Eden Reborn 3-D DVD

Eden Reborn 3-D is now available as a Region 1 U.S. playable DVD from Dimensional 3-D Imaging. The 33-minute documentary chronicles The Eden Project in Cornwall, England, to provide an interesting look at one of the most unique places on Earth.

Filmed in 3-D using the Nu-View 3-D Optical system, Eden Reborn was filmed as pure documentary, not for the 3-D effects. However, the 3-D enhances the enjoyment of the unique natural and futuristic manmade structures found within the boundaries of The Eden Project. The interlaced field sequential 3-D DVD allows people who normally have problems viewing 3-D to watch the program without discomfort.

The movie has been selling successfully in the United Kingdom for sometime through the Media 3-D Web site. The original release of the DVD is playable only in the United Kingdom, but a new Region 1 version has now been produced. Dimensional 3-D Imaging provided 3-D Review Online Magazine with a PAL UK TV System copy of the movie, which played perfectly on our U.S. computer system. "We can supply NTSC user countries with compatible copies accordingly," said Paul WIlletts Crowley, of Dimensional 3-D Imaging.

The film shows the extrordinary beauty of The Eden Project. Eden is a gateway to the fascinating world of plants and people, a vibrant reminder of how we need each other for our mutual survival. Showcasing examples of good practice in the commercial, scientific, environmental and educational fields. Its a living laboratory for the latest research on plant issues that affect all our futures. It is also a destination featuring stunning architecture and a breathtaking living plant collection. The dome-shaped greenhouse at The Eden Project is the largest greenhouse in the world. It resembles the dome-shaped city in the film Logan's Run. The documentary gives many thrilling views of the inside and outside of the dome, including indoor waterfalls, pristine streams and plants. From the project's odor drawer, which allows visitors to smell different natural plant aromas to its natural walkways abounding with tourists, the documentary gives a true in-depth look at this very unique project. Zena Crowley's documentary narration contains special insights about The Eden Project that is informative and educational .

As fans of the 1960s television series, The Prisoner, we're really looking forward to seeing Dimensional 3-D Imaging's next 3-D DVD documentary, Portmeiron - Village of The Prisoner. That 3-D DVD is scheduled for release at the end of 2006.

Dimensional 3-D Imaging presents Eden Reborn (The Eden Project, Cornwall, England)
Filmed in 3-Dimension with the Nu-View 3-D Optical System
Filmed on location at Lands End and Bodelva Cornwall.
Cameraman: Paul Willetts Crowley
Special 3-D Titles: Stuart Edwards (Optimax 3-D)
Editing and Sound Design: Cascade Digital (UK)
Post Production 3-D Advisor and Narrator: Zena Crowley
DVD-R Video Disc: Cascade Studios
Case Sleeve and Disc Label Designed and Produced by Paul Willets Crowley
Copyright 2005
Running Time: 33 minutes. Color. Compatible with most PAL DVD players worldwide.
Dimensional 3-D Imaging, 141, Saltwells Road, Netherton, Dudley, DY2 OBN. United Kingdom. Telephone: 01384 635308 Mobile: 07713 824021
Price: £15 + post and package of £1.50p (UK) Editor's Note: Contact Dimensional 3-D Images for price in U.S. dollars.

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Japanese Researcher Shows Off Real 3-D Images in the Air

The National institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) invented the device displaying "real 3-D images" consisting of dot arrays in space. Although 3-D displays might have existed in the past, researchers say that most 3-D displays reported are made up pseudo-3-D images on 2-D planes viewed by using the human binocular disparity.

This is a real 3-D image, admittedly only spots of light so far, floating in free space.

The images are formed from plasma formed at the focal point of the lasers.

Most of the 3-D displays reported until now draw pseudo-3-D images on 2-D planes by utilizing the human binocular disparity. However, many problems occur, e.g., the limitation of the visual field, and the physiological displeasure due to the misidentification of virtual images.

Previous 3-D images have all relied on human binocular vision to create the illusion of three dimensions. But there are no 3-D goggles or red and green filters needed here. This is the real thing. "The device we have developed uses the plasma emission phenomenon near the focal point of focused laser light. By controlling the position of the focal point in the direction of the x-, y-, and z-axes, we have succeeded in displaying real 3-D images constructed by dot arrays in air (3-D space)," according to the AIST news release.

