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Panasonic is calling on the Blu-ray Disc Association to create an interface standard that will force manufacturers to store 3D images within the left- and right-eye two-channel mode on all HD content.
The company is also calling for a new HDMI standard that will make it easier to transfer the left- and right- single-frame data units (unique to 3D feeds) to TV displays that feature the option.
According to the giant Japanese manufacturer, the new standards will prevent patent conflict related to 3D imagery and allow the technology to grow exponentially over the next few years.
Current 3D image encoding uses a two-channel function and that’s where Panasonic believes it should stay. The easier the new 3D-enabled TVs can identify image data, equipment and other elements through this standard, the easier it will be to sell the technology to consumers.
But Panasonic doesn’t want to enforce a standard for actual 3D displays – too many other companies are trying to outdo each other with different, intriguing techniques in that area.
Mitsubishi’s first laser TV uses a 3D IR wireless emitter, where the source device supports checkerboard display formats (a type of complicated calibration). Samsung offers 3D-ready TVs that vibrate the images at 120 frames per second, alternating back and forth at 60 fps in each eye (Panasonic is offering basically the same thing). And Philips is on the verge of releasing their Quad-Full Autostereoscopic real 3D display, which has such a high speed and resolution that it alternates between 46 views at once, pushing 3D into the real world and eliminating the need for silly glasses.
Add Hollywood’s (and the public’s) increased interest in 3D to the equation, and you have a technology that needs to be supported. Stunted growth due to patent battles and consumer confusion caused the similar battle between HD DVDs and Blu-ray disks to suffer the consequences this year with a less than bountiful bottom line.
After all, a consumer won’t buy a 3D Blu-ray movie if it can only be played in one type of television, or if takes two different media players.
Panasonic says that their standard request is built to be accepted easily by the rest of the companies. If it’s accepted by the Blu-ray association, expect to see a 3D storage standard within two years.
Photo: /pitzyper!/Flickr
Source: Tech-On
