Specifications For 3D Blu Ray Finalized But Does Anybody Care

Specifications For 3D Blu-Ray Finalized, But Does Anybody Care?

By Devindra Hardawar/Dec. 17, 2009 11:07 am EST

The key bits: 3D Blu-ray will use the new Multiview Video Coding (MVC) codec, which is an extension to the MPEG-4 AVC codec we use today on BR discs. MVC only requires about a 50% storage overhead, compared to the 2D version of a film, and both the discs and players will also be backwards compatible with existing 2D Blu-ray tech. To actually take advantage of 3D Blu-ray, you’ll need a 3D BR capable player (the PS3 will offer an update to support it), glasses — and most likely, a new HDTV since only newer sets support stereoscopic 3D.

Clearly, nothing can go wrong with this plan, and 3D Blu-ray will soon take over the world.

The problem, of course, lies in the fact that this new Blu-ray standard is coming too soon after many have already invested in new HDTVs and Blu-ray hardware. There also aren’t too many films, aside from Avatar, that will compel consumers to invest in new hardware — along with glasses for the entire family. It’s basically too much work for the average consumer, and this will quickly relegate 3D Blu-ray to the home theaters of a lucky few.

Read the full press release over at Engadget.

Discuss: What are your thoughts on Blu-ray 3D? Will you upgrade, or keep it in mind for new TV purchases?