With this goal to inspire them, Nicholas and Richard applied their passion for technology and their business experience, and began to investigate, research and develop both a technological solution and a network of contacts that would enable them to fulfill their vision.

coming to market 

In 2002, the first iteration of what was to become the SENSIO^® Hi-Fi 3D technology saw the light of day. We incorporated it into a video processor set-top box – the SENSIO^® S3D-100 – which earned a 2003 CES Design and Engineering Showcase Honors award. In addition, we applied it to encode movies for which we had negotiated the rights from our developing network of Hollywood and independent studios, ensuring purchasers of our equipment had 3D content to enjoy. The easily-installed SENSIO^® S3D-100, combined with access to a content library of 40 films, was the first complete solution for 3D at home, breaking the paradigm that it could only be experienced via red-and-blue glasses. Deployed in 33 countries, the technology proved itself robust, and the confidence generated enabled SENSIO to become a publicly-listed company.

PIONEERING CROSS-PLATFORM 3D ENTERTAINMENT

In those early years of the new millennium, we at SENSIO were very much in the avant-garde. In 2005, a change was set in motion in the entertainment industry with the first film for digital 3D cinema, Chicken Little. With every new stereoscopic Hollywood release, the number of digital 3D-equipped cinemas rose exponentially and we at SENSIO identified an opportunity that we had not dared to hope for to move a step closer to our vision.

By 2007, we had set new, expanded objectives, discontinuing the S3D-100 and concentrating on providing intellectual property under licence to the key markets we had identified. Watching the rise in popularity in live sporting and cultural events on the big screen, and given the existing and expanding 3D infrastructure, we worked to create a new business model for live 3D events in cinemas. We supplied the technology for the first ever live 3D event, and subsequently brought the various stakeholders together in the SENSIO^® 3D Live Network – a global team working together to make non-movie 3D content available around the world, including such prestigious events as the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ and the 2011 NBA All-Star.

The trust placed in our expertise and technology by pioneering broadcasters such as ESPN and BSkyB opened doors for us in our negotiations with the media equipment manufacturers that supply the industry, and also with the Consumer electronics industry. While we at SENSIO were convinced that 3D would move into the home en masse, the lack of content had left TV and audio-visual device manufacturers doubtful. We are therefore proud of our achievements in this space, with SENSIO^® Hi-Fi 3D becoming the first 3D format to be specified in a standard (by the DVD Forum), and being included in the 3DTVs of the number-one LCD TV manufacturer in the USA, as well as several major semiconductors destined for the home entertainment sector. 

PROVIDING COMPREHENSIVE 3D SOLUTIONS

The acquisition of best-in-class signal-processing technologies and key personnel from Algolith Inc. at the end of 2010 enabled us to offer a more comprehensive superior-quality solution for the broadcast industry. In the meantime, we brought to market new, innovative technologies which improve the overall user experience, for example, by automatically detecting exactly which 3D format a signal is in, and which have applications for both professional users and consumers.

To ensure the public fully profits from their 3D experience, we have put our expertise to work in the provision of content. Consumers can experience the full impact of our superior-quality images with stereoscopic 3D console games using SENSIO^® Hi-Fi 3D, the SENSIO^® Hi-Fi 3D Content Library, available over video-on-demand (VOD), and of course live 3D in cinemas, broadcast in SENSIO^® Hi-Fi 3D.

ENVISAGING A BRIGHT FUTURE

The wheels are now in motion for 3D to become mainstream. We at SENSIO continue to expand our patented technology portfolio, and actively support all efforts to make 3D more widespread and provide the best possible user experience, whatever the viewing platform and wherever you are. Keep your eyes on us!