State of the Art 3D Experience Presented in Avatar

Today I went to see Avatar in Digital 3D and simply sat there in awe watching a movie so beautifully done. Frankly I have not been mesmerized by a movie like that before, and Avatar indeed pushed the limits of digital effects. 2010 is going to be 3D rage for your home and if this movie is an example of it, I am jumping on this wagon and buying the technology that brings a totally amazing and unforgettable experience.

Sony HD cameras were used to bring the magic of 3D appear so realistic in this new blockbuster movie.  However those HD cameras had to be modified some and here is an interesting piece of info I dug out from the Wired magazine, this is how it all started.

Cameron believed there must be a way to do it better. What he really wanted to talk about was his vision for the next generation of cameras: maneuverable, digital, high-resolution, 3-D.

Inventing such a camera wouldn’t be easy, but Cameron said he was ready to break new ground. He mentioned a mysterious, long-gestating film project that would bring viewers to an alien planet. Cameron didn’t want to make the movie unless viewers could experience the planet viscerally, in 3-D. Since no satisfactory 3-D cameras existed, he’d have to build one. He’d brought Pace on the Pacific adventure to ask if the underwater cameraman wanted to help. His goal seemed kind of extreme, but Pace thought it sounded interesting and signed on. “Jim had a clear ambition on the dive trip,” Pace says. “It was fun, but I didn’t really know what I was getting into.”

Two months later, Cameron sent Pace a $17,000 first-class ticket from Los Angeles to Tokyo, and soon they were sitting in front of the engineers at Sony’s hi-def-camera division. Pace was there to help persuade Sony to separate the lens and image sensor from the processor on the company’s professional-grade HD camera. The bulky CPU could then be kept a cable-length away from the lens — rather than struggling with a conventional 450-pound 3-D system, a camera operator would just have to handle a 50-pound, dual-lens unit.

Sony agreed to establish a new line of cameras. After three months, he had fitted the lenses into a rig that allowed an operator to precisely control the 3-D imaging.

The camera performed well, delivering accurate 3-D images that wouldn’t cause headaches over the course of a long movie.

According to PRnewswire “Avatar” used eight Sony HDC-F950 cameras for primary acquisition. Additionally, Sony HDC-1500 cameras captured speed shots during live action, with the then recently available F23 camera also used for specific shots.

“It was important that the actual shooting of the movie wasn’t impacted by the fact we were doing it in 3D, and these cameras allowed us to do that,” said Pace. “They allowed us to create a unique and completely immersive 3-D experience. I don’t think it could have been done any other way.”

I highly recommend checking this movie out in 3D ($11 bucks was so worth it) and be prepared for an exciting experience of 3D that very soon will be a part of your living room.

Sony Will Use RealD’s 3D Technology In Its Consumer Electronics Strategy

The WSJ is reporting that Sony is implementing RealD’s technology in its desire to bring 3D to the mainstream consumer electronics industry in 2010. So as you read that you probably fret and think its going to be some proprietary system only owned by Sony. Fortunately, their agreement isn’t exclusive so other manufacturers can use RealD when they respond and bring competition to Sony’s 3D TV next year. Sony really surprised a lot of people with its bold words for a big 3D product line – they now have a beautifully designed website dedicated to it called “3D Home.”

Don’t worry ladies and gentlemen – the glasses are actually decent looking (at least the ones I have used at trade shows), heavier than the movie theater version and in wraparound style, but I have heard that it won’t be long till designers start making 3D glasses too. Gucci 3D glasses? It’s not as far off as you think.

3D is really a bold gamble by Sony, a company that has been winding a curvy path these last few years, but it could pay off. We have been impressed with RealD’s efforts, and our general short sentence impression is “This is really something that could be incredible for the home.” I must reinforce there is a big difference between it and the plastic glasses most of you have used at the theaters – this is an active shutter system. To read more, check out our various RealD 3D impressions – or our direct, very informative review “Hands On With RealD’s CrystalEyes 4 Active Shutter 3D Glasses, And The Framework For Sony’s 3D Movement.”

