3D Technologies for HDTVs
Value Proposition
It is expected that adoption of 3D HDTVs will continue to increase. However, there is currently very limited 3D content available for consumers to enjoy. Although the number of 3D titles is growing, it will take time to reach the critical mass needed to cause consumers to buy new 3D-capable TVs. The basic premise of 3DMedia's technology is to solve the problem of content generation by enabling consumers to create and enjoy their own personal 3D content on 3D TVs. 3DMedia's solution allows consumers to use their existing digital cameras to capture images and videos that can be used to create 3D content for viewing on 3D TVs. A 3D TV with 3DMedia's technology is not a passive product that displays pictures - it is an interactive device that engages with consumers. It allows them to create their own content using their cameras and then to experience the excitement of 3D using their TVs. The enticing prospect of generating their own 3D content provides consumers a compelling case to embrace 3D technology, which will result in faster adoption of 3D HDTVs for home entertainment. 3DMedia's value-added technology will be licensed to 3D HDTV manufacturers to accelerate sales of 3D HDTVs.
3D Technology
All of 3DMedia's proprietary technologies are captured in its 3D creation software which creates 3D content from content captured with standard cameras. 3DMedia's principle strategy is to provide the experience and control of 3D content to the hundreds of millions of consumers that already own digital cameras and camcorders. 3DMedia strongly believes this technology will be one of the key enablers for the proliferation and adoption of 3D content in the consumer market.
3DMedia's software technology can be part of the 3D HDTV ecosystem in the form of a 3D Media Player. The 3D Media Player can be an external accessory which connects to the TV via an HDMI cable, or a board integrated into the HDTV, or application software that runs on the main processor of the HDTV.
The external 3D Media Player can be a flash card reader that reads images from cameras, identifies suitable image pairs, creates single 3D images from them, and displays the 3D images to the TV through an HDMI cable. All 3DMedia's software runs on the embedded CPU of the 3D Media Player.
The embedded 3D Media Player has the same functionality as the external one, but it is in the form of an embedded board that can be optionally installed in specific TV models. This approach requires that a flash card reader and/or a USB slot is available on the HDTV.
Finally, in the fully embedded approach 3DMedia's software runs on the application CPU of the HDTV. This also requires an interface for retrieving content such as a Flash Card, USB, or network interface.
3DMedia's technology offers a very easy and straightforward process to create captivating 3D content:
- Take pictures using your standard camera
- Remove the card from the camera and insert it in the 3D Media Player
- The 3D Media Player identifies valid 3D image pairs, creates single 3D images from them, and displays them on the HDTV
3DMedia's Technology Advantages
- Our solution allows consumers to create 3D content and view it on their 3D HDTVs without purchasing a new camera
- Using our approach for 3D capture, the stereo base can be altered to enhance or reduce the depth of captured 3D images, which can yield more effective results when taking far away landscape pictures or close-up shots
- Very straightforward process that allows consumers to use their existing cameras to capture both 2D and 3D content and store it on the same flash card
- Very simple and enticing 3D user interface involves minimal user interaction