3D safety raises concerns

The last thing the 3D TV business needs is a health scare. With the sales of sets sluggish, prices high and a comparative dearth of content, consumers have been slow to embrace the new technology.Now a lack of an overarching tech standard risks making auds queasy.In 3D, the difference in perspective between the left-eye and right images is called parallax. Greater parallax means more intense 3D, but can also be the culprit behind hyperconvergence, or 3D that causes the eye strain, headaches and nausea."3D is the first time we have a display technology that has the capability of making people physically sick," says Technicolor's Pete Routhier, who developed the company's 15-point Certifi3D system of quality control. "People on the street won't (differentiate between good and bad 3D). They'll just say, '3D at home is not for me.'?"The few nets broadcasting in 3D have set their own standards, but potential problems may come from advertiser content looking to make their 3D spots more invasive an memorable via greater parallax."We do not have specific standards for our advertisers," says ESPN 3D coordinating producer Phil Orlins says. "I'm not sure how we would exactly quantify one with so many variables involved."Late last year, President Obama signed the Calm Act, a law capping commercial volume to prevent such invasiveness in ad sound. Some insiders are wondering whether similar caps will need to be placed on parallax."The problem is every commercial thinks it's in a universe by itself, but there's going to be 10 commercials back-to-back," Routhier says, "the cumulative effect of that is going to drain your audience.""Journey to the Center of the Earth" producer and 3D expert Charlotte Huggins doesn't believe hyperconvergence is a serious issue in home entertainment, even in advertising, because of the smaller size of the screens and the fact that very convergent images tend to "ghost," or appear to double, accidentally. "Nobody's going to want to see their product come off the screen and ghost," she says.But Perry Hoberman, a professor at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, believes home entertainment is where danger is the greatest because broadcasters can't know how far auds will sit from the screen.Though experts, including those from the American Optometric Assn., note that there is no evidence that viewing proper 3D is harmful, manufacturers of 3D devices recommend that users take breaks. Nintendo, for example, says its 3D is for ages 7 and older, and recommends a 10-15 minute break for every half hour of 3D gameplay. But it's not an issue that may be settled soon. Good stereography requires knowing and adjusting for what kind of screen the content is being played back on. Because humans naturally see in 3D, "If it's well-made 3D, your eyes aren't going to do anything that they don't already do," says Perry Hoberman, professor at the USC School of Cinematic Arts.Any way you look at it, the 3D biz doesn't need another headache. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Top Moments: It Requires Two on Glee Project, True Bloodstream Dreams Up an Unsexy Threesome