Background of the Research Work
Our living space is three-dimensional, and all the things which exist therein are also three-dimensional objects. Of course there is an abundant amount of information on 3-D images on the Internet, but we hardly ever see "real 3-D images" reproduced from this electronic information. This is because we have no electronic devices enabling us to display real 3-D images.

In fact, some 3-D displays enabling us to deal with 3-D objects have been reported, but most of them display pseudo-3-D objects on 2-D devices by using the human binocular disparity, inducing many problems which it is essential to rectify, e.g., the limitation of the visual field, and the physiological displeasure due to the misidentification of virtual images.

History of the Research Work
Keio University and Burton Inc. noticed a phenomenon that, when laser beams are strongly focused, air plasma emission can be induced only near the focal point. Thereby, they succeeded in the experimental fabrication of a device displaying 2-D images in the air, which are constructed from dot arrays produced using a technique combining a laser light source and galvanometric mirrors. To further form 3-D images in the air, the scanning of the focal point in the depth direction along the laser optical axis is essential. However, for such a purpose, the quality of the laser and the technique for varying the position of the focal point must be improved, and thus as yet there are no 3-D display devices.

Details of the Research Work
The AIST, Keio University and Burton Inc., in cooperation, have succeeded in a spatial display of "real 3-D images" consisting of dot arrays using a device that is made by additionally incorporating a linear motor system and a high-quality and -brightness infrared pulse laser into the 2-D display device mentioned above.

The linear motor system enables the position of the laser focal point to be varied by high-speed scanning of a lens set on the motor orbit. Incorporation of this system makes the image scanning in the direction of the z-axis possible. For scanning in the x and y axis directions, conventional galvanometric mirrors are used.

The laser light source used in this work is a high-quality and high-brightness infrared pulsed laser (repetition frequency of pulse: approximately 100 Hz), by which plasma production can be more precisely controlled, enabling brighter and higher contrast image drawing. In addition, the distance between the device and drawing points can be greatly extended (several meters).

The emission time of the laser pulse light is on the order of a nano-second (10-9 sec). The device uses 1-pulse for each dot to that the human eye can recognize plasma emission by utilizing the after-image effect, and enables a 100 dot/sec display.

By synchronizing these pulses and controlling them with software, the device can draw any 3-D objects in air.

Various pictures of 2-D and 3-D objects displayed using the device are shown below.

Inevitably, the senior researcher on the project, at Japan's Advanced Science and Technology institute, sees it as a way of carrying advertising.

The rest are looking forward to football matches played out on the living room floor.

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Philips 3-D intelligent display solution, based on WOWvx technology, enables exciting 3-D viewing experiences for high-impact out-of-home advertising

Adding an extra dimension to digital signage, Philips 3-D Solutions introduces its 3-D intelligent display solution in the professional market. Featuring high quality 3-D and 2-D modes, the intelligent autostereoscopic display delivers full brightness and full contrast with true color representation thanks to Philips' WOWvx technology. Leveraging its patented multi-view Lenticular technology in combination with advanced 3-D display signal processing, the display provides an extraordinary 3-D viewing experience that stands out compared to conventional displays.

The new 42" 42-3D6C01 Comfort-line, now on sale, is designed for applications that require a 3-D experience with maximum comfort. It allows multiple users to view 3-D content at the same time within a large comfort zone, providing a sustainable 3-D viewing experience without the need for special viewing glasses. The display can be applied for a broad range of applications, visualizing both 2-D and 3-D content with high picture quality.

Philips 3-D intelligent display solution includes supports from 3-D content creation up to true 3-D visualization. A dedicated plug-in for 3dsMax* software is available that allows existing and new content to be exported to the 2D-plus-depth format. Using the 3DS Media Player, which can be integrated in existing software solutions for Digital Signage, the content can be played back. Next to the offline content creation, 3-D interactive applications, games, gambling, simulation, etc., can be visualized in real-time, using the 3DS Wrapper that can extract real-time depth information via OpenGL or DirectX. Finally, a Display Control Tool is provided that allows the end-user to modify the settings of the depth- and visualization parameters to their preference.

