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Tingle: 3D Movies And Slot Games Not Dead Yet, by Greg Tingle - 23rd January 2011

G'day Yankies, Aussies, punters, casino and gambling millionaires, billionaires, legal eagles, politicians, 3D lovers, entertainment news junkies - one and all. Avatar might have jump started 3D a few years ago, but there's a lot more to the 3D world than those friendly critters. Today we revisit the world of 3D movies and 3D slots, discovering what's hot, what's not and what's worth spinning to win. Media Man and Gambling911 throw on the dorky glasses with this special 3D report...

Not that long ago Hollywood was so in love by 3D that some directors worried there might be no future for movies in old-fashioned 2D. Now some box office figures are being leaked for 2010 - 2011, and they are a bit on the train wreck side of the tracks.

US cinema attendance for the past 2 years is down some 10%, and box office take in the 10 days to 26 December - a key holiday period - was down a massive 30%.

Box-office income for the year was down roughly 2.6%, however, that's due to higher ticket prices, particularly for 3D blockbusters.

What up then? The last few years of strongly promoted 3D films didn't sustain the positive buzz or experience created by "Avatar", nor its record box-office income. Now., 3D is looking like a quite the gimmick that doesn't really pull US nor Australian audiences back for more action.

Richard Greenfield, an analyst at BTIG Research may be corrected when he told the press post Avatar "While the horror and gross-out comedy genres may benefit from 3D (think "Saw 3D" or "Jackass 3D"), the vast majority of 3D movies this year have been disappointing at best."

The electronics industry is swimming in its own 3D bloodbath. Companies rushed 3DTVs to stores and not that many moved out the doors. "By anyone's account, 3DTV sales were a disappointment" advised Pete Putman of Insight Media.

US and Australian consumers greeted the new technology with a a luke warm response at best. Leichtman Research Group reports that 80% of American households they surveyed knew about 3DTV, but less than 1% own a 3D set and just 8% percent have any interest in buying one.

Analysts cite issues including big price tags, the need for expensive 3D shutter glasses, and the lack of 3D programming, but that's not all. The need for any kind of 3D glasses gets in the way of how viewers watch television. May TV buffs also do other things at the same time...multitasking, talking with each other, and walking in and out of the room. Plus, its no secret that watching intense 3D too long can make people sick in the guts, and some people even report sore eyes and a headache.

What does the future hold? Today's 3D TV technology is light years ahead of the technology used during the 3D boom of the 1950s. But it will have a difficult time living up to Hollywood's wildest expectations.

PartyGaming - Betsoft Gaming - 3D News; More 3D Slots On The Way in 2011...

Industry innovators Betsoft Gaming have announced that PartyGaming understood to be the world's largest online casino, is releasing a swag of 3D slot. Betsoft's Slots3 first blockbuster slot Heist in now in Party's casino as well as via their convenient download client. Yeah baby, and more Slots3 titles are soon to follow. Heist, a 5 reel, 30 payline cinematic 3D slots game, showcases the life of professional safecracker Neil Quailand as he evades his nemesis, Detective Al Kowalski. The game features scatter pays, wild reels, exciting safecracking bonus rounds and free spins, all presented in Betsoft's vividly rich Slots3 style. 'We are absolutely delighted to form this partnership with an industry leader like PartyCasino.com,' says Aliya Alpiyeva, Betsoft's Director of Marketing. 'Heist, the first Slots3 game to be delivered, is a proven classic, one that we feel will thrill PartyCasino.com's enormous and loyal player base. The cinematic realism of this true 3D game appeals to a wide range of players, drawing them into Quailand's quest for the perfect bank heist. With additional Slots3 games yet to come, we at Betsoft are looking forward to adding more games to PartyCasino' A PartyCasino spokesman said: 'We are delighted to welcome Heist to our portfolio of games and look forward to adding more Betsoft games in the near future. Heist is just one of dozens and dozens games we will be adding to the world's largest online casino in the coming months.'

Bally Pro Series Cabinets Deliver HD Video, Custom Surround-Sound, 3D Animations...

