BDA finalizes 3D Blu-ray spec

Robert Hallock 18 Dec, 2009 at 11:41am ET Article published in Tech

The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) announced yesterday that it has finalized the Blu-ray 3D specification.

The Blu-ray 3D specification calls for encoding 3D video using the MPEG4-MVC (Multiview Video Coding) codec, an extension to the H.264 Advanced Video Coding (AVC) profile currently used by every Blu-ray player. MPEG4-MVC compresses both the left and right eye views necessary to simulate depth with an overhead that’s about 50% higher than traditional BD content. Discs encoded with MPEG4-MVC are backwards compatible with existing 2D players; the content would be played in 2D on these devices.

“Throughout this year, movie goers have shown an overwhelming preference for 3D when presented with the option to see a theatrical release in either 3D or 2D,” said Victor Matsuda, chairman, BDA Global Promotions Committee. “We believe this demand for 3D content will carry over into the home now that we have, in Blu-ray Disc, a medium that can deliver a quality Full HD 3D experience to the living room.”

Blu-ray 3D requires compatible players to concurrently process two 60Hz 1080p streams which are then interleaved into a single 120Hz stream via alternate-frame sequencing. A 120Hz LCD is required to display every frame of the 120Hz stream, and LCD shutter glasses are required to reveal the appropriate frame to the appropriate eye to create the impression of depth on the z-axis.

In addition to a new generation of 3D-compatible players, Blu-ray 3D is also being brought to the PlayStation 3 through an eventual firmware update and to PCs through implementations by NVIDIA and AMD, both of whom intend to demo the technology at CES in January.

Comments

18 Dec 2009 ~ 3:43pm Sledgehammer70 But honestly who really wants to play games and watch everything in 3D? I know I am a fan of certain things in 3D but not a fan of things in 100% 3D.

I just do not think the market is ready for this just yet... Maybe in 5 years+
18 Dec 2009 ~ 3:57pm Thrax I know I have no interest in this technology. None.
18 Dec 2009 ~ 3:59pm Sledgehammer70 I have been lucky enough to see it all over at the gaming shows... and in that the desire to move into this tech is at 0% For current games it just seems forced & I can't imagine how I would feel in seeing all my new movies in a 3D setting. If they move from regular movies to only 3D they might be killing themselves. I also think this is a tech that is a benefit for those 3D I-Max theaters, its nice every now & than but isn't something people want fro everything.

Correct me if I am wrong here?
18 Dec 2009 ~ 4:24pm Cyclonite Not interested.
18 Dec 2009 ~ 4:26pm Snarkasm No, sir.
18 Dec 2009 ~ 10:54pm brennessel Ya... It will bring a smile on my face. Here is what seems like my New Yearâ€™s gift from BDA that the specification has been designed in such a way that Blu-ray 3D discs are already compatible with my PS3.
19 Dec 2009 ~ 4:50pm chrisWhite I'm glad we have a format for it now, but the displays need to come a long way before I'd game with it and I'd need a really nice stereo TV before I'd watching much that way.
20 Dec 2009 ~ 6:38pm CyrixInstead Just me looking forward to titties in 3D then?
20 Dec 2009 ~ 6:51pm UPSLynx I'm looking forward to Avatar 3D at home, but I know it won't compare.

that's really the only one.
21 Dec 2009 ~ 8:16am ardichoke Now you can have all the headaches and eyeaches of 3D cinema but within walking distance of your medicine cabinet! Just give us a few hundred more dollars for another new Blu-Ray player
21 Dec 2009 ~ 8:17am Snarkasm (Is the base Blu-Ray spec even finalized yet?)