Sony Brings 3D Home

Today, 3D is clearly on its way to the mass market.  As with high definition a few years back, there are a variety of issues yet to be addressed.  But the 3D train is on the track, and we at Sony are ready to drive it home.

On the theatrical side, the number of 3D digital screens in cinemas around the world has increased by nearly 30-fold in the past three years.

It is expected there will be more than 7,000 digital 3D screens worldwide by the end of this year *1.

This rapid expansion is being driven by increased consumer demand for 3D films, as well as higher ticket premiums.

Sony has proven its expertise in 3D in the theatrical release arena with a wide range of products, including our highly touted 4K digital projectors.  In the U.S. the Regal cinema chain plans to install up to 1,500 3D systems across their network of theatres. And we expect other operators, such as AMC, to follow.   Our 4K digital projectors are being installed in cinemas across Europe, including 140 screens in the U.K.’s Apollo Cinema and Germany’s CinemaxX chains, with nearly 100 of those equipped for 3D.

Sony’s technological leadership, together with our ownership and unique understanding of all forms of content, means that we will be able to deliver the entire 3D value chain, both to our customers in the movie creation and distribution business and, of course, to consumers in cinemas, or at home on a variety of Sony devices.

Clearly, 3D has already captured the imagination of filmmakers and content creators.  Sony is moving to bring that magic directly into consumers’ homes with movies, games, and sporting events, all in 3D, in 2010.

We will provide a complete user experience with full HD "BRAVIA" in 3D taking center stage.  In addition to television, Sony will enable more devices, such as Blu-ray *2, VAIO and PlayStation 3, to be 3D compatible.