DXG Unveils Consumer 3D Camcorder
Value camcorder manufacturer DXG USA unveiled an expanded line of digital camcorders, highlighted by one of the industry's first consumer models capable of capturing images in 3D. The DXG 3DView pocket 3D camcorder, model DXG-321, will be bundled as a $600 suggested retail kit that will include the camcorder and a 7-inch LCD glasses-free 3D "media player" viewscreen.
The special LCD display is capable of playing back 3D stereoscopic images recorded by the DXG-321 without the need for glasses to see the 3D effect. However, images recorded by the camcorder will be playable both on the screen and on most 3D TV displays available from many manufacturers this year, using both active-shutter glasses and polarized glasses.
DXG sales and marketing senior VP Paul Goldberg said the company plans to market several versions of the 3D camcorders, although the DXG-321 will be the first to market. It will offer only standard-definition resolution pictures, but will capture both video and stills in either 3D or 2D.
The camcorder itself uses a vertical pistol-style design with a flip-out 3.2-inch 3D LCD viewscreen. The bundled 3D media player will support up to 800 by 400-pixel resolution and produces 3D images using parallax barrier auto-stereoscopic technology. An HD version of the 3DView camcorder is expected to follow later in the year, the company said.
Model DXG-321 will be introduced to the market through retail partners, including Hammacher Schlemmer, in the June/July time frame, Goldberg said.
The 3D camcorder, which uses built-in side-by-side lenses to capture subjects from two simultaneous perspectives, will record in standard-definition VGA resolution on SD memory cards in the AVI movie file format. Still images are captured in up to 5-megapixel resolution, also in a choice of 3D or 2D.
To play back images on the included LCD media player, the SD card must be removed from the camcorder and inserted into a slot on the display, the company said. No HDMI 1.4 output is included on the camcorder. Playback on other 3D displays should be accommodated over composite-video cables, since the images are in standard-definition resolution, said Jeff Shu, DXG engineering VP.
DXG is currently discussing distribution arrangements with specialty photo dealers, and was said to be working with 3D TV manufacturers, including Vizio, in offering the camcorder in a bundle with some 3D TV sets later this year.
By Greg Tarr, Twice
