3D TV Entertainment: You Won't Believe Your Eyes

The entertainment industry just keeps getting better and better. It seems as if every month a new technological breakthrough has surpassed the last or has placed a whole new spin on its predecessor. I mean think about it, first their was XBOX, then Playstation, then DVD players that have been improved with the Blu-Ray technology, Cable TV is now going digital and upgraded to HD. Now, the newest fascination in the entertainment world is 3D TV. I don't mean the kind we use to watch as kids when we would put on those crazy cardboard sunglasses. You know the ones I'm talking about! One side of the glasses had the red lens while the other side had the blue lens and you could basically get these glasses in a Cracker Jack box or with two proof of purchases from Cheerios. This 3D technology is much more advanced than that which at the time was pretty neat, but come on... this isn't the 1980's anymore.

Their are basically two forms of 3D processes now. The first and oldest of the two is called circular polarized 3D. If any of you have visited Walt Disney World in the past fifteen years or so, you probably have witnessed circular polarized 3D technology. Captain EO starring Michael Jackson, Muppet Vision 3D, Honey, I shrunk the Audience and It's Tough Being a Bug all are examples of circular polarized 3D technology. Viewing the movie is done through the use of cheap plastic sunglasses, with each lens being able to filter out different light. One problem with this form of 3D viewing is that a special silver screen has to be used to view this type of 3D innovation which ,often times, hinders the brilliant color accuracy you should be viewing. The other problem with this type of 3D viewing is that the contrast between the right and left eye lens is not very dramatic which is described in terms of frames per second. Basically, this concept has been adapted from the earliest of the Walt Disney animated shorts and full length feature films, like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Peter Pan. What it entails is their are 24 cels or frames for each second of movie time. So, do the math...Snow White was 84 minutes long which totals 34,560 actual cels or frames involved in the making of the so called "Disney Folly" turned highly acclaimed animated feature film.

The newest form of 3D is called active LCD shutter glasses. Basically, what this process entails is a high tech pair of glasses that is synchronized with an IR emitter that is connected to a TV that blocks one lens or the other at different times. The way your eyes and brain perceive this process is what creates the 3D illusion. Because of this new and upgraded technology, the cardboard and fake plastic 3D glasses of the past are basically done. The plastic circular polarized plastic glasses will still be in use at locales such as Walt Disney World due to the large number of glasses being used and the likelihood that many of the new LCD shutter glasses would walk(get stolen) due to the high price tag associated with these glasses(roughly $100.00 a pair and up)!

Both forms of 3D technology are considered stereoscopic imagery. Now that you know about the two different forms of 3D technology and the difference between the process behind each, it is time to get familiar with the equipment needed to view 3D in all its glory, clarity, color and HD capability. The first thing that you will need is an HDTV and not just your standard HDMI assisted TV either. You need an HDTV that is either 3D ready or full 3D enabled. 3D ready televisions are those that are able to operate in 3D mode with the use of LCD shutter glasses and in conjunction with a specialized set top box. Preferably an LCD TV that supports HDMI 1.4 and a refresh rate of at least 120Hz. is optimal for viewing 3D at its best.

To watch any number of newly released 3D movies that are included in Blu-Ray disc packs, you will also need to add a 3D ready player. The reason for this is that the two, TV and Blu-Ray player need to be in sync with one another regarding signal, bandwidth and pixel conformity. Their are a number of companies that have saturated the market for 3D Blu-Ray players and the price for one of these units is around $150.00 which isn't that bad when you consider what you will be able to see in awesome 3D visualization.

The last thing you will need to experience the world of 3D are the LCD shutter glasses. Depending on the 3D television you have or decide to buy, many of these companies also have delegated glasses for their brand of TV. Samsung, Sony and LG, just to name a few carry the full line from TV to glasses to experience 3D. Basically, you are looking at roughly $2,000 for an all inclusive 3D set up, and don't forget to ensure that you have HDMI cables for the best viewing capability. Don't skimp on theses cables! Their is a big difference between cheap $20.00 HDMI cables and nice Sony or Monster gold plated, heavy duty HDMI cables which will run you about $80.00, well worth it in my opinion.

For those of you who have alot of money to spend or wish to wait a bit before delving into 3D technology, there is a new form of 3D intervention that will be hitting the market soon. A new process called autostereoscopy which employs a lenticular lens system will eliminate the need to use 3D glasses of any kind to watch 3D television. The price tag for one of these introductory stage television sets is around $20.000 at the moment...OUCH!

Remember that if you decide to purchase a 3D television set-up, you will still be able to watch television in the normal 2D presentation with the switch of a button. Also, 3D filming is being tested live for normal television viewing by ESPN 3D. Auburn has had a couple of their college football games filmed entirely with the use of 3D cameras. A total of five games this past year have been captured in 3D so far with more slated for upcoming games. Baseball, hockey, soccer, basketball games in 3D could be the norm and how cool would that be to experience television shows and sporting events in 3D and feel as if you are right there in all the action?!