The 42" Comfort-line display solution is the first WOWvx based product that promises to help professionals create an amazing viewing experience with the latest technology to make content richer, more exciting, and more entertaining for the end-user so that it's almost "real". WOWvx provides the latest innovation in technology to attract the consumer's attention and is well positioned for use in digital signage, games, gambling, simulation, etc.

The 42" WOWvx 42-3D6C01 Comfort-line display system is sold in the USA through Philips 3-D Solutions distribution channel at a MSRP of USD $17,500 plus tax.

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21st Century 3-D's 3DVX3 Digital Stereoscopic Motion Picture Camera

21st Century 3-D announced the introduction of the 3DVX3, the latest in their line of digital stereoscopic motion picture camera systems. The 3DVX3 represents 21st Century 3-D's most significant advance in stereoscopic camera technology to date. This newly developed 3-D camera-recorder features numerous evolutionary advances over previous 3DVX models, while maintaining the compact form factor and self contained design that has been a distinctive feature since the first generation.

Foregoing tape, a unique direct to disk recording system captures RAW CCD data in 4:4:4 RGB color space at 10 bits per channel, producing remarkably vivid 3-D images at up to 1280x720 per eye, 24fps progressive. This unique capture method provides industry leading dynamic range and color fidelity, more akin to motion picture film than digital video. The genlock synchronized system features two entirely discreet image channels simultaneously captured by 6 CCDs, two on board CPUs running Mac OS X with over 2.8ghz of processing power, 2gb of RAM, 8gb of flash memory and a maximum record time of one hour per eye on paired sets of 100gb removable 7200 RPM drives.

As in previous 3DVX cameras, the Panasonic AG-DVX100A serves as the core of the camera section. The 3DVX3 bypasses resolution and color limitations imposed by miniDV and takes full advantage of the higher resolution and 36 bit color quality the CCDs provide. Data is taken directly from the analog to digital converters and sent over USB 2.0, providing 600% more information than would be recorded to digital tape. An advanced demosaic algorithm is employed to achieved 1280x720p resolution. Since no color decimation or spatial compression is applied to any of the color channels, the 3DVX3 greatly exceeds the image quality of many HD and HDV systems.

The built in recorder of the 3DVX3 is comprised of two extensively modified Apple Mac Mini computers. The compact size and CPU horsepower offered by the Mac Mini coupled with the power of Mac OS X make the 3DVX3 a truly unique camcorder. Flash memory modules replace hard drives in the Mac Minis for fast booting and reduced operating temperature.

The all-new binocular electronic viewfinder utilizes high quality optics and the latest LCOS technology to provide a bright and crisp 800x600 (per eye) SVGA display under 10x magnification. The uncompressed output can be monitored via the BEVF or the built in left and right analog VGA ports. Analog composite, S-video and digital IEEE1394 ports are also available for standard definition monitoring or additional output options. An external S-video multiplexer allows for high quality field sequential output and even more flexibility in terms of previewing 3-D images in real time.

Focus settings for both optical blocks are now controlled via a synchronized optoelectric mechanism that adds mere ounces to the system and allows precise control over left and right eye focus with one convenient follow focus knob. This new method reduces weight as compared to previous designs, improves accuracy and eliminates the backlash associated with a geared stereo focus system. Zoom functions are also now electronically linked for improved ergonomics and accuracy as well as significant weight reduction as compared with previous generations.

Left and right eye lens apertures are now synchronized by a dual channel galvanometric system that ensures matched exposure to both CCD arrays with just one user operated dial. The system provides accurate and consistent brightness and contrast between left and right images and makes “run ‘n gun” 3-D shooting a reality. Interaxial spacing has been significantly reduced to 2.75” (69.85mm) for a more natural simulation of human vision. An all new carbon fiber and aluminum matte box with two stage filter holder allows a wide range of industry standard 4”x5.6” filters to be employed.

