18th Oct 2005 07:00
DDD Group PLC18 October 2005 DDD LAUNCHES 3D TV SET TOP CONVERSION BOX Santa Monica, California (October 18th, 2005)3/4DDD Group plc (AIM: DDD), the 3Dsoftware and content company, today announces the introduction of the TriDef(R)Vision+ 3D set top box ('Vision+'). Vision+ automatically converts most popularconsumer video formats to 3D as they are watched, allowing any broadcast, DVDand videocassette content to be presented in 3D on the latest 3D displays andprojection systems. The delivery of the Vision+ set top box represents the final milestone in a£140,000 development agreement with Arisawa Manufacturing Co., Ltd. ('Arisawa'),announced in late 2004. By combining the real time 3D conversion capabilities ofthe Vision+ with the large 30" 3D LCD displays developed by Arisawa'soptoelectronics division, Arisawa and DDD have delivered an efficient andeffective solution for mass-market 3D television. Using Arisawa's innovative 3D optics, the flat screen 3D televisions are capableof displaying conventional 2D pictures as well as 3D. When the viewer decides towatch in 3D, they simply activate the Vision+ set top box using their remotecontrol and put on a pair of 3D glasses. The system then delivers 3D image fromany viewing position in the living room with the same clarity and quality as thelatest 3D digital cinemas. In addition to the real time conversion feature, the Vision+ also supports theplayback of specially made 3D movies. This yields an important in-homedistribution channel for the latest generation of Hollywood 3D movies that arein production for the new 3D digital cinemas that are presently being openedaround the United States. The Vision+ is compatible with DVD, video and broadcast standards used in theUnited States, Japan and Europe. Vision+ also supports twin projectors allowingit to be used in trade show and professional/educational venues where big screen3D is required for large audiences. Both Arisawa and DDD are now actively engaged in presentations and discussionswith leading flat screen display manufacturers with the goal of licensing thecombined solution for mass-market 3D television. "Vision+ represents another substantial achievement for our company," said ChrisYewdall, Chief Executive of DDD. "DDD's real time 3D conversion solutions havebeen instrumental in our recent agreements for PC and mobile telephone solutionswhile Vision+ now allows us to expand the 3D viewing experience into morepopular consumer products including 3D flat screen television. We are verypleased with the visual quality that we have achieved in conjunction withArisawa and we are now jointly focused on securing mass market licensees for ourcombined solution." "We are excited by the recent reaction to the combined Arisawa/DDD 3D televisionsolution," said Dr. Sanji Arisawa, President and Chief Executive Officer ofArisawa. "We are seeing increasing interest in consumer 3D television and weexpect that this easy to use solution will demonstrate that the televisionmarket is now within reach for our prospective licensees." Enquiries:Chris Yewdall, President & CEO, DDD +1 (310) 566-3340e-mail: [email protected] Bell Pottinger Corporate & FinancialNick Lambert +44 (0) 20 7861-3232 Notes to Editors About DDD DDD, also known as Dynamic Digital Depth, is transforming the viewing experiencewith applications for glasses-free 3D displays. Its patented technologies enable3D viewing without glasses; simple integration of computer graphics applicationswith 3D displays; supply of 3D content through 2D to 3D conversion; and 3Dtransmission over existing networks. DDD is quoted on the London StockExchange's Alternative Investment Market (AIM: DDD). • A new category of flat screen LCD and plasma displays are beingdeveloped and marketed by major consumer electronics companies that providestereoscopic 3D images without the need for the viewer to wear glasses.Stereoscopic 3D images appear to have natural in and off-screen depth. 3Ddisplays have already been included with mobile telephones in Japan and indesktop PC displays and notebook computers in North America and Japan. • In July 2005, DDD announced a two-year license agreement to integrateits DDD MobileTM real time 3D conversion software with a 3D mobile telephonehandset for one of the world's top five handset manufacturers. • In March 2005, DDD announced that it had extended the three-yearlicense agreement with Sharp Corporation to include the TriDef DVD Player realtime 3D conversion software with Sharp's latest Actius AL3D 3D notebook PC. • DDD's solutions provide an important bridge between conventional twodimensional (2D) applications and content and the new 3D displays. Normal 2Dpictures, video and computer graphics images are manipulated by DDD's patentedsoftware enabling them to be displayed on 3D displays without requiring thecontent to be created specially for a 3D display. DDD offers automatic andoperator guided 3D conversion solutions. • DDD licenses these software applications, marketed under the TriDef(R)and DDD Mobile TM brand names, to manufacturers for inclusion with the 3Ddisplay products supplied to end users. DDD also licenses the software directlyto end users who already own 3D displays and through an international saleschannel. • In July 2005, DDD announced a partnership with Jamster! InternationalSarl to convert Jamster's popular mobile phone content library to 3D fordistribution to owners of 3D mobile phones. • DDD is currently expanding the product range to allow its contentsolutions to be used on future 3D display products including 3D digital cinema. More information is available at www.DDD.com. About ArisawaArisawa is a materials company with three divisions specializing in electricalinsulating materials and industrial structure materials, electronics relatedmaterials and products and optoelectronics related material and products.Arisawa's optoelectronics division has been involved in the design anddevelopment of 3D optical materials and 3D displays since 1997. Founded in 1909,Arisawa has been listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange since 1961. For the fiscalyear ended 31 March 2005, turnover and operating income amounted toapproximately £288 million and £49 million, respectively. More information canbe found at http://www.arisawa.co.jp/en/index.html. TriDef and DDD Mobile are trademarks of DDD Group plc. All other trademarksmentioned herein are the property of their respective owners. ARISAWA is aregistered trademark of Arisawa Manufacturing Co., Ltd. All other trademarksmentioned herein are the property of their respective owners. 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