The Technology Behind Sony Alpha DSLR’s SteadyShot INSIDE

Developed to help users take better photographs, image stabilization technology has become increasingly widespread in recent years. With single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras, image stabilization systems can be installed either within the interchangeable lenses or the camera body itself. Sony’s α series digital SLR cameras are equipped with image stabilization functions built into the camera body — referred to as “SteadyShot INSIDE.” With systems that rely on lens-based image stabilization, stabilization may not be supported for all lenses. A key advantage of Sony’s α series digital SLR cameras is that image stabilization is not dependent on the lens. In other words, camera-body based stabilization ensures stabilization for any lens (from wide-angle to telephoto) including previously purchased α lenses.

In digital SLR cameras, image stabilization is based on the sensor-shift method or the lens-shift method (demonstrated in the picture below). α series cameras use the sensor-shift method which stabilizes the image by moving the image sensor inside the camera body. Because the amount of drive required to correct camera shake varies according to the lens, focal-distance data from the lens is required to control the adjustment. With the α series, data is exchanged via the contact points between the body and the lens, enabling the stabilization process to be controlled within the body.

• Sensor-shift Method: Image stabilization is achieved by shifting the image sensor in the direction required to cancel out camera-shake and eliminate the resulting blurring of the image on the sensor.
• Lens-shift Method: Image stabilization is achieved by shifting a corrective lens in the direction required to cancel out movement on the optical axis resulting from camera shake.

The above image is a block diagram of the image stabilization system. The α series image stabilization system (SteadyShot INSIDE) is controlled by a microcomputer, which repeatedly carries out the digital servo processes (described in 1. through 3. below) at a specific frequency.

1. Angular velocity signals from the shake detector (Gyroscope sensor) are amplified in an analog signal processing circuit and converted into digital signals by the control microcomputer. The resulting angular velocity signal input is then converted into shake angle data through signal processing. Information about the focal length of the interchangeable lens is then used to convert the shake angle into shake distances on the image sensor.
2. Positioning signals from the position detector (a magnet that moves in unison with the image sensor and an opposing hall sensor) are amplified in an analog signal processing circuit and converted into digital signals by the control microcomputer.
3. The amount of image sensor movement required is calculated from the amount of shake and the current position. The system then drives the actuators accordingly.

As already stated, α series cameras provide image stabilization by moving the image sensor inside the camera body. Because stabilization performance becomes compromised if there is any motion within the image surface or along the optical axis during the stabilization process, Sony decided to use ultrasonic linear actuators to drive the stabilization system. These ensure that image sensor motion is smooth.

An ultrasonic linear actuator consists of a piezoelectric element (which expands or contracts in response to voltage changes), a shift that fixes the actuator to the piezoelectric element, and a slider through which the image sensor is attached. Because the slider is linked to the telescopic shaft by friction, the movement can be driven without shaking. The piezoelectric element controls the sliding movement of the slider by applying appropriate velocity variations as the slider moves back and forth. In this way, the back and forth motion of the actuator is converted into linear motion by the slider.

The photo shows the actuators actually used in the α700 with an APS-C size image sensor and the α900 with a 35mm full-frame image sensor. The actuator used to drive the full-sized image sensor in the α900 is capable of moving about 1.5 times more mass than the actuator in the APS-C. By developing this new device, Sony was able to create the world’s first 35mm full-frame digital camera with an image stabilization system built into the body.

The image stabilization unit contains two actuators to correct camera-shake in two directions: pitch and yaw. Figure 3 shows the structure of the image stabilization mechanism for a full-sized image sensor.

The image stabilization unit is comprised of various parts (as shown in Figure. 3). The base plate attaches to the camera body and to this base plate the yaw actuator is attached. The actuator is sandwiched between the slider and the cap. A single slider is used for both the yaw and pitch sides. The pitch actuator is incorporated into the image sensor holder and is fully integrated with the slider. This allows it to move freely relative to the camera.

When the image stabilizer is activated, data output from the two hall sensors on the base plate is used to detect the position of the image sensor. Camera-shake detected by the angular velocity sensor is then cancelled out by controlling the direction of motion.

