With more and more movies hitting the big screen in 3D it was only a matter of time before it came to television.
Well that day is here and even though the technology is in its beginning stages 3D TV is here, it is exciting and can be enjoyed in your living room. But before you run out and buy anything there are certain things you need to know. Here is what you need to know before buying a 3D TV.
Watching a movie in 3D is quite an experience. In recent years 3D technology has really improved. Today it is much more than just images jumping out from the screen. There is a fullness and realistic feel to the new movies presented with this tri-dimensional technology. Today you can view movies like this at the theatre and in your own home.
Yes, you still have to wear special glasses no matter if you are viewing 3D in a theatre or in your home. But that is where the similarities end.
The type of 3D in the theatre is completely different to that on televisions.
How 3D Works
Quite simply the way this technology works is that two separate images are presented on a viewing screen at the same time. One image is intended for the right eye and the other image is intended for the left eye. When these images are viewed together it gives the illusion of three levels of depth vs. just the 2 dimensional picture we are normally used to.
Will the Glasses You Wear in a Theater Work at Home?
The answer to this question is a resounding– NO. So leave the glasses at the theatre. There are two different technologies at work here. Movies in the theatre, for the most part use a process involving polarizing light. The paper or plastic glasses you are given there are pretty simple, don’t required a power source, and work great for that type of a process. If the glasses are plastic, theaters wash and sterilize them, (or at least they are supposed to!) and then they are reused.
For televisions, the process is one in which the separate images for the right and left eye are refreshed several times a second. This requires special set of glasses that are called shutter glasses that are synchronized with the television and actually shut off the ability to view with each alternating eye as the images are shown on the television. This happened so fast that it tricks your brain into seeing images that are 3D. These glasses also require power.
Most are battery operated, some are rechargeable. As a result these glasses are more expensive, are a bit heavier and not considered disposable.
What Will You Need to Enjoy 3D in your Home
First and foremost you will need a TV that is designed for this type of viewing. As well, you need to think of this as more of a system that just having the TV. There are several parts of the system.
1. The first part of the system is a TV designed to provide a picture where there are two images that alternate very fast for the right and left eye.
2. You must also have special designed shutter glasses that are powered and synchronized with the alternating images.
3. There must be a signal or video that provides the multi dimensional image.
Types of Three Dimensional TV’s Available Today
At the present there are three versions of televisions available that offer this type of viewing experience.
1. 3D Ready. This means they come with the necessary design and components for three dimensional viewing except for the glasses.
2. 3D Capable televisions like this generally just need to have a device that emits an infrared signal to the glasses and the correct glasses.
3. Full 3D are package systems that have everything including the correct glasses.
At this stage of the game it is probably best to consider the full package system, then you know all components are designed to work together. But it is an exciting new technology that is moving forward at a fast rate. Imagine soon being able to see a Super Bowl football game in 3D!