Panasonic Announces The First 3D Camcorder For Consumers

When a friend of mine told me he broke down and bought a 3D TV, I couldn’t help but laugh. I’m definitely at the skeptical end of the 3D TV spectrum. But don’t get me wrong. I love the latest and greatest in technology, and I’m a huge fan of 3D movies. But if I have to buy a pair of $300 3D glasses (even $100 is too much) not to mention settle for a limited number of 3D channels and movies, you can count me out. For now.

Panasonic recently announced its HDC-SDT750 3D consumer camcorder, which will be available in October of this year for about $1,400.

The camcorder itself sounds impressive with enhancements to its noise reduction technology; it offers 1080/60p (1,920 x 1,080) recording ability; and, there are plenty of manual controls. The camera also features time lapse recording, which just sounds cool. Sound will come from a 5.1-channel audio system. With five built-in microphones, multi-directional recording should compliment the 3D viewing nicely.

Artificial visual disparity through left- & right-eye recording—

To record in 3D, the camera requires a conversion lens, which artificially reproduces visual disparity. Therefore to watch it, you’ll need a 3D TV that’s capable of side-by-side (SbS) 3D playback like one of Panasonic’s own VIERA sets.

Despite my skepticism, this could be just the toy gadget to get me excited about 3D TV. Who wouldn’t want to create their own 3D masterpiece?

The largest obstacle still remains the price of entry into this technology. Factor in the cost of the TV, 3D programming packages and media, a pair of 3D glasses for each family member, and now this camera…it will be tough to justify 3D in the budget with the Mrs. But I’m interested.

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Final AP Poll Leaves Utah Hangin’

While it appeared that Utah was the compassion play for the AP poll going into last night’s BCS National Championship game, they will have to settle for #2.

After a rather sloppy title game, I was even more convinced that an undefeated Utah would receive more momentum to climb to #1 in the AP poll. I should have known better… Utah was precluded from any chance in hell of being crowned the champion since the beginning — thanks, Bowls Contrived in September.

Some sports writers agree with me.

James Lang/US Presswire—-

USC ruined its chances early by losing to Oregon State as did Texas by losing in the final seconds to Texas Tech. Too many ‘what ifs’ and question marks. Each of the top 4 AP poll teams — Florida, Utah, USC and Texas — has an argument for the #1 spot. But how can you deny an undefeated Utah that beat top tier teams the top?

Florida, of course, finished #1 in the AP poll after edging out the Sooners last night. But the contest was tied early in the 4th quarter, 14-14. Florida bounced back late in Tim Tebow fashion (with help from Percy Harvin, of course). He turned a prosaic contest into a poetic display…putting his team and the crowd on his back and wielded it like a true Heisman-deserving college football player would. He took the ball under his wing a couple of times and he didn’t hesitate to lay the hammer down on Sooner defenders. Regardless, the game as a whole was blah. Can you settle for a champion that resulted from such an odd contest of two ‘powerhouses’?

I guess we’ll have to.

BCS National Championship Game in 3D
It appears that some viewers have already posted their thoughts of the game on AVS Forum. Despite some minor technical difficulties, there was a resounding “WOW” amongst the crowd. There were those that thought that 3D sports broadcast technology is not ready for prime time.

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That Just Happened — I’d Give A Kidney For An NFL Cheerleader

While I wouldn’t actually give one of my kidneys for an NFL cheerleader, I’d devote a few minutes to checking out the NFL Cheerleaders: Best of 2008 on NFL.com. There are 72 photos that should keep you busy. Let me help out a little: 1, 24, 30 (middle), 42 (both), 50, 51, 57 and 70 (go Bucs).

Divorce can be messy. When 50% isn’t good enough, some spouses might choose — I don’t know — a kidney as well. A New York doctor gave a kidney to his wife while they were married. He’ll settle for $1.5 million as opposed to getting the kidney back. Really?

Looks like Adam ‘Pacman’ Jones got the boot in Dallas last night. I don’t see any other team giving the guy another shot. Jerry Jones was his best bet. Sorry, Pacman. *Awa-awa-awa*

Wardriving is no longer necessary. A company based in San Francisco called Autonet Mobile has developed a router that uses 2.5 and 3G networks allowing you to surf the Internet from your car. The service costs $29.99 for 1GB of data/mo. or $59.99 for 5GB of data/mo. This opens things up for road ragers everywhere. “Get off your damn laptop and watch the road!”

In case you missed my post or haven’t heard, the 2009 FedEx BCS National Championship will be shown in 3D. Visit the link to see if it’s showing in your city and where. From what I’ve seen, tickets are anywhere between $13 and $16.

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2009 FedEx BCS National Championship in 3D

A couple of weeks ago, I learned that the BCS National Championship game would be aired in 3D at select movie theatres throughout the U.S. Because I had already seen films in Real D — Meet the Robinsons 3D, U2 3D and Bolt 3D — I assumed it would definitely be shown somewhere in San Antonio.

Wrong.

Those films are distributed by their respective providers. I contacted Michelle Martell, COO of Cinedigm Entertainment, about why the game would not be shown in San Antonio. While I was under the impression the theatres chose not to air the game, Michelle informed me that none of the San Antonio theatres were part of Cinedigm’s “network of participating theatres”. Cinedigm will distribute the game using its CineLive® set of technologies. She also added that…

…each location selected for this first wave has [1] digital cinema compliant projection, [2] digital 3D systems, [3] satellite dishes, and a variety of other software and hardware installations…transmitting a large amount of data required to deliver live 3D in sync right eye/left eye

The broadcast is sent to the theater in an HD and 3D format. 3ality Digital has partnered with Fox Sports, Sony and Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp. for this live 3D broadcast of the 2009 FedEx BCS Championship Game. It will shown in 80 theaters across 35 states on January 8th. This will be the first time that a live 3D broadcast will be available to the general public. Those fortunate enough to experience the game in this format should do so. To find out if the game is being shown in your city, visit Cinedigm.com for a list.

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