[by Joe Whitaker, www.explore3dtv.com]
Don’t toss those old TVs! Distribute 3D content to dozens of legacy HDTV sets — even models that predate 3D — with the new 3D Manager from Just Add Power.
If you’re thinking about trashing your customers’ old legacy HDTV sets just to get a 3D picture … think again.
Instead, you might want to sell them the 3D Manager from Just Add Power, one of the original developers of HDMI-over-IP. The new solution, introduced at theElectronic House Expo last week, turns virtually any HDTV with an HDMI port into a 3D-enabled display.
I interviewed JAP principal Ed Qualls before EHX 2011 and the solution sounded pretty good. As described, the technology could potentially save clients thousands of dollars, protecting their initial investment and making the integrator look like a star.
But I was skeptical … until I experienced the 3D Manager at the show.
3D for the Whole House of Building
Consumers currently have access to multiple 3D sources including Blu-ray, satellite, PS3, Vudu, cable and others. But most households have only one or two (or zero) 3D-capable displays in the house.
This is especially the case in commercial facilities such as sports bars.
The 3D Manager works with the full range of 3D broadcast standards (frame packing, side-by-side, top-and-bottom) to deliver a frame-sequential 3D experience with the matching 3D Glasses.
The 3D Manager includes these three pieces:
1. Discover Encoder
This pass-through device converts the 3D source content to a 1080p or 720p signal compatible with practically any existing HDTV or projector. Using the RS-232 interface, the custom installer is able to dynamically control various functions such as frequency (60Hz/120Hz), scaling, color processing, noise reduction and EDID response.
2. Synch Nodes with IR Emitters
These pass-through devices, based on JAP’s HDMI-over-IP technology, are needed for each room that wants the benefit of 3D video. However, a standard switcher may be utilized instead. “We have already gathered that the Atlona switches will work for sure,” says Qualls.
3. 60/120 Hz3D Glasses
These active shutter LCD glasses work in conjunction with the Synch Nodes and Emitters.
My Impressions of 3D Manager
Not only did the 3D picture look great on some “old fashioned” HDTV sets shown at EHX, but the underlying technology had some nice surprises.
First, JAP demonstrated its solution using the 60Hz frequency. I think 120Hz and 240Hz may have met their match when it comes to 3D.
Personally I found a couple of reasons why 60Hz may be better than the higher rates, starting with adjustment times. My eyes seemed to adjust much faster and more comfortably with the lower range.
Also, overall comfort was much better. 60Hz means breaking the video down to about 30 frames per second for each eye, which is much easier on the eyes.
How about a BIG issue with traditional 3D: Crosstalk. With JAP’s solution, crosstalk was less bothersome than it tends to be with traditional 3D implementations.
Finally, the 3D Manager addresses EDID challenges that have previously made it difficult to distribute 3D content to multiple displays.
Normally, once a source sees a 2D display in a single or shared use, the 3D functionality is turned off.
Some companies such as Atlona have overcome this challenge by memorizing or adding custom EDID on the switch side.
JAP’s approach is different. The EDID on the 3D Encoder — which is the first device in the chain to the source — is set to be recognized as a 3D-ready display. This allows full 3D distribution to all HDTVs because each 3D source essentially sees a 3D-ready display before the switching.
And don’t worry about maxing out the network. Even with a consumer-grade router, the system can deliver 3D content to dozens of TVs — scores of them with an enterprise-grade router.
The best news about 3D Manager? You don’t have to worry about investing in 3D-capable TVs that may employ proprietary 3D formats that are not interoperable across TVs, encoders and glasses.
With the 3D Manager, any HDTV with HDMI can be a 3D TV. Integrators and consumers will be happy. Manufacturers … probably not so much.
Or so I thought. During EHX, the product caught the attention of Sim2 EVP Alberto Fabiano, who saw great possibilities after visiting the JAP booth — despite the fact that Sim2 would like to upgrade existing customers to brand new shiny 3D projectors.
Pricing and Availability
Just Add Power sells only through the custom installation channel. As such, there is no “retail” price for the 3D Manager and related components.
Having said that, a kit with one encoder, two synch nodes with two IR emitters, and four pairs of 60/120 Hz 3D glasses might sell for less than $5,000 — a bargain for consumers or commercial enterprises with existing high-performance projectors and displays.
The product currently is set to ship in June. A few changes to the product are underway, such as less intrusive emitters. Qualls and I discussed a one-gang in-wall model.
The glasses may get a stylish upgrade, as well. Think Oakley. Literally.
Joe Whitaker works with The SoHo Shop, a custom integration firm in St. Peters, Mo., and proprietor of C4Central.com, a forum for Control4 dealers and enthusiasts. Resident Control4 Expert, Custom Electronics Reviewer, Random Thinker, and Retired Chief MMA Instructor for world famous Steve Doss.
See the original story here: http://www.explore3dtv.com/article/16095/3D-Manager-Turns-Old-TVs-into-3D-Capable-Sets/
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