In this basic drive structure, the small size of the drive unit relative to the image sensor supports extremely precise motion without shaking.

Users want digital SLRs that are both highly compact and energy efficient. Sony aims to meet these needs by further enhancing its SteadyShot INSIDE image sensor shift image stabilization system. Key areas requiring improvement include reducing the power consumption of actuators and devices, the scaling down in size of mechanical components, and improving the image sensors. Sony has expertise in all of these areas, including mechanical components, control devices and image sensors and will continue to use its advanced knowledge to create exciting new digital SLRs.

Sony Online Entertainment Brings The Holidays To Its MMO Games

Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) fills players’ virtual stockings with holiday cheer this holiday season with in-game activities and festive events in its online video games. This December, EverQuest, EverQuest II and Free Realms players will enjoy celebrations filled with themed events, special quests and seasonal treats. Pirates of the Burning Sea will be celebrating Junkanoo, Wookiee Life Day returns to Star Wars Galaxies, and in Vanguard Saga of Heroes the annual Festival of Gloriann has arrived.

In-game events are as follows:

EverQuest: The annual Frostfell event runs from Dec. 10, to Jan. 7 in EverQuest. In the Plane of Knowledge, the Frostfell celebrations have been spoiled by a state of thievery, and it is up to the players to save the celebration. Many families have been awakened by ruffians and monsters breaking into their homes and carrying off presents intended for the children of the Realm. Players are needed to help track down the monsters that committed these crimes and return the missing presents. Players should also visit the Marketplace to check out the all the new Frostfell items.

EverQuest II: Frostfell, the Norrathian festival of kinship and giving, has returned to EverQuest II. Players can join in the celebration scheduled from Dec. 10, to Jan. 7. Gardy, the ex-giftgiving Frostfell elf, is offering a new quest. Santa Glug has several brand new gifts to give out to one and all. The merchants in the Frostfell Wonderland Village have new holiday goodies for purchase and tradeskillers can make several brand new items. Players should also be aware that this year, fruitcake really is the gift that keeps on giving! Hitting a friend with a throwable fruitcake will spawn one in their inventory for them to throw back.

Legends of Norrath: From Dec. 18 to Jan. 4, Legends of Norrath is offering a Holiday Bundle pack including 25 booster packs of the Travelers expansion. Each bundle pack will contain one of four mounts from the retired Oathbound expansion. Players will receive an EverQuest or EverQuest II mount depending upon their settings in the Legends of Norrath client. Legends of Norrath also offers players a second way to celebrate this holiday season with on-demand tournaments. Eight players can start a tournament at anytime between Dec. 24 at 2 p.m. PST and Jan. 4 at 10 a.m. PST. For just five Event Passes, players gain entry into the Holiday tournament and a special Sleigh-ers Stash pack!

Free Realms (check out their cool blog): Snow Days, the Free Realms winter holiday celebration, has transformed Snowhill into a winter wonderland filled with food, fun, and, of course, presents! Snow Days is scheduled to begin on Dec. 16 and conclude on Jan. 21. Players can visit Candi Ivy near the Gifting Tree in Snowhill to help protect the presents from a wicked gang of Robgoblins and the abominable snowmen. Those who follow the holiday quest line might just get a chance to try all of her neat holiday sweets. Pelt friends with snowballs from behind the ice barriers in the Snowhill snowball fighting area. The Free Realms Trading Card Game is offering a special Holiday Bundle pack which will include ten booster packs of the Shattered Past expansion, a Duelist on Demand Print Voucher and an exclusive holiday item redeemable within Free Realms! The Holiday Bundle pack is slated to be available Dec. 23 through Jan. 3. Players can also check out the Marketplace for new holiday clothes, costumes and items!

Pirates of the Burning Sea: Junkanoo is the holiday of choice in these waters, and there is much revelry to be had! Players can carol door to door and exchange gifts in a quest to unlock the festive holiday hat and title. Users who complete the new holiday mission to protect Junkanoo from shadowy forces or join King John Konnu in re-enacting the siege of the Bradenburg Fort, will receive a rat shoulder pet as a reward.

