Is it a New Age for Hardcore Sport Viewers? THOMP-ing Around

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nba player ron artest plams hotel las vegas all-star weekend 07

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3D HD Fusion camera from Pace

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During the weekend February 17th to the 18th 2007 I took the show (me) on the road to  Las Vegas for NBA All-Star weekend festivities. All in all the weekend was akin basketball junkies crack and I did not come down from the high till I touched back down at YVR airport in Vancouver the following Monday. 
 
There was one moment, among many, that has stood out for me personally. It is a technology called FUSION 3D HD. The camera is made by a company name named PACE. What is FUSION 3D HD you ask? Well let's just say it may be the new age of viewing major live sporting events or concerts in a 3D HD format miles away from the venue on the silver screen.
 
I was lucky enough to go to a special viewing of the actual NBA All-Star game in the Mandalay Bay hotel/casino convention center thanks to a friend who writes for Newsweek. At the gala event, PACE treaded us like CEO's.
 
Using their own Sony powered cameras at the Thomas-Mack arena, PACE made me feel like I paid 6000.00 dollars to sit among the stars on the floor of the hardwood court. The up close FUSION 3D HD action made me forget I was miles away in a theater wearing 3D glasses and the sound was to as if I sitting at courtside. I felt I was so close that when Jay-Z bent over to whisper to Beyonce, I wanted to tap his shoulder and say she with me! Action seemed so close that when a loose ball flew in to the crowd, several people in the theatre (including me) put our hands out to catch it!
 
There is really is no major negative to 3D HD except that in the first few minutes of the viewing it took me a little while to get use to the virtual motion of the players and opening act (Wayne Newton & Vegas showgirls).  My brother thought that "maybe it was vertigo".  I don't know but I felt better by tip off. Also the camera application would probably only work best with lots of action in front of the lens, so sorry Michael Buble but I am not going to a cinema near me to see you butcher the art of dancing (but you can sing). And for you young U.F.C fans that really want to be part of the fight, well just look out because you may get what you're looking for. 
 
In summary I can see this technology being a big hit in the future especially to the common folk like me who can not pay the large sums of money to partake in these events live. PACE should not limit itself to major sports events like the Super Bowl or the NBA. This technology can be used to see high priced concerts or highly publicized  Las Vegas shows. This can be another viable revenue stream for artist and promoters. Instead of booking a plane and hotel ticket, you can jump in your car, drive to your local IMAX Theater and save a couple of thousand dollars.
 
It was noted during the game that the official launch of 3D HD Fusion from PACE should happen during the NBA playoffs in 2007 in limited selected theaters.
 
So If you love watching sports this will be a must see if available in your vicinity!  <THOMP>