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DirecTV, Panasonic Bow 3D TV Suite (HD 3DTV)
twice.com ^ | 7/1/2010 | Greg Tarr

Posted on 07/03/2010 6:22:49 AM PDT by Las Vegas Dave

Panasonic Consumer Electronics North American president Shiro Kitajima (left)
and Steven Roberts, DirecTV senior VP, celebrate the launch of DirecTV's three-channel
3D HDTV channel suite that went live Thursday.
______________________________________________

New York - DirecTV and sponsoring partner Panasonic formally threw the switch here Thursday on the satellite-TV provider's first 3D TV channel suite including "n3D", which is a 24/7 linear non-anaglyph 3D channel.

As the exclusive sponsoring partner for the 3D channels, Powered by Panasonic is featured prominently in the new 3D service's branding.

Panasonic is using the sponsorship to play up its "end-to-end" 3D efforts ranging from new Panasonic professional 3D video cameras for broadcasters to 3D Blu-ray Disc encoding support for movie studios to delivery of some of the industry's first 3D FullHD plasma TV sets and Blu-ray players in stores now.

Programming appears on channels 103, 104 and 105 on the DirecTV platform and together will feature a mix of sports, movies and family-centric entertainment at no extra charge on DirecTV's HDTV programming tier.

DirecTV will be presenting content in 1080p resolution although some content may be delivered at different resolution levels, the company said.

DirecTV senior VP Steven Roberts said channel 103 carries "n3D," which offers 24/7 linear programming. Top programming will be offered initially at prime time hours. On weekends it will feature children-oriented fare switching to more adult-oriented programming in the evenings, Roberts said.

Through the month of July, n3D will carry 3D programming including "Guitar Center Sessions with Peter Gabriel and Jane's Addiction"; "Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia"; "Wild Safari: A South African Adventure"; and N Wave Picture's "S.O.S. Planet," "African Adventure: Safari in the Okavango" and "Encounter in the Third Dimension."

Channel 104 carries DirecTV Cinema in 3D, offering pay-per-view content starting with IMAX titles "Deep Sea 3D" and "Under the Sea 3D."

Channel 105 carries n3D On Demand, which currently offers replays of ESPN's 3D coverage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup soccer matches. DirecTV originally carried ESPN 3D on June 11 on channel 106.

Roberts said DirecTV will emphasize family-centric content much of the time. Supplying partners include: CBS, AEG, Fox Sports, HDNet, NBCU, Turner, MTV, Golden Boy Productions and ESPN.

DirecTV will also be among multichannel video providers carrying the first-ever Major League Baseball games in 3D. On July 10 and 11, the New York Yankees and the Seattle Mariners will air in 3D from Safeco Field, for viewers living in the New York and Seattle areas.


TOPICS: Music/Entertainment; TV/Movies
KEYWORDS: 3d; 3dhdtv; hdtv
In a related story: http://www.twice.com/article/454366-Monster_Unveils_Universal_3D_Glasses_Clarity_HD_Line.php

Monster Unveils Universal 3D Glasses, Clarity HD Line By John Laposky -- TWICE, 6/30/2010 New York - Monster earlier this month filled in the details on its previously announced new Clarity HD sub-brand and stuck its foot firmly in the 3D market with a pair of universal active-shutter glasses.

Head monster Noel Lee appeared at an event in New York and debuted new headphones, home entertainment loudspeaker solutions, docking speakers, cables and cleaning products, among others.

Monster's first 3D glasses, Monstervision Max 3D, are compatible with any brand 3D TV and boast built-in RF technology to avoid the common problem of IR interference that can plague existing active-shutter glasses. The RF transmitter allows for the system to expand to be paired with thousands of Monstervision brand glasses, Lee said.

Proprietary active-sync software is embedded in the transmitter and receiver to prevent sync loss and pairing drops. The glasses are rechargeable and offer more than 800 hours of use in a single charge, Lee said.