Star Wars Galaxies: Wookiee Life Day returns to Star Wars Galaxies this year with fun holiday activities, new rewards and a new badge that are sure to lift your holiday spirits to galactic proportions! The festivities begin December 15th, and conclude on January 12th in the cities of Dearic, Wayfar and Doaba Guerfel. Players can sign up for the seasonal festivities by visiting the Trandoshan Traders or the Wookiee Freedom Fighters. By spreading holiday cheer or fear, players will receive Life Day Tokens to redeem for gifts when they visit the Wroshyr Tree. Get ready to munch Wookiee Ookiees, drink some eggnog and open gifts including a new holiday ornament for your house! In the Star Wars Galaxies Trading Card Game, look for on-demand tournaments in celebration of Life Day. Eight players can start a tournament at anytime between Dec. 24 at 2 p.m. PST and Jan. 4 at 10 a.m. PST. For just five Event Passes, players get entry into the Holiday tournament and a Life Day pack!

Vanguard Saga of Heroes: The Festival of Gloriann returns to the world of Telon this holiday season. Once a year during the wintery months, towering trees adorned with lights can be seen glittering within the cities of Telon. Players can cover their homes and Guild Halls with special festive decorations, try on their new illusion costume or view the rooftops of Telon from the back of Randolph, the flying reindeer mount. Get ready to reach new heights this year with the citizens of Telon as we celebrate together the Festival of Gloriann!

Sony’s HID-C10 Wi-Fi Enabled Television Accessory “Home Information Device” Hits The FCC

Sony has filed a fresh new FCC report that gives me visions of Terminator’s whole Skynet saga. For those of you who don’t recall, Skynet was an artificially intelligent system which became self-aware and revolted against its creators. Perhaps things aren’t that dramatic (for now), but with a name like “Home Information Device,” aka HID-C10, what would you think? Regardless, this is a new device that Sony is bringing to the market sometime in 2010. We don’t have a lot of information yet, but we believe this product is connected to TV as the Television Engineering Group in Sony are handling the FCC filing. It has 801.11b/g, but its Wi-Fi certification lists it in the category of “Display Device (eg. television, monitor, picture frame).” Wha? How can this be a Display Device? Maybe they label accessories like that, but if it was just a router I believe it would say so.

I’m confused. One theory I have is that this could possibly be some sort of emitter that works in conjunction with 3D active shutter glasses. If that was the case though, why would it be a seperate adapter? Is this the accessory that will come with Sony 3D TV’s? It’s possible because the confidentiality agreement on several key elements in the FCC report is labeled for May 31st, 2010. So this may or may not be at CES – perhaps a tease, or totally nonexistent. Another plausible theory is that this could just be another Wi-Fi adapter for a television somehow, perhaps one that would work with a broader range of TV’s so they can connect to the Sony Online Service, which we explored previously in a rather in depth article.

This information is a Sony Insider exclusive, brought to you here first.

VEVO Aims To Be The Hulu Of Music Videos

VEVO is an online music video website owned by Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, EMI and Abu Dhabi Media Company. It is developed and hosted by YouTube, Sony, and Google. Google’s YouTube video service will host Universal content on the satellite website, making this the first time that YouTube hosts content off its main website. Through this partnership, Google and Universal will split ad revenues. It is expected to become the largest music oriented website on the Internet. Vevo is currently offering content from Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, EMI Music, Hollywood Records, Walt Disney Records, CBS Interactive Music Group, Big Machine Records, Concord Music Group, Lyric Street Records, ABKCO, Caroline Distribution, Fontana Distribution, INgrooves, IODA, RED and The Orchard, among many others.

A possible major reason behind the project is the competition that music videos have on YouTube. Warner Music Group apparently removed its content from YouTube in March 2009 for just this reason, but is said to be considering hosting its content on this new service. The concept for the site is described as being a Hulu for music videos and the plan may have arisen from the goal of attracting more high-end advertisers. Currently, it is believed that many advertisers are ambivalent to hosting advertising on YouTube’s site alongside user-generated video. In the future, the site could host more than just music videos, such as editorials, other types of videos, and user-generated content.

