Buying 3D

Posted by admin | 3D Tech,Buying 3D | Friday 27 May 2011 21:07

Bring Home 3D Technology Today

(by abt.com)

From the advent of moving pictures to the invention of TV, historic developments drove image technologies through the 20th century. Among them, color and high definition (HD) were two major advances. Now, we present a third breakthrough in the form of full HD 3D. This new viewing experience is creating a new dimension of video realism. 3D is great in the theater; bring the same amazing technology home today. Don’t get stuck in 2D when you can bring 3D right to your living room. 3D is the latest dimension in gaming, movies, and TV programming. Don’t watch TV, live it. The amazing images jump off the screen, bringing the action so close, you can almost feel it.

What Does 3D Mean?
3D images are a made with a special camera that records one image from two perspectives. One of the images is recorded and projected for the viewer’s right eye and the other image for the left. When 3D glasses are worn, an illusion of depth as well as the image’s height and width is created. If you look at the images without the assistance of 3D glasses, the image will appear blurry.

  • The only way to immerse yourself in 3D is to have a 3D TV.
  • A 3D TV isn’t the only component you will need to bring your TV to life.
  • You will need a 3D Blu-ray player, 3D Glasses and HDMI 1.4 cables.
  • If you love to play video games, think of a Sony Playstation 3.
  • You will be able to watch Blu-ray and 3D Blu-ray DVDs as well as play games in 3D.

3D Compatible TV

3D has been around for decades, only now can you get a movie-quality 3D experience at home. A 3D TV can have an LED, LCD, or plasma screen. The only difference from a 2D TV is the screen is designed to show two versions of the same image. This works because the two versions are alternated at speeds that are so fast, they are undetectable by the human eye.

Three Types of 3D TVs
There is a 3D TV for everyone. Because 3D technology is so new, manufacturers are giving consumers options.

3D-Ready
Most TVs are 3D-ready. What does that mean? The TV will be equipped with a 3D emitter to send signals to the 3D glasses that you will be wearing. These TVs usually do not come with 3D glasses.

3D-Capable
These TVs are made with the screens that can play a 3D image, but they lack the emitter that is necessary to project a 3D image. 3D emitters are available to purchase for these TVs and they are external additions to the TV.

Full 3D
Similar to 3D-ready TVs, these sets are equipped with 3D emitters and the proper screen to produce a 3D image. They will usually come with 3D glasses.

Choose from:


LCD
LED
Plasma

3D Compatible Blu-ray Player or Playstation 3 (PS3)

 

The PS3 will be 3D compatible through a firmware upgrade sometime in 2010.

It means you can watch 3D Blu-ray DVDs and play games in 3D after downloading a firmware upgrade.

 

 

 

3D Glasses

Until recently, 3D glasses were plastic with one red lens and one blue. Improvements have been made on the technology; consequently the new 3D movies, TV broadcasts, and games can be viewed in 1080p, full 3D HD.

Active Liquid Crystal Shutter Glasses
Active liquid crystal shutter glasses replace older tinted glasses to give a 1080p, full 3DHD image. Each lens alternates blocking each eye up to 120 times per second, like opening and closing a shutter, one side at a time. They link to the TV by an infrared Bluetooth signal and most use rechargeable batteries.

 

3D Content

3D movies and animated cartoons are available on 3D Blu-ray DVDs. More than movies will be available in 3D.

Both ESPN and the Discovery Channel are developing channels devoted to 3D. ESPN channel is slated to begin in June 2010 and the Discovery Channel late 2010/ early 2011.

PS3 will also have games available in 3D with the option to be played in 2D.

 

 

 

HOW 3D TV WORKS

3D or stereoscopic imaging is a technique capable of recording three dimensional images, which gives the illusion of image depth. 3D TV technology encompasses TV programming, movies, or games. Stereopsis is the process which allows our individual eyes to see depth in an image. One of the images is projected for the viewer’s right eye and the other image for the left. When the two images are displayed they are layered one on top of the other; one is slightly to the right and one is slightly to the left. When looking at the images without the assistance of 3D glasses, the image will appear blurry. When wearing 3D glasses, the images blend together and give the illusion of depth as well as the image’s height and width. 3D is filmed using two cameras in 1920 X 1080 full HD. When both sets of recordings are played at the same time and overlapped, an illusion of depth is created. When you wear 3D glasses, images recorded this way will jump off the screen.
YOU NEED TO KNOW

When purchasing 3D technology for the home, it is very important to note that all brands are not compatible with each other. Buying a 3D compatible Sony TV with a 3D compatible Samsung Blu-ray player will not work correctly.

*Please note that all 3D technology will work with 2D television broadcasts and Blu-ray media that you enjoy today.

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

Q: Do I need to buy a 3D TV to watch 3D programming, movies, or play games?
A: Yes. Currently none of the traditional standard or high-definition TVs on the market can be upgraded to support the new 3D technology. You will need to buy a TV specifically made for viewing 3D TV broadcasts, movies, or playing games. There are a few 3D-compatible DLP and Plasma TVs which have been recently released by Samsung. There is no confirmation by Samsung as to whether they will be compatible with other manufacturer’s 3D sources, like 3D Blu-ray players. Mitsubishi also has a 3D adapter box available sometime in 2010, which will be compatible with sources like Blu-ray players. The image quality post 3D upgrade is in question.

Q: Can everyone see 3D?
A: No. According to the College of Optometrists, approximately 5-10% of the population has stereo blindness. That segment of the population can’t see 3D images. If you have stereo blindness you can still watch 3D programming, unfortunately, it will only be perceived in 2D. If you have stereo blindness and watch 3D you may experience headaches and/or your eyes could feel tired.

Q: Will I get a headache?
A: Most people will not get headaches or eyestrain from watching 3D programming. 3D programming can cause headaches or strain after extended periods of watching. You eyes could feel tired.

Q: Do I Have to Wear the 3D Glasses?
A: Yes. If you watch without the glasses then you will see a blurry, unwatchable image. All who watch 3D must wear the 3D eye wear.

Q: What equipment will I need to buy in addition to a 3D TV?
A: For watching TV, a pair of active liquid crystal shutter glasses will be needed. Also, if you would like to watch Blu-ray movies, you will need to purchase 3D compatible equipment. A standard Blu-ray player will not play 3D Blu-rays. You will need a 3D Blu-ray player to se 3D images.The stand alone exception is Sony’s Playstation 3. By the end of 2010 Sony will release a firmware upgrade allowing users to play 3D Blu-ray discs and games in 3D.

Q: Is a 3D Movie in the Theater the Same as a 3D Movie at Home?
A: The technology is similar with two major differences, the size of the screen projecting the images and the glasses. In the theater the images are very large and don’t require the same active liquid crystal shutter glasses that you need in a home setting. It’s necessary to sit closer to the TV than you would to a screen in a theater.