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Written by: Ian Markowitz
The greatest technological invention at CES was not the introduction of 3D HDTVs, but could actually be found at the Intel booth in the Central Hall of the convention center here. Intel had an Alioscopy television on display right above a standard 3D HDTV, but what sets the Alioscopy tv apart from the other 3D tv was that the Alioscopy tv required no glasses to see its 3D display. The best part of all, is that Alioscopy’s software can render virtually all 3D content utilizing nearly any hardware configuration to render 3D images ready for display on the Alioscopy 3D HDTVs.
While my understanding is fuzzy because the Alioscopy rep wasn’t at the booth when I stopped by, from what I understand Alioscopy creates HD LCD TVs (I know thats a lot of acronyms)which allow them to display 3D HDTV content generated by their algorithm though a special lens which allows the image to appear 3D. Unfortunately, the technology can only display 3D movies which are rendered using their software so it can’t display 3D live TV, but it can display live 2D TV. The picture they had on the display was incredibly realistic and far more enjoyable to watch then sitting and watching a movie wearing 3D glasses. The content can be generated in a variety of 3D software programs and then utilize the Alioscopy script to create content for the Alioscopy TVs. The technology is available now, presently aimed at digital signs including hotels, casinos, medical and other signage industries although no word on pricing.
On a completely unrelated note, I found out today that virtually all video games which are out on the market have the information encoded into them to allow for 3D gameplay. Mitsubishi was demoing Left 4 Dead 2 in 3D and although I’m not sure whether it was being played on an Xbox or a PC (they were using an XBOX controller) it certainly made the game at least a little more interesting, although certainly not something to justify a rampant spending spree to indulge yourself in. Alioscopy also let me know that they offer a “real-time game engine” called Ignition so it is completely possible to hook an Xbox up to their game engine and their TV and play a 3D game without the need for 3D glasses.
More information can be found at: http://www.alioscopyusa.com
Ian can be reached at markowi_ian (AT) bentley.edu
UPDATE: Alioscopy has contacted us with some factual inaccuracies in the article. Those changes have been made and are reflected in the article above.
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