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NFL game broadcast in 3D, reporters impressed
That experimental broadcast of an NFL football game in 3D we told you about last month took place last night in specially-equipped theaters in Los Angeles, Boston, and New York. After a couple of lost satellite feeds and some jarring camera moves that showed the limitations of the nascent format, the rest of the broadcast (okay, narrowcast) ran smoothly. Journalists were there to describe the experience:
"It's amazing ... technically they obviously have a little ways to go, but once they work out all the kinks, it's definitely the new era of television." Said another reporter, "The experience wasn't jaw-dropping, but it was noticeably better than a conventional broadcast. The game was drama-free, yet the novelty of 3D made it hard for me to take my eyes off the screen... The effect was subtle at times, but just as compelling as in "U2 3D," 3ality's concert film of the Irish rockers. The most striking thing in both cases was how much more you could see in three dimensions than in two."
Too bad everyone had to wear those goofy glasses. We're not that enthusiastic about 3D TV and movies, judging from the variety of 3D attempts we've seen lately and in the distant past. What do you think, readers? Is 3D The Next Big Thing, or is it just another gimmicky attempt to sell more TVs and movie tickets?
By Bigglesworth at 1:40 PM ON 12/05/08
I took my son to see Bolt in 3D and it was actually very cool. however I would not go out of my way to a film/tv show in 3D, especially since the glasses are a pain.
By utmarkle at 2:37 PM ON 12/05/08
While I rarely comment on anything I read online I need to at least say this. I think 3D is impressive from what I've seen so far. Will it take off and take over everything? Word on the street is that we should hold our conclusions until James Cameron's Avatar comes out. I was fortunate to meet some producers familiar with the project and from the footage they've seen, it's a game-changer. So let's see if the hype is fulfilled. I for one am excited to see if it really works as well as they're saying.
By superpooper at 7:37 PM ON 12/05/08
Who doesn't love 3D?!?!?! It makes a movie 10 times better than it actually is. I wouldn't watch Dora the Explorer in 3D, but I can't wait till I get my bond action in three dimensions.
By Holoman at 1:39 AM ON 12/06/08
Moving on past the archaic idea of stereoscopy, the real focus should be in holographic technologies. How bad ass would it be to stand over a hologram eagle eye view of a football field, with the ability to control zoom, focus on the ball, or focus on a specific player. All during a live broadcast. A man can dream, can't he?
By Haekon at 6:36 AM ON 12/06/08
I've got to admit too that I've been a big fan of 3D from what I've seen so far. I had my doubts when I went to see Beowulf in 3D but when those arrows started coming at me on the bridge scene I was litterally squeezing my girlfriends hand!
Not a fan of the buddy holly glasses and inflated theatre prices! especially when you have to sit through 35mins of advertising when you have already paid £8 for the ticket.. I digress.
By ReeyferMadness at 7:13 PM ON 12/06/08
Eh, actually the latest 3d works pretty well... If you can run at twice the framerate your brain's taking it in at then there's no difference to the brain. Yeah, the glasses are big and dorky but it's a simple fix (wow, two cameras at the angle of the eyes, who woulda thought of that? lol) and it's easy to implement. Mebbe they can shrink the glasses down to contacts; though it would be a pretty pathetic statement if everyone went around with contacts in that did nothing but let them watch tv :D
By agreenarrow at 11:46 AM ON 12/07/08
While 3D is really awesome at times, i feel like if we broadcast everything in it, it would quickly become redundant within the matter of a single generation. As soon as someone grows up with it, its no longer that special. Kids being born now will grow up with Super HD tv's and they wont thing twice about it. Besides, I've seen the newest High Def televisions with the newest blue rays, there was a depth and clarity to the picture that was so lifelike it almost hurt my eyes because they couldn't focus on what my brain thought was farther away..... it was the most beautiful thing ive ever seen...
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agreenarrow:
While 3D is really awesome at times, i feel like if we broadcast everything in it, it would quickly become redundan...More »