Many of Bally’s games showcased in the Company’s ICE stand #3540 will be featured on the new ALPHA 2™ Pro Series cabinets. ALPHA 2 features an INTEL® Core™ 2 processor; four gigabytes of dual-channel memory; Realtek™ high-definition audio; and leading video technology. This powerful platform is optimized for dual screen, multi game; uses HD video technology for exciting 3D graphics, animations, and up to a four-monitor play experience; supports both existing and new game libraries; and is network and server-based ready. These sleek, streamlined cabinets are available in upright, slant, spinning-wheel, and configurations with digital, wheel, and hammerhead top displays. “Our game developers and hardware and software engineers have outdone themselves, and operator feedback has been truly outstanding,” said Gavin Isaacs, Bally Technologies’ Chief Operating Officer. Isaacs added that the Pro Series cabinets are download and configuration-ready, and the Company has a library of downloadable games.

Green Hornet Movie in 3D...

GenreAction/Adventure

Comedy

Running time 119 min

Actors Seth Rogen, Jay Chou, Cameron Diaz, Chrtistoph Waltz

Director Michel Gondry

Screen writer Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg

Target Teenage

OFLC rating M

Year 2011

Language English

The Green Hornet movie for current era has been a long time coming, with or without 3D. Fortunately, you want to put on those glasses for this flick. Believe it or not, the iconic character began life as a radio series at a cash strapped and tight ass Detroit, USA radio station in 1936. The station's co-owner, George Trendle, did not want to pay the networks for serials so what do you do? You commission your own of course. The radio station WXYZ, created a big hit with The Lone Ranger and so then the boss decided it was time to create another hero in the same vien, but with more appeal.

Trendle and his team of writers invented Britt Reid, the bright and youth full publisher of newspaper, The Daily Sentinel. He becomes a crimefighter by night with the assist of Kato, a talented Oriental if there ever was. The radio deal went thru to the early 1950s and was brought back in the mid-1960s for TV. Future martial arts legend, Bruce Lee, played Kato.

This was pulp fiction at its best. Now we are getting to enjoy the classics all over again, some with 3D, some without.

The script for The Green Hornet was written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg.

Rogen is an up and coming star of American comedy. Never mind the face he's Canadian in real life. He plays Reid and the Taiwanese pop rock star Jay Chou is Kato. The director is Michel Gondry, one of the great visual entrepreneurs in today's cinema. He's done a great job with The Green Hornet in 3D.

You want to be checking out the comedy with Rogen and Chou burning up Los Angeles in face masks, blowing stuff up ala Mythbusters like, in a souped up 60s Chrysler Imperial now known to the masses as "The Black Beauty". No, we don't know the details of the product placement - the car, but its a good match for the movie, no question.

Reid inherits the newspaper biz after the death of his old man (Tom Wilkinson). He learns that his dad's mechanic is a technical whiz and a martial arts killing machine. Reid hires the journalism graduate Lenore Case (Cameron Diaz), while he and Kato become crimefighters. He likes to piss off Los Angeles crime kingpin Benjamin Chudnofsky (Christoph Waltz), a murderer, and doesn't mind bending and breaking rules to get his own style of justice.

This flick has money maker written all over it in our opinion.

Gondry turns The Green Hornet into a visual effects bonanza that will see it be referenced by the industry for years to come. It might even add some much needed spark to the 3D sector.

Marvel Entertainment's Thor And Captain America: The First Avenger In 3D!

Marvel's Kevin Feige, Thor director Kenneth Branagh, and Captain America director Joe Johnston, all say that going 3D on these films was the way to go.

Branagh: "Is it led by story? Can this offer a different type of experience and exploit what we have in the story? It absolutely can... we travel very long distances in the movie and the opportunity to export and exploit the journey of the hero is really offered up as a great potential enhancement here."

Kevin Feige: "an unprecedented amount of time" will be devoted to the conversion process. The films will benefit from the fact that the 3D choice was made early on "with passion and planning" and not in post-production. "In being able to think in 3D from the start -- and having every bit of our special effects rendered in true 3D -- we have the opportunity to do it right. When you're working with a director like Ken Branagh or Joe Johnston, they're not going to settle for less than perfect image. They're not going to settle for something that isn't up to the artistry of everything else they've done on the film. They're not going to put on some overlay in the last 10/12 weeks of post-production for a fiscal reason."

Marvel Comics Films Expected To Raise Popularity Of Marvel Slots Again...

Thor and Captain America online slot patronage is expected to skyrocket with the Marvel films releases this year. PartyGaming is not making any secret of massive sign up bonuses for new players and new competitors like the Winner brand are also looking to plug into the excitement. We expect PartyGaming's PartyCasino to maintain domination, but give the others credit for hanging in there. Learn more about the history of Marvel, the comics, movies and games on the Media Man Int website portal, and don't forget to check out the news of Marvel Comics living legend Stan Lee. Excelsior!

