3D@HOME CONSORTIUM AND INTERNATIONAL 3D SOCIETY MERGE TO FORM WORLD’ S LARGEST 3D ORGANIZATION
August 16, 2012 (Hollywood and San Jose, CA) – To better serve the growing global theatrical, television, video game, and mobile 3D marketplace and professional community, the International 3D Society (I3DS) and the 3D@Home Consortium today announced plans to merge operations and activities. With members in 20 countries and chapters in China, Japan, Korea, Europe, the UK and North America, the new organization will be known as the International 3D Society & 3D@Home.
The Merger was ratified by both organizations’ leadership and is effective immediately.
“This newly formed organization will serve to spearhead the growth and expansion of the 3D entertainment industry across the entire ecosystem – from content conception and development to consumer education and adoption,” said Tom Cosgrove, Co-Chair of I3DS & 3D@Home and President and CEO of 3net. “Across all platforms where 3D is expanding, everywhere consumers are consuming 3D content, and in any way the 3D format is being utilized, our organization is there to support our members and advance the growth of this prolific medium.”
“3D entertainment in the home has become an affordable proposition, with entry-level sets falling below $1000. Consumers today also enjoy increasing content options such as 3D video on Blu-ray or via a streaming channel, broadcast programs such as sports, or even make their own 3D content,” said Dan Schinasi, Co-Chair of I3DS &3D@Home and Senior TV Planner at Samsung Electronics. “For the past few years, our groups have each been laying a strong foundation for 3D display, delivery, and creation. We believe now is the time to focus on ensuring consumers feel comfortable with 3D.”
“From supporting content creators to educating consumers, our two groups have distinguished themselves in providing neutral, non-branded information to important communities,” said Jim Mainard, Past-Chair of I3DS and Head of Digital Strategy at Dreamworks Animation (DWA). “Their combined power and scope will maximize our ability to steadily grow 3D across countless media platforms in education, industrial applications, home photography, as well as the entertainment industry.”
The combined organization staff will be led by I3DS President, Jim Chabin. “In no other field are creative artists and technology professionals so dependent on partnership and mutual support,” he said. “This new group connects professionals and markets from Hollywood to Silicon Valley, to Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul, London, Brussels, and 20 other countries. This is 3D’s leadership and voice coming together to fuel the growing 3D revolution.”
Heidi Hoffman, Managing Director of 3D@Home added, “The tools, services, and displays in our electronics eco-system are rapidly adapting to delivering great 3D experiences that are more life-like, more informational, and provide better learning experiences than the traditional 2D we have all become accustomed to. The combined organization has the tools and support to pave a smoother path for the journey to the goals of our 3D future.”
The new organization will include a powerful group of members with more than 60 companies and 500 professionals. Companies include The Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, DreamWorks Animation (DWA), Sony Pictures Entertainment, Pixar, ESPN, BSkyB, Panasonic, XpanD 3D, Dolby Laboratories,
3ality Technica, Master image 3D, RealD, IMAX, StereoD, National Geographic Cinema Ventures, CCTV China, Korea Telecomm, Intel, THX, Microsoft, Technicolor, Samsung, Sony Electronics, MobiTV, BluFocus, Walt Disney Studios, Eutelsat, Turner Broadcasting, Vizio and others.
About the International 3D Society & 3D@Home Consortium
The International 3D Society & 3D@Home Consortium advances 3D content, products, and adoption through recognition, networking, communication for professionals and consumers. With over 60 companies and 500 professional members, the organization honors the year’s best during its 3D Technology and 3D Creative Awards programs; hosts worldwide meetings, workshops, and demonstrations; and manages many online resources to assist consumers and professionals to further understand and integrate 3D into their lives. Visit: www.International3DSociety.com, www.3DatHome.org, and 3DUniversity.net to explore the full range of 3D information available.
