Myths about 3D TV

Comprehending how a 3D TV image is able to leap off the screen to seemingly touch you is not an easy leap of understanding, which is why it's no surprise that so many myths and misconceptions abound about 3D TV. Here we sort the fact from the fiction:

3D films have to be shot separately in 2D

Since the 3D effect is created using a pair of 2D images spaced to simulate the distance between the left and right eyes, simply using one of the two image streams can create a "flat" 2D print or transfer.

Most modern 3D films shot natively use separate full-resolution cameras or 3D cameras with separate digital sensors. Older 3D films, such as Jaws 3D, used two lenses that split the 35mm frame, so 3D transfers usually suffered in resolution to their 3D counterpart. 

3D LCDs and plasmas are much more expensive than 2D models 

The introduced 3D models carry a very similar pricing structure to new generations of 2D counterparts, even though they have a lot of enhanced specs and features.  You may not find 3D in budget entry-level models quite yet, but you don?t need flagship models to get the effect. Expect prices to creep down as they spend more time on the market and more manufacturers release new models.

3D glasses cause eye-strain and headaches 

All 3D glasses do is filter light. Whether it's filtering polarized light with passive glasses, colors with anaglyph, or on/off with active-shutter, all the glasses do is control what light reaches your eye. What can causes eye strain in a small percentage of viewers is the 3D effect and how the brain computes it, as well as diminished brightness due to the glasses.

3D TV owners must always wear 3D glasses 

3D glasses will only need to be worn when watching 3D content. 2D content does not require 3D glasses.

All 3D TV glasses will be compatible

While there's no reason multiple brands of OEM 3D glasses couldn't be inter-operable, this is not likely to happen.  The bulk of 3DTV manufacturers will be using IR emitters for syncing active shutter glasses, but there's no industry standard for sync signals or other technical considerations. The same holds for the few systems using Bluetooth for syncing, while the even smaller number using proprietary RF connections are nearly guaranteed to be 100% proprietary.

2010 LCDs and plasmas are the first home 3DTV models

Mitsubishi has had "3D Ready" DLP displays available since 2007. While not immediately compatible with the new HDMI 1.4 and Blu-ray 3D specs, an adapter will be available soon. Some 2008 Samsung DLP displays use the same "3D Ready" technology. 

Article adapted from Electronic House magazine