True Bloodstream Our top moments each week:13. The surface of the Pecking Order Award: Tori Spelling's pet Silkie chicken Coco steals the spotlight on Uniform Matchmaker when Patti Stanger brings a classic-school chauvinist to exhibit the Beverly Hillsides, 90210 star would be a modern lady who might have everything: a household, work ... along with a bird valued by Top Chef Masters and Chinese cuisine fanatics alike. Coco stands up for grabs, preens for that camera as well as steals among Tori's fresh-baked goods without reprimand. The actual lesson here: You do not need 11 herbal treatments and spices or herbs to rule the roost - just look cute for that chicks.12. Best Suspect: David Letterman might have been a target on the jihadist website, even though government bodies are looking into the problem, he's confident they know who's really behind the plan. "They are considering it. They are questioning, they are interrogating, there's a digital trail, but everyone knows it's Leno," he quips about the Late Show. So we are speculating forget about Super Bowl parties?11. Worst Family Planning: How to proceed when you are bored? Continue Facebook? Spend time with buddies? If you are Teen Mother's Maci, you've got a second child! "Basically had another baby, I would not be bored," the 19-year-old wistfully muses, formally dethroning "to repair a married relationshipInch because the worst reason to possess a baby. Well, yeah, you would not be bored, but you'd have another kid to boost which - as you need to know - isn't any joke. Fortunately, her love Kyle is getting none from it: "You need to simply get free from your child fever for a bit.Inch10. Don't Place It inside a Love Song Award: Has Kasey confused the Bachelor franchise for The American Idol Show? The Bachelor Pad "Godfather" presents a promise ring to girlfriend Vienna - whose initial reaction is, "that do not be an gemstone" - and caps them back by serenading her by having an original stay tuned his signature froggy tenor that's pleading to become subtitled. Something informs us Vienna's poking fun at him rather than with him, but a minimum of he does not attempt to rhyme "helicopter" in that one.9. Worst Temper Outburst: Here's wishing they are getting a much better honeymoon. On Maintaining using the Kardashians, Kim Kardashian throws a hissy fit after she manages to lose a $75,000 earring when Kris Humphries tosses her in to the sea throughout their Bora Bora vacation. "Wait, is she faking this at this time?Inch Kris asks as Kim tearfully increases from the water and petulantly stomps away. Not a chance! "We have literally been here an hour or so. She freaks out within the room, she freaks out within the earring," he states towards the camera. "Do you know the next ten days destined to be like? I am nervous." Next ten days? What about the following 10 several weeks?8. Juiciest High cliff-Hanger: About The Closer, Brenda finally confesses to Capt. Raydor that they purchased Sgt. Gabriel they are driving away and then leave Turrell Baylor to look after themself in rival gang territory despite Gabriel's protestations. Although Raydor is relieved to understand the reality, she's unsettled because Turrell's family, who's suing the LAPD for his wrongful dying, pointed out that annoying detail within their suit. That may only mean one factor: There is a leak in Brenda's unit!7. Most harmful Threat: An obit mix-up for Rebecca and Sean's baby Trina about the Large C becomes an awkwardly strange funeral for Trina Jamison, whose buddies are shocked doing there alive and kicking. But nobody is much more surprised than "Rugby Slut," who's very prepared to, um, console Paul. Trina rapidly puts an finish to Rugby Slut's plans having a threat in the beyond: "Should you a lot as lay one French-well-kept hands on him after I am in the earth, I'll claw my way from the grime and that i will haunt the relaxation of the slutty drunk existence."6. Instant Classic Quote: When Breaking Bad's Skyler dares to state concern that Wally might at some point finish track of going for a bullet like Gale, the ever prideful Wally unloads on his estranged wife. "I'm not at risk, Skyler, I'm the risk,Inch he states. "A man opens his door and will get shot, you believe those of me? No, I'm the one that knocks." Sorry, Don Draper, but that last lines are our office's new "that is what the cash is perfect for!Inch5. Most Bi-Curious: Ray meets the lady of his dreams in an memorial on Curb Your Enthusiasm! And thus does his friend Rosie O'Donnell. But after evaluating notes ("So vivacious!" "Mine's vivacious too!" "She's Jewish." "Mine too!"), they realize they have both fallen for the similar Jane Cohen and deduce that she's bisexual ("What's that? Choose a side already!" Rosie gripes). That, obviously, does not stop Ray from choosing to take part in a turf war with Rosie over Jane's affections. "Spare yourself the cost and embarrassment," he alerts her. We will not ruin who "wins," but tend to you would imagine getting Ray and Rosie fight over you?4. Most Apparent Twist We Had Coming: Following the women finally says someone named "A" was tormenting them on Pretty Little Liars, Dr. Sullivan hunkers lower and looks into her files. She's in a position to connect a number of "A"'s risks to phrases utilized by another patient and immediately calls the women to inform them, "I understand who 'A' is." Obviously, when the women got to work, Dr. Sullivan is finished. "The physician has gone out,Inch "A" texts. We are not to imply Dr. Sullivan was requesting it, but she ought to know right now to not work alone late during the night after her office was damaged into. Two times.3. Best Hijacking: Just in case you in some way did not hear, Kim Kardashian got married with what was clearly the finest wedding of the season (sorry, Will and Kate!), with CNN covering it in the ground. One youthful boy did not think so and does what we should all most likely desired to do when he video-tanks anchor Kareen Wynter's excessively serious report concerning the wedding. For pretty much one minute, he blows raspberries, contorts his Gumby-like face in each and every which way it might go as well as busts out "The Running Guy." Company, it's 200 occasions more entertaining compared to relaxation from the coverage. Someone give this kid a real possibility show.2. Unsexiest Sex Scene: Within an extended dream sequence on True Bloodstream, Sookie explores the concept that maybe she does not have to choose from Eric and Bill - she will simply have a threesome! Various vaguely feminist rationalizations ("basically were a guy ...") are meant to get this to choice appear logical, however , it is simply a reason to exhibit us an admirer-fic-quality scrumping scene with less class than the usual Bachelor two-on-one spa date. To "parrot-phrase" our friend: We needed to choose Team Eric or Team Bill why can't you, Sookie?1. Most Deserving Tie: It isn't that people did not such as the Glee Project's Samuel, it's that people enjoy that awkward Irish lad Damian. So within the season finale, when Glee boss Ryan Murphy announces that both L.A. indie rocker and also the future Finn had won large arcs about the show's third season, it never even happened to us to cry "cop-out!" Besides, with individuals graduation and perhaps spinning off elsewhere, there's room for of these (and Alex and Lindsay). Here's to hearing The Strokes and Celtic Thunder on future instances of Glee.What were your top moments?

