interview in advance of a 3D-themed conference, Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) Worldwide Studios Europe’s vice president Mick Hocking touched upon a number of innovations that would enhance different aspects of home entertainment for the public. One of these was augmented reality, which he said was really important in gaming, as it helped players to really immerse themselves in the game for a truly thrilling experience. He said that the success of 3D games could open the door for the technology to be deployed successfully on devices such as mobile phones, laptops and internet tablets. While augmented reality is already used in gaming, the current level of technology is only scratching the surface, he stressed.

Mr Hocking also talked about 3D sculpting, which involves 3D visualisation on a HDTV screen being enhanced by head-tracking sensors. This allows the 3D image to be adjusted in accordance with the viewer’s position, and can create a realistic “pseudo-holographic” effect. Explaining that viewers would be able to see all aspects of objects with this technology just as they would see them in the real world, he added that this technology could be up and running in the “not too distant future”.

Another area that Sony has been looking into is virtual reality, which for many people is something that they associate with Sci-Fi movies rather than something that they could be using for themselves in the near future. This technology was showcased by Sony at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2011 in Las Vegas, where the company showed off its OLED-based 3D head-mounted display (HMD) which allows viewers to indulge in their favourite tri-dimensional content directly via the headset.

See the original post here: http://www.hdtvtest.co.uk/news/sony-3d-augmented-reality-201106291252.htm

[Philip Lelyveld note: ESPN responds quickly to unexpected turns in the lineup.]

[by TV Technology]

ESPN 3D has added a live telecast of the Jo-Wilfried Tsonga vs. Novak Djokovic Gentlemen’s semifinal at Wimbledon on Friday, July 1, at 7:45 a.m. ET to its schedule, the network’s first tennis programming. Later that day, ESPN 3D, which launched last year, will reair that semifinal and televise the other Gentlemen’s semifinal on a delayed basis.  The network will also present the Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Finals twice each on a delayed basis Monday, July 4.

Tsonga, the no. 12 seed, upset six-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer in the quarterfinals.  Djokovic, the no. 2 seed, sports a 46-1 match record in 2011. In the other men’s semifinal, no. 1 seed and defending title holder Rafael Nadal will face no. 4 seed Andy Murray. Cliff Drysdale—who worked ESPN’s first-ever tennis telecast September 14, 1979, will call the match on ESPN 3D with analyst Brad Gilbert.

See the original post here: http://www.tvtechnology.com/article/122182

[Press Release]

DGA and Editors Guild Join the International Cinematographers Guild and Sony in Effort to Spread the Creation of High-Quality 3D

Sony 3D Technology Center today announced that it is expanding its 3D Master Class, which offers professional training in the tools and techniques for making 3D content, in collaboration with the Directors Guild of America and the Motion Pictures Editors Guild. The two guilds join the International Cinematographers Guild in offering member training opportunities at the Sony Pictures Studios facility, which is run by Sony Corporation of America.

The new courses run in two tracks: one designed for directors of feature films and editors of feature films and television shows and one with a continuing focus on cinematographers, camera operators, stereographers and convergence assistants. Courses are taught by noted 3D professionals Grant Anderson and Matthew Blute (stereographic supervisors) and Buzz Hays (3D producer) and feature in-classroom and “hands on” training elements for both tracks. Working guild members who match program parameters are invited to take the course.

“We appreciate Sony’s efforts to provide special training for DGA members who are working in 3D,” said Jay D. Roth, National Executive Director of the Directors Guild of America. “The course being offered by the Sony 3D Technology Center has been specifically tailored to the needs of directors – providing a firm background in all the technical details of working in 3D while still orienting the course to meet the creative needs of directors.”

“Sony’s 3D class has been a gift for us as we learn the language of stereo pictures. We’re looking forward to working side-by-side with our fellow guild members in the new session,” said Steven Poster, ASC, National President, International Cinematographers Guild, Local 600. “The cameras are evolving, the rigs are evolving, and what I’m seeing now is a move away from the idea of relying on 3D, for 3D’s sake, and on the use of 3D to tell a story, which is very exciting.”

“We are extremely pleased to offer this opportunity to train our members who will be working in 3D as this exciting format takes hold in our industry,” said Daniel T. Cahn, A.C.E., President of the Motion Picture Editors Guild. “Editors play an integral role in fulfilling the vision of any production, and it is imperative that they remain at the forefront of state-of-the-art post-production technology, including stereographic filmmaking.”

“It is our privilege to work with this industry’s respected guilds to offer this comprehensive professional 3D training program,” said Chris Cookson, President of Technologies, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Chief Officer, Sony 3D Technology Center. “Despite the skeptics, we have seen incredible stories told in 3D and firmly believe there are endless more yet to come. We are honored to see the artists and craftsmen in our classes embrace this new medium with passion, dignity and creative force more and more each day.”