The glasses were designed to fit over a user's existing prescription eyeglasses.

The glasses are expected to ship in August. A bundle of one pair with RF transmitter will have a suggested retail price of $249, with extra glasses available for $169 each and an extra transmitter for $59.95.

Lee said an expanded line of Monstervision glasses, in various colors and styles "designed by some of the most famous designers in the eyewear industry," will become available later this year.

Monster's Clarity HD line debuted with a new set of ear buds, which Lee said "resolves incredibly low-level detail. They are great for classical music," Lee told TWICE. "If you like hearing the sound of the bow drawing across the neck or fingers sliding down strings, these are ideal." He likened them to "a magnifying glass for your music."

The ear buds include Control Talk technology for iPhones and will have a suggested retail of $229.

Also in the Clarity HD line are two Bluetooth portable speakers for handheld devices, the black Clarity HD Precision Micro Bluetooth speaker ($119), for use with Blackberry devices, smartphones and notebook PCs, and the silver iClarity HD Precision Micro Bluetooth speaker (also $119), for use with iPod, iPhone and iPad.

The ultra-compact form factor devices deliver Bluetooth 2.0 HD audio, which Monster combines with audio and digital signal processing for clarity. Built-in microphones allow for hands-free dialing, and lithium-ion batteries provide up to five hours of listening on a single charge.

The two systems boast dual 35mm full-range drivers and a passive radiator subwoofer design for clarity and powerful low frequency bass response, the company said.

Wireless music streaming is made possible by coupling advanced audio distribution profile (A2DP) with audio video remote control profile (AVRCP) for wireless audio and video playback control. The speakers may also be used with a wired connection using a standard 3.5mm headphone port.

At the top of the Clarity HD line is the Executive speaker series with accompanying iPod dock, a complete desktop audio system powered by a built-in 75 watt-per-channel amplifier. Each 12-inch by 6-inch by 6-inch speaker features a 5.25-inch polypropylene woofer, a 1-inch silk dome tweeter and low-resonance cabinets with bi-amp design.

The system is voiced for high-resolution digital media playback and time-aligned for linear response. Precision crossovers provide detailed sound staging, Lee said, adding that the system's master/slave configuration allows for simple installation and setup.

The included Executive-series iPod dock has a built-in master volume control and a full-function IR remote control. The dock includes an auxiliary audio input that allows playback from other digital audio devices.

The system will retail for $449.95.

The company also showed a new iPad Cleaning kit, an addition to its line of Outlets To Go laptop power adapters, and announced that its SuperTip ear bud tips, originally included with Monster's Turbine Pro earphones, will be available as a stand-alone product for use with any brand ear bud.

Also on display was a pair of the recently announced TRON headphones, co-developed with Walt Disney Pictures. Details are available here.

1 posted on 07/03/2010 6:22:51 AM PDT by Las Vegas Dave
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To: ADemocratNoMore; advertising guy; aft_lizard; AJMaXx; Alice in Wonderland; american colleen; ...
Pinging the HDTV list..
HDTV pings!

Interested in the HDTV ping list?
Please Freepmail me (freepmail works best) if you would like your name added to the HDTV ping list, ( approximately 375 freepers are currently on the HDTV ping list ).
The pinged subjects can be HDTV technology, satellite, cable, and OTA HD reception (Over The Air with roof top or indoor antennas), Broadcast specials, Sports, Blu-ray/HDDVD, and any and all subjects relating to HDTV.
Note: if you search Freerepublic using the keyword "“HDTV”, you will find most of the past HDTV postings.


2 posted on 07/03/2010 6:26:45 AM PDT by Las Vegas Dave (To anger a Conservative, tell him a lie. To anger a Liberal, tell him the truth.)
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To: Las Vegas Dave

3D TV will pass faster than “you know what” through a goose.

No market, no demand & the worst possible timing, in this economy.