Aaliyah Remembered by the Music Industry

Ten years after Aaliyah's untimely death, the singer's influence on the music community still remains strong. Musicians took to Twitter to express their love and admiration for the singer.our editor recommendsAaliyah Died 10 Years Ago Today: What Fans SayAaliyah's Death to Be Commemorated on BET Special BET will air a special -- Aaliyah: One In A Million-- on Thursday, with behind the scenes footage with the singer and interviews with friends and family. Aaliyah and eight others died when their plane crashed en route to Florida from the Bahamas, where she had been taping the music video to "Rock the Boat" off her third album. PHOTOS: Grammys: Top 10 Must-See Moments The admiration poured out over Twitter from some of music's most successful artists: Missy Elliott, who will also appear in the BET special and sang with Aaliyah wrote, "Aaliyah til this very day u r still in Your own Lane! Ure music is Timeless! We miss u!" Hip-hop artist Drake wrote, "RIP Baby Girl...in my ear at every show letting me know the next move I should make. Love you." Busta Rhymes wrote, "God bless u Aaliyah. We love u, we miss u. God knows u r still very much needed here, but i guess u were even more needed with god. Rip baby." Solange Knowles wrote, "Iv'e grown up to you, idolized you, watched others try to capture what you had to no avail. You are the one & only Aaliyah! Never forgotten." STORY: Aaliyah Died 10 Years Ago Today: What Fans Say Ciara tweeted, "AALIYAH...A PRECIOUS SPIRIT...ONE OF A KIND...CAN NEVER BE REPLACED." La La wrote, "She was so far ahead of her time...ur music & ur spirit still lives on..may u continue to rest in peace..we LOVE u..we CELEBRATE u." Mary J. Blige wrote, "Good morning twitter fam. Let's all take a moment to remember our sister Aaliyah!!! Glee's Kevin McHale wrote, "Remembering the extremely talented, graceful, and beautiful Aaliyah today." Diddy sent out a simple message, "RIP Aaliyah." Related Topics Ciara Drake Missy Elliott

Regarding Billy

After Billy's parents are killed he moves home to care for his little brother Johnny, who is mentally challenged. Together the two struggle through the loss of their parents. Meanwhile, Billy's best friend from childhood, Dean, has moved back to town having been injured from the war in Iraq. Over time, Billy's childhood feelings toward Dean resurface, feelings that he fears may end their friendship if discovered. Both men discover hidden secrets that will change their lives forever. These three people must come together to rebuild friendships and family in a time where everything in their world seems unsure.

