3D seen as next big thing in advertising

BANGKOK: -- 3D images, once associated with the likes of science museums and planetariums, will become a common sight in Bangkok's shopping centres soon.

The technology is a new advertising tool that allows the display of products with depth, breadth and length, giving merchandise more visual impact.

Germany's X3D Technologies GmbH, a leader in 3D technologies, is expanding its business to Thailand by appointing Absolute Impact Co as its Asia's first 3D media provider.

The company has invested 320 million baht to install 260 of the 3D displays at The Emporium and Siam Paragon shopping centres, according to M.L. Kantalas Kasemsri, deputy managing director for marketing of Absolute Impact Co. The displays are on screens measuring 17, 30, 40 and 45 inches.

The 3D advertising content will be broadcast throughout the operating hours of The Emporium on Nov 4 when it celebrates its eighth anniversary and its new Parisian look.

``It is the first of its kind in Thailand's multimedia business for this innovative technology that can enable observers to see lifelike images that float deep inside and project several feet in front of a screen,'' M.L. Kantalas said.

The company's target customer groups are advertising agencies, consumer product makers and other business owners who wish to create a memorable impact on their products.

Its end-to-end services include digital displays, digital content networking, content production and management.

Out-of-home digital display networks are quickly emerging as a more effective and flexible alternative to traditional media.

``We are providing a new media alternative to our clients in Thailand. Our product has much impact on customers while prices are cheaper than some conventional media such as billboards,'' said M.L. Kantalas.

The company charges 36,000 baht for a 15-minute display.

The executive explained that the company's 3D displays are visible to the naked eye, requiring no special viewing aids, and can be seen at 120-degree peripheries, enabling multiple viewers to witness the images simultaneously.

To attract clients, the company is working with three production houses to help convert 2D motion pictures to 3D.

--Bangkok Post 2005-10-25

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