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Sharp reveals pricing on new Aquos Quattron 3D LCD HDTVs

3.1.2011

“The 3D glasses can convert the 3D signal to 2D for that one 3D hater in your party (not to be confused with the TV’s ability to convert 2D material to 3D).”

With CES and the Super Bowl behind us, it’s now time for new HDTVs to hit the markets, including the latest Quattron HDTVs from Sharp. The company says its new series of Aquos LE835 3D LCDs will be “shipping soon,” and has provided pricing details.

The four televisions in the series, which range in size from 40 inches to 62 inches, feature edge-lit LED panels, AquoMotion 240 to eliminate blur and artifacts from fast-moving action, and built-in Wi-Fi for access to Netflix and Vudu video streaming apps. Of course, they feature Sharp’s Quad Pixel technology, which adds the yellow pixel to the red, green, and blue pixels that traditional sets use.

Below are the MSPR prices for the LE835 series:

LC-60LE835U: $3,299.99

LC-52LE835U: $2,399.99

LC-46LE835U: $1,999.99

LC-40LE835U: $1,799.99

However, the TVs have shown up for order at online retailer Provantage for much less:

LC-60LE835U: $2,118.08

LC-52LE835U: $1,646.39

LC-46LE835U: $1,411.84

LC-40LE835U: $1,261.60

While Sharp announced the Quattron LCDs last year to much fanfare, it hasn’t helped its market share in the U.S. HDTV market. Its market penetration tumbled from 4.6 percent of total LCD shipments in the third quarter of 2010 to just 2.5 percent in the fourth quarter, according to research firm iSuppli. It’s no doubt hoping these new 3D televisions will help reverse that slide.

By Sean Portnoy | February 26, 2011, 5:41am PST

See the original post here: http://www.zdnet.com/blog/home-theater/sharp-reveals-pricing-on-new-aquos-quattron-3d-lcd-hdtvs/4738?tag=mantle_skin;content

Disney Announces Opening Dates for New Star Tours Ride

2.28.2011

Mark your calendars, “Star Wars” fans. Disney has announced opening dates for the new Star Tours attraction. Star Tours: The Adventures Continue will open May 20, 2011, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida, and June 3, 2011, at Disneyland in Anaheim.

In production since 2005, the Star Tours revamp will feature high-definition video in 3D, updated flight simulator technology and new special effects. Guests will board a Starspeeder 1000 for a tour of several planets in the “Star Wars” galaxy. Though Disney has remained mum on which planets will appear, a new trailer shows scenes on Bespin, Coruscant, and Alderaan. By combining the planets with other ride experiences, Star Tours: The Adventures Continue will offer 54 unique journeys.

Disney’s new Star Tours ride takes place between the two “Star Wars” trilogies, happening after Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith but before Star Wars: A New Hope.

Story by Karen Wyman, Yahoo! Contributor Network

See the original post here: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/7807068/disney_announces_opening_dates_for.html?cat=16

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Specification for Naming VFX Image Sequences Released

ETC’s VFX Working Group has published a specification for best practices naming image sequences such as plates and comps. File naming is an essential tool for organizing the multitude of frames that are inputs and outputs from the VFX process. Prior to the publication of this specification, each organization had its own naming scheme, requiring custom processes for each partner, which often resulted in confusion and miscommunication.

The new ETC@USC specification focuses primarily on sequences of individual images. The initial use case was VFX plates, typically delivered as OpenEXR or DPX files. However, the team soon realized that the same naming conventions can apply to virtually any image sequence. Consequently, the specification was written to handle a wide array of assets and use cases.

To ensure all requirements are represented, the working group included over 2 dozen participants representing studios, VFX houses, tool creators, creatives and others.  The ETC@USC also worked closely with MovieLabs to ensure that the specification could be integrated as part of their 2030 Vision.

A key design criteria for this specification is compatibility with existing practices.  Chair of the VFX working group, Horst Sarubin of Universal Pictures, said: “Our studio is committed to being at the forefront of designing best industry practices to modernize and simplify workflows, and we believe this white paper succeeded in building a new foundation for tools to transfer files in the most efficient manner.”

This specification is compatible with other initiatives such as the Visual Effects Society (VES) Transfer Specifications. “We wanted to make it as seamless as possible for everyone to adopt this specification,” said working group co-chair and ETC@USC’s Erik Weaver. “To ensure all perspectives were represented we created a team of industry experts familiar with the handling of these materials and collaborated with a number of industry groups.”

“Collaboration between MovieLabs and important industry groups like the ETC is critical to implementing the 2030 Vision,” said Craig Seidel, SVP of MovieLabs. “This specification is a key step in defining the foundations for better software-defined workflows. We look forward to continued partnership with the ETC on implementing other critical elements of the 2030 Vision.”

The specification is available online for anyone to use.

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