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21st Century 3D updates the 3DVX stereoscopic
motion picture camera system - 3DVX.2

The 3DVX.2
February 9, 2005 (New York, NY) - Today 21st Century 3D announced the immediate availability of the 3DVX.2, a significant update to the recently developed 3DVX stereoscopic motion picture camera system. The latest round of revisions updates the 6 CCD progressive scan, digital 3D video camcorder, refining its ergonomics and adding important new features. A reduced interaxial distance of 3.65” brings the stereo base of the camera closer to that of natural human vision. Direct to disk recording, 24p mode and “instant sync” have also been added. Zoom and focus are now mechanically synchronized.

Using two entirely discrete channels, the 3DVX.2 records high quality progressive scan 3D imagery at 24 or 30 frames per second per eye. Doubling the spatial resolution of traditional interlace NTSC systems, the full frame progressive format offers 720x480 resolution for each eye view simultaneously. Left and right eye images are recorded onto low cost, high quality, industry standard miniDV tape, or direct to edit hard drives available from third party vendors. The 3DVX.2 features dual on board left and right miniDV recorders and boasts an entirely self-contained, battery-powered design.

Lightweight and versatile...
Lightweight and versatile...
Many previous 3D camera systems have been limited to recording on a single tape in a field sequential 3D format that drastically reduced resolution and frame rate. In addition, non-simultaneous image capture introduced a noticeable temporal error into 3D recordings. These systems provide a half resolution, inaccurately synchronized, flickering image, or a jagged demultiplexed image that ultimately diminishes stereoscopic quality.

Other dual channel systems employ much larger cameras with beam splitters and other optical modifications. These arrangements increase weight and complexity while making the cameras ergonomically challenging to operate. Worst of all these systems dramatically increase the amount of light needed to shoot. By avoiding the use of any additional optics, the 3DVX maintains maximum portability, ease-of-use and low light sensitivity.

According to 21st Century 3D founder and 3DVX inventor Jason Goodman, “3DVX.2 is an important update for us. Not only is 3DVX.2 easier to use, more flexible and just plain better than the first camera, it demonstrates our ongoing effort to continually improve and update this technology. We worked with Cinetech in Azusa, CA to develop a really exciting stereoscopic focus and zoom drive. The new camera has been field-tested and it is even more reliable than the initial unit. We will continue to work on new developments and we are excited to be pushing the envelope in this rapidly growing industry.”

Cinetech at work on the 3DVX.2
Cinetech at work on the 3DVX.2
At the core of the 3DVX.2 lies the highly advanced Panasonic AG-DVX100A, famous for its 24p operating modes and outstanding image quality. 21st Century 3D has taken the DVX100A into the next dimension with the following proprietary modifications:
  • Two AG-DVX100A cameras have been electronically linked and synchronized for frame accurate, genlocked and phase locked stereoscopic recording.
  • A custom designed titanium and aluminum synchronized focus and zoom drive has been added. This unit allows for stereoscopic zooming and easy, single control operation of focus.
  • Extensive mechanical modification of the camera body has reduced body width (lens distance center to center) by more than 1.5”
  • Viewfinders have been mechanically modified to allow for highly accurate real time binocular viewing of the recorded stereoscopic image.

21st Century 3D also announced the development of a new high gain antennae for it wireless 3D video viewing system for the 3DVX.2. The 2.4ghz wireless device delivers stereoscopic video to a remote viewing station and can run for more than six hours on a full charge. The transmitter adds only a few ounces to the camera system and the receiver occupies the space of a small backpack. The unit can easily be carried by an AC and allows the DP, director and other viewers to see what the 3DVX.2 sees in real time and in 3D from a remote location. The high gain antennae is designed to extend the wireless range outdoors and reduce RF interference indoors.

The 3DVX can go anywhere!
The 3DVX can go anywhere!
The wireless 3D viewing system helps take the guess work out of the most complex and/or dangerous shots. The integration of a high quality head mounted display with the latest wireless video and audio transmission technology allows for field sequential stereo images to be remotely broadcast from the camera directly to the pack.

The 3DVX.2 is available for world-wide hire only, exclusively through 21st Century 3D in New York.

Located in midtown Manhattan, 21st Century 3D is a leader in stereoscopic live action video production and animation, and an innovator in stereoscopic technology. For more information, please visit www.21stcentury3d.com.

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