3D is a “theater experience” that nobody has the patience for at home.


3 posted on 07/03/2010 6:31:34 AM PDT by G Larry (Democrats: expediting the Destruction of America, before they lose power...)
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To: G Larry
3D is the biggest rip-off of the American movie ever.

• The 3D effects are subtle. They are not like the audience teasing effects of the 1950’s, where you were dogging arrows, snakes, hypodermic needles, or killer beast leaping out at you. Those were fun just watching the audience react. You don't have any of that now. You don't hear anyone talking about the cool 3D as they walk out of the theater, do you?

• It's an excuse to get you to pay an extra 3 or 4 dollars more per ticket.

4 posted on 07/03/2010 6:57:15 AM PDT by NavyCanDo
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To: NavyCanDo; All

Watch out 3d video can cause problems depth perception.

http://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/warning-3d-video-hazardous-to-your-health/


5 posted on 07/03/2010 7:16:06 AM PDT by MetaThought
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To: NavyCanDo
I've seen the Samsung and Panasonic 3D solutions and Panasonic's is far superior. I would buy the Panasonic set if I were in the market now.

I believe 3D will be the default tech. in 3 years.

6 posted on 07/03/2010 7:16:35 AM PDT by TruthFactor (The Death of Nations: Pornography, Homosexuality, Abortion)
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To: Las Vegas Dave
Dave I want to thank you for your recs on Projectors.

Now I would like to ask everyone what they consider a good reliable HD Flat Screen TV.

I want 1080P

I would like it to be compatible with all the popular "Computer" resolutions (I am building my own Media Room Computer for use with Hulu and other Internet TV systems)

The last one we had was 52 Inch Screen a JVC HD-ILA that we loved but lightning zonked it bad! So we want that size or bigger.

It would be nice if it stood by itself but we can go wall mount if need be (we have a nice stand the 52 inch JVC fit well.)

I want something reliable and if it has lamps then easy to replace and don't cost an ARM and a LEG! I've seen some lamps as high as 370 Bucks which I think is waaaaaaaay overpriced for technology that has been around for over 120 years. (its a glorified light bulb its not rocket science...)

Thanks all in advance for your recs.

7 posted on 07/03/2010 7:38:10 AM PDT by Mad Dawgg (If you're going to deny my 1st Amendment rights then I must proceed to the next one...)
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To: G Larry

The softcore p0rn industry alone will keep 3D tv thriving for years. ;)


8 posted on 07/03/2010 8:32:23 AM PDT by anymouse (God didn't write this sitcom we call life, he's just the critic.)
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To: Mad Dawgg

Vizio has some nice 1080/240Hz big screens. I have an older Samsung 46” 1080p. The picture is excellent however the refresh is only 60Hz so there’s pixelation during rapid picture movement.


9 posted on 07/03/2010 8:55:20 AM PDT by Justa
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To: Mad Dawgg
1. Wait a bit for LED projectors. Many companies will offer up good yet affordable LED in 2011. The Barco LED projector is just too expensive - but it looks great.

2. Really want bigger than 60”? Look for a projector in a darkened room with a great screen. Add audio. I am partial to Screen Innovations, but their screens may cost more than your projector.

3. If you get a Visio I have heard of quality problems. Its a consumer big box brand. However, Costco does offer that 90 - day return policy ...

4. Get at least 120 Hz, high contrast and some advanced features to clean up the picture.

5. In many areas, the local cable providers are barely providing clean 480p signals, so YMMV.

6. I am partial to the name brands, especially on larger screens. Phillips, JVC, Sharp, Sony and occasionally Samsung. These are seldom cutting edge products, but service is a feature that I consider as much as anything else.

10 posted on 07/03/2010 9:22:13 AM PDT by texas booster (Join FreeRepublic's Folding@Home team (Team # 36120) Cure Alzheimer's!)
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To: Las Vegas Dave

My HD channel images (Direct TV) have “edges,” as if the color convergence is off. Is this normal? Is this supposed to be for 3D? Inquiring minds want to know...