Gamescom Video Convention Breaks Attendance Record

COLOGNE, Germany -- Europe's number one video gaming confab, Gamescom, hit a new attendance record this year, with 275,000 visitors making the trip to Cologne to check out the latest titles and trends in the gaming industry. The figure represents an 8 percent jump on attendance in 2010 but remains just slightly behind Korea's G-Star convention, which last year drew 280,000 fans. With 550 companies represented, however, the Gamescom defended its title as the gaming world's largest industry event. The surge in fan numbers temporarily overwhelmed Gamescom organizers, who closed the entrance to the event for a short time on Saturday as the crowd threatened to turn into a crushing mass. If Gamescom is to build on the momentum it has shown in its third year in Cologne, the confab will have to find a way to better accommodate its swelling fan base. The 2012 Gamescom runs Aug. 15 -19, 2012. Related Topics International Gamescom

Nurse Jackie Books Bobby Cannavale for 10 Episodes

Bobby Cannavale Bobby Cannavale will guest-star on 10 episodes of Nurse Jackie, Showtime announced Thursday. Cannavale, who earlier this year got raves for the film Win Win, joins the half-hour series, which stars Edie Falco as a pill-popping nurse, as a hospital administrator sent to All Saint's Hospital by the new owner to whip things into shape and enhance profits. Is Nurse Jackie on your Watchlist? Add it and your other favorites now and never miss an episode The 40-year-old actor, who recently co-starred with Chris Rock on Broadway and snagged his second Tony nomination, won an Emmy for his performance as Will's boyfriend on Will & Grace. Nurse Jackie returns for Season 4 in early 2012.

'Bewitched', DJ Nash, Rough House Projects Among Flurry Of Early Comedy Sales

Are things getting corrected this development season? The unwritten rule from the annual broadcast pitch months are that drama projects venture out first, then comedy. But while hourlong pitches happen to be sluggish from the gate this summer time, comedy projects happen to be coming fast and furious. By week ago, one major broadcast network had already heard a lot more than 40 comedy pitches. Many of the early comedy activity was driven by The new sony TV, that has already offered 17-18 half-hour scripts, including a Bewitched remake at CBS, from write Marc Lawrence and also the producers of Nora Ephron's panned recent feature adaptation, single-camera comedy Ignore It at CBS, compiled by DJ Nash and executive created by Peter Tolan and Michael Wimer in addition to a half-hour project from Pam Brady at CBS and BAMFS, a higher-school comedy at ABC from author Leah Rachel and producer Jamie Tarses. Meanwhile, Rough House has offered the very first project under its lately signed pod cope with 20th TV, a comedy at Fox compiled by Max Winkler and Mike Manley to become directed by Winkler. The new sony is typically early towards the marketplace being an independent studio that advantages of pitching shows once the networks' development coffers continue to be full. Also energizing the comedy market is always that there's a brand new mind of comedy at NBC, Tal Rabinowitz, along with a new broadcast buyer, the CW, that is open for comedy pitches this season. Even though the greatest obligations to date this year have attended drama projects, the Marc Guggenheim/Greg Berlanti legal drama at Fox and also the Michael Brandt/Derek Haas firemen drama from Wolf Films at NBC, the big amount of early comedy sales has industry people take serious notice. In addition, the very first off-cycle pilot order this summer time also visited a comedy, the Marco Pennette/Dork Flebotte project starring Kirstie Alley.

Gavin DeGraw: Police Open Analysis Into Attack

The Hollywood Reporter has learned more particulars about Gavin DeGraw's early-Monday morning New You are able to City assault.our editor recommendsGavin DeGraw: 5 Items to KnowGavin DeGraw Put in the hospital After Attack in New You are able to DeGraw was initially put upon by three males within the East village. "We now have an assault report for a person, a male, whitened 34, who had been assaulted in what he claims was three people at about 3 a.m. Monday morning on a corner of First Avenue and East sixth Street," a brand new You are able to City Police Department representative informs THR. As the police department spokesmen verifies the attackers were male, you will find no further particulars yet, for example how old they are or the things they appeared as if. Later, DeGraw was hit with a cab just 13 blocks away. "He was struck on the street,Inch law enforcement spokesperson states. He wasn't the one that known as police. "A witness who saw him being struck through the cab known as," say police. He wasn't seriously hurt through the cab. "His injuries were facial plus they're not existence threatening," states the NYPD. DeGraw experienced cuts on his face along with a damaged nose before being accepted to Bellevue Hospital, where he remains Tuesday in stable condition. Law enforcement department has opened up an analysis. "Police remain performing an analysis from the attack. Gavin and the family appreciate everybody's concern at this time around. We now have no information yet regarding his approaching concert dates and promotion for his new album," his repetition told TMZ.com Tuesday morning. DeGraw has canceled his Tuesday performance with Train and Maroon 5, with whom he was touring. He'll be changed by Nikki Jean. "Gavin DeGraw was attacked ... and was come to the er at Bellevue Hospital by ambulance. He's presently under observation. We now have no more information at this time around," his repetition stated inside a statement late Monday. There's not sure on whether DeGraw will rejoin the tour Friday at New You are able to's Johnson Beach, on New York. DeGraw is better noted for his hit "I Don't Desire to be,Inch that is CW drama One Tree Hill's theme song. He'll release his forth album, More gratifying, on Sept. 20. Related Subjects Gavin DeGraw

