3D is coming to Blu-ray!

Dec 17, 2009 1:44 PM

In what should be viewed as a major step forward for 3D TV in 2010, the Blu-ray Disc Association says it has finalized and released the specifications that will allow manufacturers to make 3D-capable Blu-ray players that will work with any 3D-enabled TV, regardless of whether it’s a plasma or LCD model.

The spec, which was reached by a mix of CE companies, computer manufacturers and Hollywood movie studios, is a key element pushing 3D in the home forward next year, as it provides an assurance that all players and movies that are developed in accordance with the specifications will be compatible, regardless of manufacturer or studio.

Among the details of the spec:

3D players can deliver full 1080p resolution to each eye, maintaining image quality
3D players will work with any type of 3D-enabled HDTV, regardless of type or brand
3D players will be able to play standard 2D Blu-ray discs
Current Blu-ray players can playing 3D titles in 2D
Support for 3D playback in PlayStation 3 game console
Support for some advanced graphic features, such as 3D menus and subtitles

Some major TV manufacturers, including LG, Panasonic and Sony, have announced plans to have 3D-enabled HDTVs available sometime next year. We’ll be heading out to the annual Consumer Electronics Show in early January, where we expect to be briefed in more detail about all the companies’ 3D plans for 2010. So keep checking back with our blog for regular 3D updates. And we’d like to hear whether you’re as excited about 3D TV as we are—so add your thoughts in the comments section at the bottom of the blog.

—James K. Willcox