VEVO also has a nicely organized and often updated company blog featuring new content.

The photo above is CEO of Sony Music Entertainment & Co-Chairman of VEVO Rolf Schmidt-Holt speaking onstage at the launch of VEVO at Skylight Studio on December 8, 2009 in New York City. Check out dozens of other pictures from the VEVO launch at daylife featuring numerous big stars and major players in the music industry

Sony NWZ-S745 16GB Walkman For Sale In Canada – Is USA Next?

Sony has really confused me with their Walkman strategy in 2009 – the consistency is available models is simply confusing. In Japan (and most of Asia Pacific), Sony is offering their most advanced line up to date with the latest A and S series models to compliment its E, W and X series offerings. In Europe, Sony offers the B, E, S, W and X series – the S series is the lower end model with a built in speaker. In the USA, Sony offers the E, S (same as Europe), W, and X series. However, it appears that SonyStyle Canada is breaking the mold and offering the more advanced S series that is only available in Asia Pacific – the NWZ-S745.

Is it possible that Sony will introduce this model for US consumers during CES? It’s hard to tell, but it seems possible. If not, perhaps later in the Spring. The NWZ-S745 is the most feature rich S series to date, with a 2.0″ QVGA LCD, noise canceling technology, video out (SD only and a low resolution), clear bass/clear stereo, and satisfying codec support. It is more interesting to me than the current S series Walkman available in the USA, which has somewhat powerful built-in speakers, good storage capability, but has mostly average features.

Thanks, Anything But iPod.

Top Holiday Sony Gifts Under $300 From SonyStyle

2009 has been interesting for many of us – the world has changed so much this year and it is a relief to have some good old fashioned holiday spirit. Looking forward, we are on the verge of a new decade and what seems like a new era in technology. I can’t think of a better time to invest some money in a nice quality Sony gift for someone to enjoy this holiday season and in the new year. We stopped by SonyStyle in Atlanta, Georgia yesterday and offer some recommendations for nice holiday Sony gifts in the sub $300 price range. Enjoy! Click here for more gift ideas from Sony.

Here are our recommendations in a list:

PSP Go ($249) – The most portable PlayStation Portable system yet, the PSP Go lets you download rich, immersive digital gaming or the best movies and TV shows directly to the ample 16GB hard drive with room for expansion via Memory Stick Micro (M2). Browse the incredibly deep lineup of PSP gaming and movie content from the PlayStation Network. Use built-in Bluetooth support to connect a wireless headset and talk with friends via Skype, or connect a PS3 DualShock controller. Plus, an ultra-crisp 3.8-inch LCD screen make your games and movies come alive – we feel its the best screen ever implemented in any PSP product.

PS3 Slim ($299) – While the form factor may have changed, the new slimmer and lighter PlayStation 3 120GB system still comes with free PlayStation Network membership, integrated Wi-Fi and 120GB of hard disk drive storage for your games, music, videos and photos. Plus, every PS3 system comes with a built-in Blu-ray Disc player to give you pristine picture quality and the best high-definition viewing experience available. Whether it’s gaming, Blu-ray movies, CDs, DVDs, music or online services, you can experience it all with the PlayStation 3 system.

Reader Pocket ($199) – The Reader Pocket Edition lets you access up to 350 of your favorite books from anywhere (512MB total storage). Its elegant, lightweight design is small enough to slip into a purse or jacket pocket, and features a 5″ display with E-Ink Vizplex paper-like screen technology for easy reading, even in direct sunlight. For added versatility, it supports multiple file formats including ePub and PDF, offering access to more books from more places, including the Reader Store and over one million free public domain titles from Google Books. Enjoy up to two full weeks of reading (7,500 continuous page turns) on a single battery charge.

Reader Touch ($299) – Thinner, smaller and lighter than most magazines, the Reader Touch Edition lets you access up to 350 (512mb built-in storage, or more with SD/Memory Stick Duo memory expansion card slots) of your favorite books from anywhere. The intuitive 6″ touchscreen display makes navigation a breeze, letting you turn pages with the swipe of a finger. An included stylus offers freehand highlighting and annotation. With support for multiple file formats including ePub and PDF, you can enjoy books from more places, including the Reader Store and over one million free public domain titles from Google Books.

