If the opening of this year's International Consumer Electronics Show was an episode of Sesame Street, it would be brought to you by the number "3" and the letter "d"-as in 3D technology. Announcements with a 3D flair have come fast and furious in recent days, particularly when it comes to high-definition television.

Here's a round-up of the companies making news on the 3D TV front.
Sony emphasizes 3D across all HDTV lines

3D is the big buzz here at CES, and Sony started its press event by exhibiting its commitment to 3D with a live demo of 3D capture and display technology.

Sir Howard Stringer brought Sony Music artist Taylor Swift up on stage to perform her hit "Love Story." As she performed, cameras by the stage captured her outstanding acoustic performance live in 3D, and projected it on the screen.

Already, last year's release of U2 3D has made a compelling case for watching concert performances captured in the 3D. This prospect gets all the more compelling if coupled with the prospect of showing a performer live during the concert. Somehow, I can't help but think this will take some of the sting out of not being able to see the stadium's stage from afar. Those big screen projections will have a whole new meaning.

On Tuesday January 5th, Sony announced that it would join Discovery and IMAX, to launch a 3D broadcast channel in 2011.

"We intend to take the lead in 3D," said Stringer, noting the company's experience in the professional capture side and production sides, as well as the roles other Sony division will have in the coming 3D revolution (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Sony Music, Sony Network and now consumer angles).

Sony also announced that it would create a 3D technology center at its Culver City studios to educate Hollywood on production techniques; and that it was partnering with CBS to do research into what audiences want from the 3D home experience.

At one point, Stringer joked this was the "CES 3D show," a reference to all of the days' previous 3D announcements from other consumer electronics companies (as we'll see below). And one third of the Sony booth was dedicated to 3D demonstrations.

Sony will release three series of 3D HDTV this summer. The company didn't discuss pricing, but only the top of line NX900 series comes with the necessary transmitter and two pairs of active-shutter glasses (made by Real D). Varying by series, the 3D models will be available in screen sizes from 40 to 60 inches.-Melissa J. Perenson
Panasonic promises 3D plasma HDTVs

As expected, Panasonic's CES press conference dwelt heavily on the company's plans to bring 3D HDTVs mainstream, including model info on five plasma sets slated to ship by midyear, and a Blu-Ray Disc player.

The upcoming full HD (1080p) 3D Viera TVs range in screen size from nearly 50 inches to 65 inches. They include two