IGT Little Shop of Horrors® 3D Video Reel; Online Casinos Screaming Out For Land Based Casino Game...

Hungry for more 3D? The cult-classic The Little Shop of Horrors chomps its way to casinos in a 3D video reel game. Feed the hungry plant to start Tumbling Reels® excitement. Win again and again as Audrey Junior crunches its way up the reels. When the plant hits the top, it's time to play the Pick a Bud bonus for credits, a win multiplier, or Free Games with more wilds! Packed with campy fun, zany characters, and spectacular 3D, The Little Shop of Horrors is unforgettable entertainment!

New James Bond: 3D Confirmed!...

The new James Bond film will be in 3D. The British spy movie franchise which stars Daniel Craig as 007 has been delayed again because the bosses reportedly now want the movie to utilise new three-dimensional technology. An insider said: "The 23rd Bond movie has been put back a few months and that has given them the time to prepare to film it in 3-D. Everyone involved in the project is really excited because it will take the franchise in a new direction." The as yet untitled project had already been delayed due to issues (financial and legal etc) surrounding the impending sale of MGM Studios. Producer Michael G. Wilson previously said: "Our timeline's a little up in the air, so we have to be flexible. We just don't know enough about the situation to comment, but we know it's uncertain." Sam Mendes - who won an Oscar for his debut feature 'American Beauty' - is also reportedly set to direct the film. Sara Keene, Sam's publicist, confirmed he had met representatives of the Bond franchise to discuss the possibility of him helming the movie but is adamant nothing has been finalised. She said: "I can confirm that he has had a meeting, but Sam always has lots of projects on the table that he might direct next. Sam's method is to have a number of projects as possible next films and at some point confirm which film he's going to do." Some media and gaming commentators are already telling Bond's people (Sony etc) to seriously look at doing a Bond 3D online slot game, as well as putting out a new slot for land based casinos. They might as well cash in, and what better way right.

Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money

Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.

Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Is 3D your thing? Tell us in the forum.

If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered

News

3D For Australian Sports, TV Series, Web And Casinos, by Greg Tingle - 20th May 2010

3D technology is on fire, a bushfire on steroids in fact, down under in Australia. Media Man, Gambling911 and readers don the 3D glasses and look and see what's cooking in Aussie sports, movies, casinos, poker and more...

It's all about entertainment, eyeballs, and the entertainment dollar. 'Entertainment' is something that PartyGaming, Virgin Games (and Media Man and Gambling911) are big on. What's the point in advanced technology if its not fun and entertaining to the punter or consumer at large? Content producers and platforms have largely also realised that a product or service for gamblers, gamers or combo, needs to be compelling, or they won't come back and will find another game, website, live event or whatever. Have you checked out the Gambling911 forum or Media Man YouTube lately?

With that in mind check out the huge amount of entertainment on now, and coming up for gamers, gamblers, sports punters and even tech heads and geeks...

FIFA World Cup in South Africa

SBS has announced it will form a three-way partnership with Sony and Harvey Norman to bring Australian soccer nuts the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa in 3D.

The partnership means up to 15 matches throughout the World Cup tournament will be available on a dedicated 3D channel in addition to SBS’s coverage – including Australia’s opening match against Germany.

FIFA will provide a 3D broadcast feed of matches throughout the tournament, which will then be broadcast live by SBS and then repeated on a "loop" until the next 3D match is made available.

"The Australian Communications and Media Authority has been working with us on a spectrum solution and we will be using our digital transmission network for the broadcast," said SBS’s chief operating officer Richard Finlayson.

Australian Socceroos Catch 3D Fever

The Socceroos 2010 World Cup team anthem will feature what Sony music claims as the first 3D music video in Australia. The video clip for the Rogue Traders new single, Hearts Beat as One, will be shot in 3D as the official Qantas Socceroos team anthem for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

"The potential of movies, sports and gaming in 3D is already evident and as the hype around 3D continues to build, Sony remains at the forefront of delivering unique experiences from the lens to the lounge room," said Carl Rose, Managing Director, Sony Australia and New Zealand.

3D technology in Australia continues to generate unprecedented hype in Australia with SBS to trial 3D TV broadcasts for the duration of the 2010 World Cup, Channel 9 screening the State of Origin in 3D, and Foxtel strongly hinted its intention to start broadcasting in 3D later this year.