11 posted on 07/03/2010 2:43:37 PM PDT by redhead (BP Gulf Blowout Debacle: Obama's CHERNOBYL.)
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To: Mad Dawgg
Check for the warrentee on the HDTV that you are interested in and look for the best one.

Before you purchase check with your credit card company, most gold or platinum CC’s will double the manufacturer's warrentee, call the 800 number on the back of the card to confirm..

12 posted on 07/03/2010 8:12:53 PM PDT by Las Vegas Dave (To anger a Conservative, tell him a lie. To anger a Liberal, tell him the truth.)
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To: redhead

DirecTV has launched three 3D channels, including a 24-hour channel called N3D. The N3D channel, which will be sponsored by Panasonic, is now available at no additional cost to DIRECTV HD customers on channel 103.

Home 3D HDTV is very new, I don’t see millions and millions dumping their relatively new and co$tly HDTV sets for 3D HDTV and the added expense of the required 3D glasses...

As for my posting about it, it is a new technology that is HDTV ping list news worthy, period! I don’t plan a purchasing a 3D HDTV anytime soon..


13 posted on 07/04/2010 4:27:19 AM PDT by Las Vegas Dave (To anger a Conservative, tell him a lie. To anger a Liberal, tell him the truth.)
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To: Las Vegas Dave; Justa; texas booster; G Larry; NavyCanDo; MetaThought; TruthFactor; anymouse; ...
Thanks all for the recs. Here is our thinking:

We had a HD-ILA JVC 52 inch TV

Which was 1280x720 and 75 Mhz.

We loved the TV but now its hammered by lightning and to fix it will cost more than many new TVs the same size with better specs. (They are telling us 1500 Bucks for the new parts plus labor ontop of that.)

This is one of the TVs we are looking at:

55inch Philips LCD 1080p 240hz HDTV

•Resolution: Full HD (1920x1080)
•Contrast ratio (typical): 7,000:1
•Picture enhancement: 3/2 -2/2 motion pull down
•Response time: 1 ms
•EasyLink (HDMI-CEC): One touch play, Power status
•3D combfilter, Active Control + Light Sensor System info(menu language), System audio control
•Dynamic contrast : 50,000:1
•Dynamic contrast enhancement, Progressive Scan, System standby
•240Hz (120Hz + Scanning) LCD, HD Natural Motion

I love the price but worry that is seems very cheap compared to the other TVs we are looking at.

60" LG Plasma 1080p HDTV

Display Type Plasma
Screen Size 60"
Screen Size Diagonal 59.5"
Full HD 1080 Yes
Native Display Resolution 1920 x 1080
ED-Resolution 1080p
Dynamic Contrast Ratio 2,000,000:1
Refresh Rate 600 Hz
Intelligent Sensor Yes
ENERGY STAR® Compliant Yes
No. of HDMI Ports 3
Invisible Speakers Yes
Life Span (Typical) 100,000 hours
Altitude 2,900m/9,514ft
Warranty 2 Year Panel / 1 Year Parts & Labor

The specs look good on this one and they are claiming an 11 year plus screen life of 24/7 TV Display time (100,000 hrs.)

I've heard good and bad about Plasma so I am leery of any Plasma TV. But the Plasma TVs I've seen displayed had really good pictures.

We were just going to ride out our JVC and once we got our new apartment ready we were going to buy a nice Projector for our Media Room (we've designed it like a mini theater but with really comfy seating with recliners and couches in a sloping floor plan for better sight lines.) However we've put the new apartment on hold until we pay off all existing debt. So with the lightning strike we have to replace the JVC. At first we thought to go ahead and get the projector and just transfer it when the apartment is done but after looking at what is available and what is coming soon in Projectors we thought to wait until we were ready to move in to get one. (about 1 1/2 to 2 years).