Because of its advanced design, which integrates dual on board Mac OS CPUs, dual high-speed hard drives, a high res binocular LCOS electronic viewfinder, high data rate USB 2.0 interface and a 6CCD camera head, the 3DVX3 has unusually high power requirements. To meet these demands, 21st Century 3-D turned to Anton/Bauer, the worldwide standard in custom power systems. Their state of the art Dionic 160 offered the best balance between power output and weight. Additionally, Dionic 160 is one of the only batteries in the industry that can power the 3DVX3 at all. This battery is constructed with specialized lithium ion cells originally designed for high rate military applications. Because of these low resistance cells, Dionic 160 meets the power requirements of the 3DVX3 with a total output of up to 10 amps - a capability usually reserved only for nickel based chemistries. Dionic 160 weighs 30% less than a HyTRON 120 but has 30% more capacity, allowing the 3DVX3 to run for up to 2 hour of continuous operating time. An AC power supply based on a modified Anton/Bauer Titan 70 has also been developed.

This advanced battery technology contributes in part to the camera’s overall weight of just 24 pounds making the 3DVX3 the industry's smallest and lightest high definition stereoscopic camcorder. The 3DVX3 can easily go places and do things that competitive 3-D systems simply cannot. Car mounts, steadicam and hand held operation are complex challenges with other systems, but easy options with the 3DVX3. Other high definition 3-D camera systems can weigh three times as much as the 3DVX3 or more, and often require separate recording hardware and large support crews. Furthermore, these systems cannot match the dynamic range afforded by the uncompressed 10 bit image quality. The 3DVX3 allows for more setups per day and requires smaller crews to operate. This translates to more efficient production. Directors and cinematographers can now concentrate on producing high quality 3-D content without the cumbersome delays and exorbitant expense associated with traditional 3-D shoots.

“This is the camera we set out to create two years ago,” says 3DVX3 inventor Jason Goodman. “It's an evolutionary design that builds on our previous work and takes what we’ve done to the next level with 1280x720p stereoscopic high definition and outstanding dynamic range. At the same time, it’s an entirely new design in that we’ve abandoned tape and created so many new components. The uncompressed image quality and remarkable color fidelity add so much subtle detail that really enhances stereoscopic quality in a profound way. This is the next generation in live action 3-D production.”

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Margulies & Associates Wins Award with Giant View-Master® Made of Cans

Margulies & Associates, one of Boston's most innovative architectural and interior design firms founded by Weston resident Marc Margulies, has received an award for structural integrity at the 2005 CANSTRUCTION competition.

Working with the theme of "Boston: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow", Margulies chose to create a giant View-Master® toy to bring to life the sights of Boston called "A View to a CANstructive Future."

Margulies & Associates was one of two dozen local firms that designed sculptures out of a combined total of 61,000 cans of food items as part of a national community service project that is held in 40 cities across the country.

All of the food was donated to The Greater Boston Food Bank when the exhibit left the Boston Public Library on Nov. 4.

"Our CANSTRUCTION team, led by architectural designer Tim Baley, did a tremendous job coming up with the concept of a View-Master® and designing the actual structure," said Margulies. "This is our first year participating in the CANSTRUCTION competition and we are proud to be affiliated with such a worthy cause as helping to feed local families during the holiday season."

CANSTRUCTION is held in conjunction with Mayor Thomas Menino's Can Share food drive, with all food from both events donated to The Greater Boston Food Bank. Between the two initiatives, it is expected that over 100,000 pounds of food will be donated to The Food Bank, the equivalent of nearly 76,923 meals. The retail value of this expected donation is approximately $75,000.

"We were flattered when Margulies & Associates contacted us about designing a View-Master® out of cans," said Russ Coddington, vice president of marketing for Fisher-Price. "View-Master® has been entertaining and delighting children for more than 65 years. What a fun way to showcase such an icon of American pop culture, while at the same time contributing to such a worthy cause."

Margulies & Associates donated 50 View-Master® viewers with disks to the Children's Hospital on December 15. The View-Master® viewers were a generous donation from Fisher-Price, the manufacturer of the View-Master®.

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Jefferson Stereoptics View-Master® Auctions March 28 and 30, 2006

One of the best places to find View-Master® and other 3-D items for sale is Jefferson Stereoptics regularly held View-Master® and stereoview auctions conducted by John Saddy. The latest collection of View-Master® goodies goes on the auction block on Tuesday, March 28, 2006, featuring lots 1 through 340. The second part of the auction concludes on Thursday, March 30, 2006, with lots 341 through 627.

Subscribers receive John's catalog several times a year. Cost of the subscription pays for printing the catalog and postage to mail it. Each issue of the printed catalog includes photos of some of the most sought after 3-D items featured in each sale.