Major television manufacturers including Sony have also been pushing 3D technology hard after the widespread theatrical success of Avatar in 3D.

Sony expects the 3D music video to premiere in early June.

Google TV To Include Gaming And Lots More

Internet king Google is out to expand its kingdom to the living room with an new service that lets punters mesh television viewing with surfing the web.

Google TV, developed in partnership with technology big shots Sony, Intel and Logitech and launched in the US overnight, fuses the freedom of the internet with television programming.

Google executives vowed their TV platform would succeed where offerings such as Apple TV have foundered and hopefully capture some of the $US70 billion ($85 billion) American TV advertising market.

Google TV product manager Salahuddin Choudhary said in a blog post that Google TV will allow TV viewers to get "all the (TV) channels and shows you normally watch and all of the websites you browse all day.

"You can access all of your favorite websites and easily move between television and the Web," Choudhary said.

"This opens up your TV from a few hundred channels to millions of channels of entertainment across TV and the Web," he said.

"With the entire Internet in your living room, your TV becomes more than a TV - it can be a photo slideshow viewer, a gaming console, a music player and much more," he added.

Google is not the first technology company to attempt to unite the TV set and the Internet and a number of electronics manufacturers are already offering Web-enabled televisions or digital set-top boxes.

Choudhary said the Internet-enabled televisions, Blu-ray players and companion boxes from Sony and Logitech, which are powered by Intel Atom computer chips, would be available soon in the U.S via Best Buy stores. No dates for Australia yet.

A wireless computer keyboard and box were used during the on-stage demonstration here of Google TV, which uses traditional search to find TV channels or websites.

Sony chief executive Howard Stringer described it as "a very big deal."

"I can't stress that enough," Stringer said on stage. "When you put all this, as we've done for the fall, into the world's first Internet television, the opportunities are, in a sense, just mind boggling."

Google did not announce pricing for the TV sets or the set-top boxes.

Other Developments

PartyGaming

Not to be outdone, PartyGaming's PartyCasino has released the Circus Slot, more a 2D experience, but is understood to be the world's first interactive role playing online slot game. Party insiders say to expect "Avatar" type technologies with the Sly Stallone name coming up in Chinese whispers. Rocky or The Expendables? Who knows, but its going to be even bigger and better than Evolution Gaming 'Live Dealer' we hear. 'Rambo' is already available at Party, which is a good sign of substance to the buzz.

PartyCasino.com

Virgin

Richard Branson's Virgin Games is expanding globally, with virtual world platform, AWOMO (A World Of My Own) to be a major focus. Think Tomb Raider: Underworld ... in 2D, maybe 3D at some stage. Whatever the case, its going to be out of this world, fast and value for money. How long till Aussies and Americans can get the downloads remains to be seen, but Branson is to hard launch the product at the E3 Expo in Los Angeles next month.

VirginCasino.com

PKR Poker, Casino And Now Sports Betting

Yep, world famous 3D poker rooms, PKR, now not only offers poker, but also casino games and sports betting. The virtual reality live poker remains their main drawcard, however they smartly realised that poker players generally also like a bit of casino games and sports punting on the side

PKR.com

SEGA

Understood to have done a considerable deal with Playtech. Casino and poker is on the menu Sega style. Media Man is not impressed yet...with the technology, however, that's not to say that we won't be in coming weeks and months. Next...

FOXTEL - Microsoft Xbox LIVE deal (not gambling, but speculation)

FOXTEL has signed a deal with Microsoft to deliver 30 channels of pay TV over the internet.

FOXTEL and Microsoft today announced a new partnership offering Australians a brand new way of receiving FOXTEL – over the internet and direct to television sets through Xbox 360’s online service Xbox LIVE.

FOXTEL by Xbox LIVE will allow Xbox 360 owners in Australia to access FOXTEL channels including FOX Sports, Discovery, Nickelodeon, Disney, MTV, and other leading channels via their Xbox 360 entertainment console.

FOXTEL by Xbox LIVE will also provide a wide range of Video-on-Demand (VoD) services, including television series and movies. When the ground-breaking service launches later this year it will enable Australians, for the first time, to access FOXTEL without the need for a FOXTEL set-top-box.

FOXTEL by Xbox LIVE will be accessible in FOXTEL areas across Australia to all homes with a broadband internet connection. All you need is an Xbox 360, an Xbox Gold subscription and a FOXTEL by Xbox LIVE subscription.

