The VideoEFX takes content from your 2D video sources and instantaneously converts it into 3D for viewing on 3D-enabled sets. Now Samsung has a similar feature built into some of their higher-end sets, but at least in the demo I saw at the show, the VideoEFX did a much better job creating the illusion of 3D from 2D content. The box has three HDMI inputs, and a single HDMI output you can connect to your TV, so you can hook up your game console, Blu-ray player and satellite or cable box and add 3D to all of them. For times when you want to watch native 2D or 3D content, just into bypass mode.

I’m not exactly sure how it works its magic, but I watched a game of Halo: Reach, as well as a live football game, and live video from the booth – each processed by a prototype of the device, and was quite impressed as to how much depth it adds to those 2D image sources. While I’m reasonably certain it’s physically impossible for it to really discern 3D data points, the effect is compelling enough that you might want one of these if you’ve got a 3D TV and are looking to increase your content library instantly. It’s certainly way better than you’d think , especially when you look at the quality of their cheezy flyer:

…your desktop publisher called and he wants his copy of Aldus PageMaker 3.0 back. The VideoEFX hasn’t been released yet, but when it hits, it’ll sell for about $399 (USD).

[Image #2 Credit: Engadget]

The system offers up the familiar top-down view and flipper controllers you’d find on a traditional pinball machine, but that’s about where the similarities end. Austria’s TAB has created the “Virtual Pinball” platform to offer arcades a cost-effective way to offer multiple games in a single cabinet. At the core of the system is a 42-inch touchscreen surface, along with a proprietary gaming platform which allows new tables to be easily downloaded.

Unlike some of the other pinball-specific systems out there, this one can also be used to play other action arcade games, so maybe it’ll be more popular. In addition to flipper inputs, the machine incorporates realistic tilt sensors which can be programmed to affect game play. Since the system offers IP connectivity, there’s even an online tournament play capability.

Personally, I’m not a big fan of digital pinball simulation, and would much rather play on an old mechanical machine any day of the week. But with the old pinball industry pretty much a fading memory, digital is about the only game in town.

[via acquire]