Some of the items in the March auctions:

• A copy of one the "Holy Grails" of View-Master® single reels collecting comes to auction with reel 1305, President Kennedy's Visit to Ireland
• Rare prototype Tru-Vue milky, slate-green viewer. This came from the Belgium View-Master® factory. It is not usable because where there should be a slot at the bottom is outlined in the plastic but there is no slot.
• The Wedding of Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly, Monaco, April 56
• Mickey Mouse Club Circus Visits Disneyland (S3) Extemely rare D-prefix set with Mickey Mouse's head in a circle in the upper right
• and much more

The auction items are also listed and all lots are scanned on John's Web site at www3.sympatico.ca/john.saddy.3-D/. The Web site is easily navigated by topic. Each item is grouped in areas of interest such as View-Master® packets USA and Canada or View-Master® packets Television and Movies and so on. You will need to register on the site in order to place a bid online.

John grades each item and includes elaborate descriptions, too. Unlike eBay, sniping is not part of the equation in John's auctions. Lots are closed with a very liberal waiting period. Beginning at the closing time, after 10 minutes with no bids or inquiries, all lots are closed together.

You can contact John via an e-mail link on his Web site to find out about subscribing to the catalog. Jefferson Stereoptics is located in London Ontario, Canada.

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3-D Auction Results

Here are a few 3-D auction results from the past month.

A View-Master® Stereo Camera owned by the late actor Robert Stack sold for $449.44. Stack was well known for his portrayal of Elliot Ness in TV's The Untouchables as well as host of the series Unsolved Mysteries. The camera is Serial #15645. Made for Sawyers International, Portland, Oregon by Stereo Craft Engineering Co. Lenses are matched View-Master® Anastigmats F:3.5 25 mm coated. Accessories include an original View-Master® flash w/3 original batteries, a View-Master® 36-inch Close Up lens attachment w/case and a total of six filters and four retaining rings. Original camera case is in excellent condition with no rips and tears.Camera manual was included in the sale.	A Hasselblad Stereo Box Magazine Camera sold for $599.99 with 13 bids. The camera is c1900. On the back, stamped in gold, are the words Hasselblads Stereoscopkamera Svenska. This camera is not listed in any camera reference book.
A Yashica FX-3 SUPER 2000 stereo SLR camera sold for $2,123.17 with 21 bids. This camera has undergone a professional conversion equipped with a pair of Tokina 28mm-70mm, zoom lenses. The camera is fitted with an LED exposure meter, which is read in the left hand viewfinder. The right hand viewfinder contains the bubble spirit level, to ensure correct horizontal positioning. The lenses are fitted with rubber lens hoods and metal lens covers. The shutter speeds are 1-1/2000 sec, ISO 25-3200 and the film advance is one and Three. The camera has two hot shoe flash connections, either left or right, or both hotshoe’s can be used.
A Utah stereoview sold for $609 with two bidders. The stereoview showed a lumber milling operation, an exploring survey party in camp and possibly Stereographer Charles R. Savage's portable photographic darktent and crew. From the series "Upper Mill, Big Cottonwood Canyon. Charles R.Savage Photographer. Salt Lake City, Utah." Extending across the entire background is the lumber operation with the mill building and large piles of cut lumber. Several men are standing in front of the mill, observing the activity in the foreground. There are six men and a variety of camping and cooking utensils in the camp. The dark box at the left may be Savage's darktent. The man at the center is holding up a large rectangular item that appears to be a blank canvas for a painting or a map. Another man carries a log. The three men in the foreground are observing, with the man at the left smoking a pipe. They may be members of the party or Savage's assistants. A stereoview reproduced on page 66 of the book The Savage View by Bradley is described as "probably part of the geologic survey headed into the Wasatch Mountains." Although a different view from the one auctioned, that wagon camp scene seems to have some of the same men. Circa 1870. A stereoview from the Scenery of the Union Pacific Railroad series titled Signs of the Mormon Mercantile Union sold for $372 with eight bids. Photographed by Jackson Brothers Omaha Nebraska. Amazing detail in this image, featuring multiple "Bull’s Eye" Signs fo the Mormon Old West. The time of day is clearly visible on the clock of the Town Clock Store building.