15
Mar 07

ShoWest: We’ve Seen The Future, And The Future Is…Multiplex TV in 3D?

Day 3 attendees of ShoWest made their way to Bally’s Jubilee Theater for a reel with a special brand of sizzle. Hosted by Sony, the showcase didn’t feature any web-spinning superheroes, but nonetheless gave exhibitors a glimpse of an eagerly-anticipated attraction, namely, real-time, high-resolution 3D broadcasting.

Put plainly, said technology offers exhibitors the ability to broadcast live events in 3D to any theater equipped with digital projection. Now imagine going to your local cineplex to catch a live sporting or concert event. While hoopsters and entertainers took the court at the Las VegasĀ Thomas & Mack Center for the most recent NBA All-Star Game, Sony along with its technology partner, Pace, trained its 3D cameras on the action and beamed it out to several sold out venues setup in the Mandalay Casino.

After an all-too-long and unmemorable introduction, Sony gave ShoWest exhibitors a glimpse of what could be coming to a theater near you.

As expected, flying logos, acrobatic slamdunks, and glizty performers filled the screen. The full 12-minute game recap provided plenty of wow moments, from the ball bouncing straight at the sideline camera only to be deflected at the last moment to the vertigo-inducing pan across the crowds that puts the viewer alongside spectators in the stands. The reel also featured halftime entertainment fromĀ Christina Aguilera, Toni Braxton, and Wayne Newton in the obligatory smoke/sequin/laser-filled moments.

All in all, not a bad way to watch a game. Until, of course, you want to heckle the free throw shooter or chat with your buddy next to you. Assuming the theater isn’t so dark that you can’t see his face, you’ll still be staring at a four-eyed (or in this writer’s case, six-eyed) git with a goofy pair of 3D glasses covering his face. Fortunately, it’s still possible to view the presentation without glasses, without 3D, and without popping an Advil.

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