With its hand in consumer electronics, movies and video games, Sony is a big stakeholder in 3D and wants to push its adoption. The PlayStation 3 is 3D compatible for both video games and Blu-ray 3D content, but to make it work, Sony is challenged to make 3D television sets more affordable. To meet that challenge, Sony revealed details on a new 3D display bundle, here at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles. The bundle's centerpiece is a 24-inch display, which Sony touts as the "perfect size for dorm rooms or family rooms." The display will have a 23.5-inch screen and will offer a 1920 x 1080 pixel (1080p) picture and claims a 176 degree viewing angle. The set will be capable of displaying two separate images to two players instead of the typical split-screen mode. This will maximize the limited real estate of the relatively small screen.
The bundle includes the 24-inch 3D display; a pair of 3D glasses; a 6-foot HDMI cable and a copy of the upcoming Sony video game Resistance 3, which is a 3D game for the PlayStation 3. Sony plans to bring the bundle to market this fall for $499.99. The 4ms response time is possibly the TVs best feature, which will benefit the fast frame rates of video games. Otherwise, the bundle is a little underwhelming. The 24-inch screen size makes it difficult to appreciate either the 1080p high definition picture or the 3D. Sony hopes consumers will take it home and decide to upgrade to a larger screen soon after. The plan could backfire and tarnish the flagging 3D format.
A second fault for the display is potentially the ability to display two separate images. What Sony failed to mention is the two images won't be in 3D, but instead a standard 2D image for each viewer. The dual picture mode will require both players to wear the 3D glasses, and any observers in the room without glasses will see two images overlaid on each other. Still an interesting use of the technology to maximize screen real estate for two separate players in the same room.
The dual image is not unique to Sony. Consumer electronics manufacturers including Samsung are including the technology on larger-size sets.
While the bundle comes with just one set of 3D glasses, Sony will sell 3D glasses separately for $69.99. The glasses, which are being offered at a value price, will be compatible with multiple brands of 3D HDTVs.
The trickle of 3D content will open up as new and classic games get 3D treatment. Upcoming titles Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception, Resistance 3 and Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time are being developed in 3D. Sony also plans to release back catalog titles in two bundle discs including the God of War: Origins Collection and a multi-title package available in stereoscopic 3D.
In time for the holidays, Sony will release its new PlayStation Vita, a touch-screen handheld gaming system. The Vita is the next generation of the PlayStation Portable handheld system. The 5-inch multi-touch OLED screen is complemented by a touch-sensitive panel on the rear of the unit. Most games will offer the ability to switch back and forth between the touchscreen and the analog and digital controls to navigate the game. The PlayStation Vita -- Vita means life -- will be released over the holiday season in two packages. A Wi-Fi only version will retail for $249, and a Wi-Fi + 3G version will be available for $299. The 3G package will be offered through AT&T, and open up AT&T's 24,000 Wi-Fi hotspots as part of the deal. The announcement of AT&T as a partner was not particularly well received at the Sony press conference.
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