The "3D Internet Destination Portal for Entertainment, Education, and e-Commerce" will be launched in New York Thursday.

The event will preview the TDV (True Depth Vision) Internet Portal, an entertainment site that uses software created by TDV Technologies Corp. to convert two-dimensional images into a 3-D extravaganza. The Miss e-World 3-D beauty pageant is also part of the event.

To get three-dimensional images, Web-site operators use the conversion software that allows for in-depth viewing. Consumers who are willing to spend about $99 for the viewing package, which includes LCD electronic viewing glasses, standard installation disks for drivers and video viewers, and a 2-D to 3-D converter plug-in, will be able to see the 3-D images. Consumers who decide not to spend $99 for the package will see the usual flat pictures.

The technology might also be used to bolster E-commerce retail sales. Sony, Honda, Harley Davidson, and Faberge will use the 3-D images to give customers a more in-depth picture of their products. "This creates a 'wow' effect to the viewer who then may be more likely to purchase the product," says Jonathan McCann, CEO of TDV Technologies. "It completely enhances product images to a real-life viewing experience, so the person feels like he has the product in his hands."