What problems are there with 3D?
Many people are annoyed that 3D movie glasses are required for viewing in 3D. The lack of 3D content is another drawback. Furthermore the cost of filming and producing 3D is very high. On top of that, many people have recently bought new HD TVs and Blu-Ray players and are unwilling to spend so much money to replace these new items.
What is 3D ready?
3D ready implies that the TV can receive or produce uncompressed video signals that transmit 3D. There seems to be a lot of confusion floating around as to what this actually means. When a video display or projector is labeled 3D ready, it does not mean that you can simply attach it to a Blu-Ray player and start watching movies in 3D. It means that the equipment is compatible with DLP's new implementation of stereoscopic viewing, but you will need some extra equipment in order to view anything in 3D.
First, you will need a computer with a fairly beefy graphics card, capable of outputting XGA at 120Hz. Next, you will need 3D content. Finally, you will need a pair of compatible active 3D glasses.
How popular is 3D going to be?
Within the movie theater, 3D technology has offered up a fresh way for directors and cinemas to improve the movie experience. Now home electronics manufacturers want a piece of the action, too. Sony expects 3D TVs to account for up to 50% of its total TV shipments in the financial year that ends March 2013, up from zero percent this year. These predictions have been fueled by the successes of films such as Avatar. In response to this recent success of 3D, other movie studios are following suit in the 3D bandwagon. Although the future remains uncertain regarding the success of 3D, major TV manufacturers are all scurrying to create better, more affordable home theater technology.
Who can't see in 3D?
There are some people who cannot see in 3D. For example people with a lazy eye or astigmatism have trouble detecting the depth in 3D movies. In addition if one eye is more near sighted or far sighted than the other, he or she may have trouble seeing 3D.
Can I watch 3D using a home theater receiver?
Yes, you may be able to watch 3D TV using a home theater receiver using HDMI 3D pass-through technology. Be sure to check if your home theater receiver supports this.
Where can I find 3D content to watch?
Unfortunately there is currently a limited amount of 3D content available, and most of it has little appeal to the home theater buff. The majority of the content available is educational. You can purchase 3D Ready equipment even if you never plan on using 3D content. If content is more compelling in the future, there will be no need to upgrade, since the equipment will already be in place. 3D content will become more available very shortly.
What are the different types of 3D TV?
There are several different methods to create the 3D effect, including anaglyphic, polarization, alternative-frame sequencing, and auto-stereoscopic displays. All but auto-stereoscopic require some type of glasses. Both Panasonic and Sony have developed alternate-frame sequencing 3D TVs, while LG and Philips are working on auto-stereoscopic displays.
Do I have to wear 3D glasses to watch in 3D?
Yes, you must wear 3D active shutter glasses in order to view 3D TV. These are not the cardboard colored-lens glasses you may have seen inside "3D" movies sold on DVD. The glasses required for 3D viewing are active LCD shutter glasses, designed to strobe in synchronization with the content on screen and trick your eyes into seeing two separate images. Philips and LG are developing a 3D TV that doesn't require glasses to come out in 2011.
What can I watch on 3D TV?
Discovery, IMAX and Sony are working together to develop a 24-hour 3D network to come out in 2011 with entertainment, sports, and natural history TV shows. Sony and ESPN both have revealed their latest plans to create television networks entirely devoted to 3D TV programming. ESPN 3D will present from 70 to 100 live sports broadcasts in 3D in 2010, including the FIFA Soccer World Cup. They will also have broadcasts of college football and basketball, as well as NBA and NFL competitions. All future Disney and DreamWorks pictures will be available in 3D. Not some, but every single new picture will be available in this new medium.
