Panasonic proposes 3D Blu-ray Disc standard

Panasonic has formally submitted a proposal to the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) related to a three-dimensional (3D) imagery standard that would create guidelines for "left / right-eye two-channel Full HD images" used on high-definition TVs with Blu-ray.

The new 3D standard by Panasonic already uses existing standards, which may help convince the BDA to approve it in a more timely manner.  The Japanese juggernaut hopes to avoid a standards war and patent issues by announcing the standard proposal ahead of other companies working in the growing HDTV and Blu-ray sectors.

"All we have to do is define a flag to identify image data, equipment and other elements supporting 3D imagery," said Hiroshi Miyai, Panasonic director of AV development.  "We really don’t need any other major changes."

The company also proposed a new High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) standard that will be able to play back the 3D images.

Panasonic hopes to have the standard ready for use by 2010.

Exact demand for 3D imagery on TVs remains unknown, but movie studios continue to produce more 3D movies for theaters, which later are released on DVD and Blu-ray.  Several analysts expect 3D technology to be the next in-demand technology for consumers.  Walt Disney, Dreamworks and other movie studios are launching more 3D movies, anticipating consumer interest will grow.

During a recent technology convention in Japan, Panasonic showed off a 103" plasma display panel that featured 3D pictures.