[CNET]

As part of an exhibit at the National Museum of African American History called “Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello: Paradox of Liberty,” curators needed a great statue of Thomas Jefferson, but the one they would most like to have had was on permanent display at Monticello in Virginia. Rather than using traditional methods–with rubber molding and casting–a team at the Smithsonian decided to pursue a museum-quality 3D printed replica.

The result? What the Smithsonian says is the “largest 3D printed museum quality historical replica” on Earth. And now, it’s also the showpiece that begins a much larger effort at the world’s biggest museum and research institution: a move to create digital 3D models and physical 3D prints of a wide variety of the objects in its archive.

This could have a profound effect if the effort is successful over time. Visitors to the Smithsonian’s many arms see just 2 percent of its giant collection, and widespread digitization could mean that the archives are opened up–virtually, at least–to people throughout the country and the world. And that could be a boon to both researchers and educators, as well as students everywhere.

Plus, the museum itself is likely to be able to display a growing number of sophisticated 3D printed models and replicas, with Jefferson being just the first example.

See the original story here: http://news.cnet.com/2300-13772_3-10011411.html

[Financial Post]

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Unless it’s a local multiplayer title, games are often played alone. A single pair of glasses is all you need. And more importantly, you don’t need to share the screen with anyone else. The Nintendo Co. Ltd. 3DS approach uses a glasses-free screen. Sony Corp., however, has eliminated the screen entirely.

The HMZ-T1 Personal 3D viewer is many things. It’s a head-mounted visor that makes the user look like the futuristic lovechild of a “Battelstar” Centurion and Geordie LaForge. It’s one of the best 3D experiences I’ve had the pleasure of using—which, as someone who generally despises the effect, was a welcome surprise.

But here’s the $800 question—is it worth the price?

Weight and Feel

The View

Sound

Final Word

Testing a device of this type is difficult. It’s a niche product that won’t ever be used on a mass-market scale, so I’m inclined to forgive some of its more glaring flaws. Yes, the weight and bulk are annoying at times, and it’s not the sort of device you’ll want to use on a day-to-day basis … but it’s a high-definition 3D television that’s strapped to your face. It’s bleeding-edge future-tech, and at $800, priced to match.

The concept, however, remains undeniably cool, and it’s one of the few implementations of 3D technology I honestly believes make sense. If Sony can iron out the kinks for a mass-market audience—and cut the price in half too—I’d be more than willing to give it a shot. And I doubt I’m the only one either.

See the full story here: http://business.financialpost.com/2012/02/23/sonys-3d-visor-undenaibly-cool-but-the-price-is-not-quite-right/