We lost two HD tvs in the lightning Strike an Old Big Box HD Rear Screen Mitsubishi TV we let the Kids use for Gaming (They loved it) and the JVC.

Now we are thinking of One big (52 Inch or better) HDTV and two smaller HD TVs (32 inch) to replace them.

14 posted on 07/04/2010 8:35:52 AM PDT by Mad Dawgg (If you're going to deny my 1st Amendment rights then I must proceed to the next one...)
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To: Mad Dawgg

Surge suppressors on everything with a microprocessor in it (eg. computer, TV, sterio, etc.) And if you know it is a big lighting storm coming, then just shut everything down until it passes, since cheap surge suppressors may not be good enough to protect your expensive electronics from a close lighting strike surge.


15 posted on 07/04/2010 11:22:14 AM PDT by anymouse (God didn't write this sitcom we call life, he's just the critic.)
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To: anymouse
"Surge suppressors on everything with a microprocessor in it (eg. computer, TV, sterio, etc.)"

The JVC was On a Battery Backup/Surge protector (We had it on Bat. Backup because the salesman told us it would save bulbs if electricity went out being it had a cool-down fan and cycled through a cooling stage when you turned it off.) The Bat Backup allowed us to shut it down and let it cycle.

In fact everything was on the Bat. Backup/Surge Protector except the subwoofer (Not enough plugs) it was plugged into a cheaper surge protector and it apparently allowed the strike surge into the Receiver/Amp and then into the speakers and TV, being that I found the connecting wire from the Subwoofer to the Receiver/Amp burnt off. The cheapy surge protector is sorta melty and of course doesn't work now.

When the lightning strike happened the power was off. It was late at night when it happened I was just going to bed. It had just started raining and as happens here frequently during storms the power went off. I went about turning off stuff including the big commercial AC unit. Just a few seconds after I clicked the Thermostat on the AC to off the lights sorta brightened and fluttered and at the exact same time a huge peel of thunder starting with the sound of someone breaking a stick as it was broadcast over a Rock Concert sound system at earsplitting level then sorta rumbling so loud it shook the windows.

It scared the living crap out of me and the hair stood up on my arms and on the back of my neck. It woke everyone in the house too hahaha.

Since everything was off including the electric we went to bed.

The next morning when the wife got up for work I got up also since it was hot in the apartment. I seen her off to work and I flipped the AC unit on and the compressor in it exploded hard enough to throw bits of metal all over the alley out side and even forced some into the duct work and slightly bent the squirrel cage fan that circulates the air.

And since the apartment has no windows that open and it was hotter than hell back in the TV areas we didn't turn anything on for several days till they got the AC fixed. So it didn't dawn on us for almost a week that everything was hammered due to lightning.

We have some eight foot florescent tube lights in one of the rooms and it did something to them that only one side of bulbs will light up on every fixture.

The AC guy told us we were very lucky it didn't start a fire.

16 posted on 07/04/2010 12:55:56 PM PDT by Mad Dawgg (If you're going to deny my 1st Amendment rights then I must proceed to the next one...)
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To: G Larry
No market, no demand & the worst possible timing, in this economy.

That's the key. I'm interested in the technology itself, but I have very limited income to spend, most of it goes to surviving. Hopefully my 25 inch 1982 Zenith (been in daily use since early 1983) will still last for many years to come, I do have a Blu-Ray hooked up to it, got the Blu-Ray for Christmas, I'm the butt of joke for that one. B-) I think until they find some way to produce 3D with holograms or whatever else they come up with, it would be more acceptable than wearing glasses, I'm terminally nearsighted and it is a pain to put a set of glasses for 3D above what I have. I can do it but it is more of a pain in the butt.
17 posted on 07/04/2010 10:26:24 PM PDT by Nowhere Man (General James Mattoon Scott, where are you when we need you? We need a regime change.)
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