Sony Pictures has been at the forefront of the modern 3D revolution and continues to lead in 3D content development and delivery across its business. Sony Pictures’ visual effects and digital productions group, Imageworks, has worked in modern 3D longer than anyone else in Hollywood. Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation and Screen Gems have all produced films in 3D release by Sony Pictures Releasing International. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment released the first Blu-ray 3D™ available at retail.

See the original story here: http://www.shootonline.com/go/index.php?name=Release&op=view&id=rs-web3-1047543-1309372796-2

[by TSA News Team]

It makes more sense than you could imagine: the Nintendo 3DS will, as from tomorrow (and for a limited period) offer up ten E3 trailers of upcoming 3DS games, in 3D.

The downloads will be free, and split over two packs.  The first pack will include Mario Kart, Resident Evil: Revelations, Star Fox 64 DS, Super Mario and Ocarina of Time 3D.

The second lot, available from next week, will include Animal Crossing, Kid Icarus, Luigi’s Mansion, Metal Gear Solid 3D Snake Eater and Paper Mario.

A brilliant idea.

See the original story here: http://www.thesixthaxis.com/2011/06/30/3d-e3-trailers-arrive-on-3ds-tomorrow/

[by Gavin J. Blair, The Hollywood Reporter]

3D content to be available on computers and smartphones

Online TV streaming providers are ramping up their 3D offerings by partnering with content producers, and could boost the flagging 3D market, according to business daily, the Nikkei.

Actvila Corp is linking up with Japan’s leading satellite broadcaster, Sky Perfect JSAT Corp, which has the nation’s only dedicated 3D channel. Actvila will buy five to 10 programs a month from a Sky Perfect subsidiary to show on its AcTVila online portal, charging between 210 yen and 1,025 yen ($2.60 – $12.75) per view.

Another online streaming service, Video Market Corp, has hooked up with Universal Pictures to provide 3D content, including titles such as Despicable Me, for Android smartphones. Movies will initially only be accessible on Sharp handsets but that will be expanded to other smartphones in the near future.

The Nikkei reports that the “owners of 3-D TVs are dissatisfied with the dearth of selections”- and that business partnerships and multiple delivery systems could help bolster the market by helping producers recover the costs of creating 3D content.

In other 3D news, Sony is to show highlights of the soccer Women’s World Cup – currently taking place in Germany – in 3D at its flagship building in Ginza, central Tokyo, from July 4 to 17.

Highlights of 12 of the 36 matches from the tournament will be screened, along with a 3D documentary about the Japan women’s national team.

See the original story here: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/online-streaming-services-boost-3d-207260

[by David Katzmaier, CNET]

A new promotion offering two free pairs of 3D glasses with purchase of select 2011 Samsung 3D TVs began June 28 and will run through August 13.

Since the glasses normally cost $50 each, the promotion is pretty tempting for 3D fans. No other 2011 active 3D TV except the expensive Panasonic TC-PVT30 series currently includes glasses, although passive models like the LG LW5600 series do.

This new Samsung offer has more strings attached than the company’s previous such promotion, however.

The new press release states: “Consumers purchasing qualified 2011 3D TVs from participating authorized retailers will receive two pairs of 3D active glasses (model SSG-3100GB) free of cost, directly from the retailer.”

The old offer, which expired June 25, applied to any Samsung 2011 3D TV, all the way down to the relatively inexpensive 43-inch PN43D490 plasma ($599). The new one is restricted to “qualified” TVs, and when we asked a company representative for details she couldn’t get any more specific, aside from saying the offer may apply to any 2011 Samsung 3D TV at the retailer’s discretion.

The old offer was also backed up by a special Samsung fulfillment Web site, where buyers who qualified yet still didn’t receive their glasses from the retailer could apply to get them directly from Samsung. The new offer specifically excludes any such backup. According to the new release:

Please note that while Samsung has in the past provided a fulfillment Web site to cover consumers who did not receive glasses at retail, this will no longer apply for the new promotion. For purchases made on or after June 28, 2011, Samsung will not be fulfilling free glasses directly to consumers–the free glasses must be provided by the retailer at point of purchase.

Higher-end Samsung models, namely the PND6500 (and up) series plasmas and UND7000 (and up) series LED-based LCDs will continue to qualify, according to the company rep, for a: “3D Starter Kit (SSG-3100M), which includes two pairs of 3D active glasses, the complete ‘Shrek’ collection on 3D Blu-ray (four discs), and ‘Megamind 3D’ on Blu-ray. Customers already receiving this starter kit with a step-up TV model will not be eligible for the new promotion.”

Bottom line: If you want your two free pairs of Samsung active 3D glasses, buy the TV from an authorized Samsung retailer you trust–one with a solid return policy for TVs–and make sure to verify that you’ll be getting the glasses before you make your purchase.

See the original post here: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20075398-1/samsung-renews-free-3d-glasses-offer-with-caveats/

[By Catriona Wightman, TV Reporter]

The Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 premiere will be broadcast live and in 3D, Sky has announced.