Mike Medavoy's highlight reel

'Annie Hall''People vs. Larry Flynt'1941: Born Jan. 21 in Shanghai, where he lives until the age of 7 before moving to Santiago, Chile, for next 10 years.1963: Graduates from UCLA.1964: Begins his showbiz career in the mail room of Universal Studios.1965: After a stint at the Bill Robinson agency, becomes an agent at the General Artist Corp. before becoming VP at the Creative Management Agency, where he reps such clients as Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola.1971: Joins Intl. Famous Agency as VP of its motion picture dept., repping clients such as Terrence Malick, Michelangelo Antonioni, Karel Reisz, Philip Kaufman, Monte Hellman, Jane Fonda, Donald Sutherland, Gene Wilder, Robert Mulligan, George Cukor, Michael Crichton, Tony Richardson, Jean Moreau and Leslie Caron.1974: Segues to United Artists as senior VP of production; shepherds such films as "Network," "Raging Bull," "Apocalypse Now" and three Oscar best pic winners: "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," "Annie Hall" and "Rocky."1978: In the wake of Transamerica's acquisition of UA, Medavoy joins Arthur Krim, Eric Pleskow and Robert Benjamin to form Orion Pictures, releasing such pics as "Amadeus," "Hannah and Her Sisters," "The Terminator" and Oscar best pic winners "Platoon," "Dances With Wolves" and "Silence of the Lambs."Becomes one of the original founding members of the board of governors of the Sundance Institute.1984: Joins Sen. Gary Hart's campaign for president as co-finance chair.1990: Becomes chairman of TriStar Pictures, overseeing the release of "Philadelphia," "T2," "Sleepless in Seattle," "The Fisher King" and "Legends of the Fall."1992: Awarded Pioneer of the Year by the Will Rogers Motion Pictures Pioneers Foundation.1994: Joins the American Cinematheque's board of directors as co-chair.1995: Forms Phoenix Pictures as chairman and CEO with Sony Pictures Entertainment exec Arnie Messer, and an initial slate that includes "The Mirror Has Two Faces," "The People Vs. Larry Flynt"; subsequent projects include "The Thin Red Line," "Shutter Island" and "Black Swan."1998: Receives lifetime achievement award at Cannes Film Festival.2001: Receives the inaugural Fred Zinnemann Award, presented by the Anti-Defamation League.2002: Simon & Schuster publishes Medavoy's industry memoir, "You're Only as Good as Your Next One."2004: Named one of the co-executors of Marlon Brando's estate in the wake of the actor's death; continues to preside over the Brando label, marlonbrando.com.2005: Receives the Producers Guild of America Visionary Award as well as the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television and Producers Guild of America Vision Award. 2009: Medavoy's second book, "American Idol After Iraq; Competing for Hearts and Minds in the Global Media Age," co-authored by Nathan Gardels, is published.2010: Receives first Oscar nomination as co-producer of "Black Swan"; wins an Independent Spirit Award for best feature.2011: Locarno Film Festival awards Medavoy the Raimondo Rezzonico Prize.Sources: Wikipedia; Internet Movie Database; Phoenix Pictures; American Friends of Hebrew U.Billion-Dollar Producer: Mike Medavoy International man of mastery | Medavoy plows past for projects | For Medavoy, politics are personal | Mike Medavoy's highlight reel Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com