After much advance fanfare, Sony's line of 3D televisions are now reaching stores following earlier launches by Samsung and Panasonic. Officially, the Canadian release date is June 18th, making today the first chance to pre-order, but so eager is Sony to get the 3D change going that some stores have already started receiving their units today.
For those who nab one early, Sony is also launching their 3D PlayStation 3 experience. A special firmware update will be released tomorrow that PS3 owners can grab for free. Once installed it will allow the PS3 to play special 3D games on their 3D televisions. Four titles will launch tomorrow for purchase from the PlayStation Network - Super Stardust HD, Motorstorm Pacific Rift, Wipeout HD, and Pain.
To enjoy the 3D experience you will need a 3D TV ($2,500 - $5,500), a 3D Blu-ray player ($300 - $400), a 3D Transmitter ($70), a pair of 3D Glasses for each person ($150 each), and 3D Blu-ray movie discs.
Sony's launch will begin with LCD HDTV models from three Sony series, followed by other models over the course of the summer.
The XBR-LX900 will include two pairs of glasses and a transmitter in the box while the XBR-HX909 and XBR-HX800 are being sold as "3D Ready", meaning glasses and transmitter are sold separately. (At the time of this writing, Sony's online pre-order information is not live, so further details on screen size and pricing have yet to be narrowed down as to which are included at launch).
No matter which model you choose, the box will include a copy of the movie Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs on 3D Blu-ray, an offer to get a free copy of IMAX Deep Sea 3D on 3D Blu-ray, and a coupon with redeem codes for PS3 owners to use to download all four 3D launch game titles from the PlayStation Network for free. All 3D content is being included as part of the deal for a limited time.
Sony plans to also release the movies Monster House and Open Season on Blu-Ray 3D as well as the official FIFA film when it's released.
For 3D Blu-ray players you can choose from the BDP-S470 at $300. It's a regular Blu-ray player, but when connected to the internet you can download and install a free firmware update to convert it over. That's available now, in the middle of June Sony's first proper 3D Blu-ray player will be the BDP-S570 at $350 and the BDP-S770 at $400 in August.
At Sony's 3D Gaming Launch in Toronto today I had a chance to try out Motorstorm Pacific Rift, the first non-arcade game I've played in 3D and the results are better than I expected. Seeing a game that was already rendered with 3D objects presented visually in 3D didn't cause any confusion, loss of accuracy, but actually enhanced the game. Racing through forests and trees, I had to actually duck as vehicle pushed back tree branches and leaves only to have them come flying back at my face as it passed through. It will definitely be worth the hassle of downloading the patch to your PS3 and entering in those long redeem codes.
Now, whether it'll be as much fun with a game like Killzone or God of War, we'll have to wait and see.
RSS Feed