The red carpet, which will air exclusively on Sky 3D, will be filmed by eight different cameras for around three hours.

The event will follow the stars of the movies and celebrity guests as they arrive at the premiere of the final Harry Potter movie.

Alex Zane and Edith Bowman have signed up to present the coverage, which comes from Trafalgar Square.

Sky Movies director Ian Lewis said: “The Harry Potter movies have continued to delight audiences across the globe for a decade and the world premiere of the final installment is without doubt one of the most eagerly-anticipated events in film history.

“By broadcasting the premiere live in 3D, Sky will grant viewers beyond-the-barrier access to what promises to be an extraordinary event.”

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 Premiere Live will air on July 7 from 4pm on Sky 3D.

See the original story here: http://www.digitalspy.com/movies/news/a327665/harry-potter-deathly-hallows-premiere-to-broadcast-live-on-sky-3d.html

[Author: Josh Tyler, Cinema Blend]

There’s been a lot of discussion in the past few weeks, over whether or not movie theaters are doing their job, when projecting Hollywood’s movies up on their screen. At the center of all the controversy are 3D movies, which must be projected differently from 2D movies. In particular they must be shown brighter and the truth is that a lot of theaters, trying to save money on expensive bulbs, simply aren’t doing this. 

The movie industry’s starting to get worried. There’s a growing movement against 3D and there are hints scattered throughout the box office, for anyone who wants to look for them, that audiences may be getting sick of the whole 3D thing. That’s making it more critical than ever that those 3D movies are being shown correctly, if there’s any hope of 3D and its higher ticket prices sticking around for awhile. 

That’s probably why last week Transformers: Dark of the Moon director Michael Bay sent a letter out to projectionists begging them to project his movie properly. That seemed like a big deal at the time, but apparently it’s not. Projectionists claim letters like this are commonplace and have started speaking out on the subject through Reddit. Several of them claim that most filmmakers go a lot further, resorting to actual bribes as a way of convincing them to do their job. In particular this theater employee claims Pixar goes the extra mile in this, saying:

I was a projectionist during the release of UP and Walle, and both times PIXAR sent a letter directed at the projectionists. If I remember correctly, the letters were warm and somewhat personal, and showed a lot of pride in the directors work. I am desperately searching to find the letter from andrew stanton for Walle. Many directors plead for the projectionists to not cut up the film too badly, check the brightness on the digital houses, and turn the volume to the correct level. Pixar, unlike Michael Bay however, not only sent me a letter with each print, but also sent tshirts, hats, trading cards, and a sweet contest. For every major release, pixar’s perfect projection contest sends out secret techs to the theaters, and does a drawing out of the best theaters and gives the entire booth staff a trip to pixar studios.

Backing up that claim, another post left by a different projectionist insists much the same, saying: 

Every single Disney and/or Pixar movie has come with a letter, they will even send little trinkets and toys, even t-shirts. If I remember correctly, Bay sent out letters for the last two Transformers as well.

The fact that studios like Pixar are going through so much trouble to try and convince projectionists to do their job suggests that in a lot of cases, as we’ve all suspected, they probably aren’t. You can’t really blame the projectionists for this, it’s the job of the theater chains that hire them to make sure they’re going through the trouble necessary to show their movies in a way that people might actually want to see. But since theater chains don’t really seem to care, Hollywood has apparently resorted to bribery as a way to convince other people’s employees that it might be worth their time to do their job. 

This has all come to a head because of 3D but it’s not just affecting 3D movies. Last week Ebert ran a long and detailed post on the way lazy projectionists aren’t swapping out 3D lenses when showing 2D movies, resulting in dim and depressing images projected up on screen for 2D audiences. The good news here is that according to this projectionist it’s only a problem with Sony 3D projectors, and if you’re seeing your movie in a theater with Christie projectors, it’ll never be an issue. 

A projectionist at the Alamo Drafthouse has chimed in on the issue as well and confirms that not only is it fantastically difficult to swap out those Sony 3D lenses to show 2D movies, a lot of the time even they aren’t changing out everything. He says: 

If we know we are showing 2D ONLY on a given screen, Alamo projectionists will swap out the 3D dual lens for the 2D lens. We are one of the only theaters in the country that routinely does this swap. If we are running a complex schedule with 2D and 3D on the same screen on the same day, however, we DO leave in the dual 3D lens for the 2D presentations. However, we DO remove the polarizing filters from in front of the lenses for 2D screenings. The polarizing filters are what drastically reduce the light.

Bottom line here, the place you choose to see your movies matters. If theater owners want people to keep showing up and buying tickets at their establishment, maybe it’s time they start paying attention to the details. Theater owners need to care just as much about the way they’re showing these movies as the people who made them do. 3D may be dying, but unless you want it to take 2D with it, now seems like a good time to start paying attention to what you’re showing your audience.

See the original post here: http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Hollywood-May-Be-Bribing-Projectionists-To-Show-3D-Movies-Right-25447.html