AMD Licensing RealD BlueLine Technology for FirePro Cards

On Monday AMD said that it has entered into a strategic licensing agreement with RealID Inc. that will pair its FirePro professional graphics cards with the latter company's patented BlueLine, a discreet right- and left-eye frame identifier technology for stereoscopic 3D images.

"This technology partnership provides industry-leading stereo 3D support in an all-in-one solution that enables control over each aspect of the 3D experience - the DLP projector, 3D software, and graphics card - from a single software control panel," the company said.

AMD said that it's the first and only professional graphics maker to provide this kind of RealD support, and will immediately extend BlueLine technology to the AMD FirePro V5900. Deployment of the latest AMD FirePro graphics cards, based onGraphics Core Next (GCN) Architecture, is scheduled to occur over the coming months.

According to AMD, when its FirePro graphic cards with BlueLine technology are paired with BlueLine-enabled displays, the technology prevents 3D images from being displayed backwards and solves a long-standing challenge of properly and easily displaying 3D content. Environments that will take advantage of this technology will include studio projection rooms, university theaters and classrooms, and in-room video display rooms in corporate offices, AMD said.

"Whether you're working through computer-aided design (CAD) workflows, building CGI effects in movie studios or simply taking in a movie at the local theater, viewers will now experience improved stereo 3D video powered by AMD FirePro graphics and RealD," said David Cummings, senior director and general manager, Professional Graphics, AMD. "Together, we will deliver a more enjoyable and realistic 3D experience, while providing IT managers with an unmatched, turnkey stereo 3D solution."

The AMD FirePro V5900 is currently available from trusted e-tailers and immediately supports RealD BlueLine technology. All 3D-capable DLP projectors are either currently compatible with BlueLine or require a firmware upgrade.

Kevin Parrish is a contributing editor and writer for Tom's Hardware,Tom's Games and Tom's Guide. He's also a graphic artist, CAD operator and network administrator.

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