Cyber-shot Digital Camera DSC-WX1 (normally $349, available for $299) – A compact and attractive body, a 2.7″ Clear Photo LCD Plus and phenomenal imaging technology, the Cyber-shot DCS-WX1 digital camera delivers high-quality photos (and 720p HD video) in high style. A 24mm wide-angle Premium G lens and a new “Exmor R” CMOS Sensor works in combination with the BIONZ image processor for super-fast processing to make it easy to get the best shot. You can now shoot 10 frames per second at an incredible 10.2 megapixels per shot—perfect for those hard-to-get moments. You can even shoot beautiful landscape shots with ease and capture clear photos in dark environments. Not sure which mode to use in challenging lighting conditions? Let the Intelligent Auto (iAuto) Mode choose the setting for you.

Reach beyond the traditional wide angle lens, and capture more breathtaking shots with Sweep Panorama Mode. Simply press the shutter button and sweep the camera in the desired direction and the camera continuously shoots at a high speed, then seamlessly stitches the images together with automatic position adjustment to create one stunning panoramic image.

Multi-function Clock Radio for iPod ICF-CL75iP ($149) – Update your bedroom, living room, or office with contemporary flair. The ICF-CL75iP multi-function clock radio packs an array of innovative features into a space-saving design and gives you a 21st century alarm clock and photo frame. View photos and videos on the 7″ LCD screen or slide out the retractable docking tray to charge or listen to your iPod/iPhone music and video. There’s even a 2-5-7 day alarm for waking to the radio, iPod, iPhone, Nature Sounds, or a pre-recorded personal message. Additionally, this clock radio includes 1GB built-in memory, plus inputs for Memory Stick media, Secure Digital (SD) memory cards and USB.

Sony Camera Case ($19-39) – Safeguard your Cyber-shot or non-Sony camera digital camera with a carrying case. Some are even designed to match the color of your camera, and most come with a caribiner clip for easy attachment to your belt loop or handbag.

Of course, there are many other gifts under $300 by Sony, so check out SonyStyle for more ideas.

“Grown Ups” Coming Summer 2010 With All Star Cast

Grown Ups is an upcoming 2010 American ensemble comedy film starring Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, Rob Schneider, and David Spade. James, Rock, Schneider, and Spade have all worked with Sandler on films before, though this is the first film all five will have appeared in together. This is a pheonominal group of people that have been put together in a movie and with such legends in comedy it will be hard to avoid this one. Sandler and Fred Wolf wrote the script and Dennis Dugan is directing. The film is produced by Sandler’s production company Happy Madison and will be distributed by Columbia Pictures. Filming commenced in Southborough and Chebbacco Lake in Essex, Massachusetts during May of this year. It is set to be released on June 25, 2010.

The general story of the movie is that five best friends (Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, Rob Schneider and David Spade) and former teammates reunite years later to honor the passing of their childhood basketball coach. With their wives (Salma Hayek, Maria Bello, and Maya Rudolph) and kids in town, they spend the Fourth of July holiday weekend together at the lake house where they celebrated their championship years earlier. Picking up where they left off, they discover why growing older doesn’t always mean growing up.

Here is the official trailer, courtesy of Sony Pictures.

How Would You Change Sony’s Netflix Experience?

If you own a Sony BRAVIA (W5100, Z5100, XBR9, and XBR10 or the Internet Video Link), Blu-ray player (N460), or PS3, you may have used the relatively new Netflix streaming application. Having Netflix “watch instantly” (aka instant queue) on your Sony product enables you to instantly stream movies and TV episodes from Netflix’s varied library of content. Sony impressed me with their Netflix integration by giving it styling just like other Sony menu options from the XMB – which ensured that the customer had some sort of familiarity with the interface upon entering it.

Now that the service has been out for nearly a month, what changes do you feel Sony should make to their Netflix integration?