The agreement brings together two of Australia’s most recognised and respected brands combining each company’s profound entertainment and consumer offerings.FOXTEL by Xbox LIVE provides Australians a new way of enjoying FOXTEL, and cements Xbox 360 as one of this country’s leading innovative social entertainment platforms. Xbox LIVE connects more than 23 million people across 26 countries to an ever-expanding world of games, movies, TV, music, sport and social entertainment.

FOXTEL Chief Executive and Managing Director, Kim Williams AM said, “This is a very exciting new frontier. FOXTEL by Xbox LIVE will provide our 1.6 million subscribing households, as well as new customers, a transformative way of receiving and enjoying FOXTEL over the internet. We will offer FOXTEL by Xbox LIVE with various packages and prices and under flexible agreements. It is an exciting new way of exploring FOXTEL’s universe of content for a new generation of customers.”

SecondLife

Rumors persist that as different countries get their communications laws up to speed that SecondLife.com may once again offer pro active virtual casinos as part of their offering. The parent of SecondLife is Linden Research, and Linden Labs is understood to be where the "cool kids" hang out. The virtual currency is the Linden dollar L$.

Network Nine Underbelly And NRL State Of Origin In 3D

Nine advise they will carry Rugby League's 'State of Origin' clash in 3D on 26th May. It's forecast to cost the network $10 million to broadcast, and Nine have flown over technology experts from the United States to make it happen.

Underbelly continues to drive forward the crime genre, and not just on TV. Wires are reporting that at least 3 Australian crime shows are due to be released over the next 12 months, quite likely soon, such is the current appetite of Australian audiences.

The next series of Underbelly, featuring the Gold Coast - up Surfers Paradise way, will be shot, pardon the pun, in 3D. The rumour mill says some scenes and footage is already "in the can" (also Aussie for in jail)!

Free Gaming VS Paid Gaming - Trends Summary

The US currently leads the world in online business revenues, but general belief is that the EU and other territories will continue to grow gaming revenue.

"These free options are definitely broadening the appeal of video games among older and female demographics, and a lot of these consumers don't actually consider themselves gamers at all," Michael Cai, vice president of video game research at Interpret.

"Without casual gaming portals like Pogo, Real Networks, and Big Fish Games, many older female gamers would have never paid for gaming content."

Interpret discovered that 21 per cent of the US population, or over 46.1 million Americans, play social network games. Over 11 million Americans only play social network games. The median age for social network gamers is 38.8, versus 30.9, which is the median age of console gamers.

Cai found that 12 per cent of these social network gamers plan on buying a Wii, which would be their first game console.

More console game makers are offering consumers free play, including downloadable game demos through Microsoft's Xbox Live Arcade and Sony's PlayStation Network Store.

"Handing over free content to gamers can be tremendously beneficial to developers and publishers, even if it comes in the form of a short playable demo of a game that's not spectacular," said Patrick Shaw, features editor, GamePro Magazine.

Gaming on Facebook is becoming more popular, and players like to check out games on YouTube before signing up for accounts at game portals and online casinos. PartyGaming PartyCasino 'Play For Free' (before 'Play For Money') option continues to be mega popular. Media Man has quizzed the powers that be on this matter, and has some data to prove this is the case. YouTube remains the king of internet streaming for the masses, and owned by Google, it can afford for it to be a loss leader if need be.

Censorship In Australia - Online, Offline and Everywhere

Richard Branson's Virgin and Google's 'Google Guys' remain in the long list of new media entrepreneurs seeking clarity on Australia's censorship laws, both current and upcoming. The current guidelines are an absolute mess and out of line with laws in other developed countries such as the United States, Canada and United Kingdom.

The Aussie government initiative to filter the internet down under is currently due to be actioned in 1 to 3 months, depending upon what report and source you choose to believe. Govt legal eagles and policy makers are still deciding what to do as far as policy relating to video game ratings that are sold off the shelf, and technologies such as AWOMO (A World Of My Own) are likely to also be effected from Australian censorship laws (even if some quarters of the Australian government doesn't want to call it "censorship", we know better!

Media Man International TV Not (YouTube)

Check out games, poker, even the 'Sin City' expo on Media Man YouTube! Go on, we know you want to

So, gamers, gamblers, square eyes, couch potatoes, or whatever is your poison.

There's a universe of 2D, 3D and interactive entertainment coming up.

We know your already in information overload, so just wait until you check out the above mentioned new big boys toys. Know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen industry sectors they cover.

PKR Poker