What is 3D TV?

3D TV is set to be the next big thing in digital TV after HDTV (high definition TV).

There are now over 60 Hollywood movies planned in 3D over the next two years.

3D TV is the broadcast of full 3-dimensional images through a 3D Ready TV screen in your home.

The 3D TV service requires four things to work:

• 3D content (either original 3D content or 2D content upgraded to 3D)
• 3D broadcasts via a 3D TV channel
• 3D Ready TV set. New 3D-Ready TVs launched in the UK market in the Spring of 2010.
• 3D glasses through which to watch. The type will depend on the format of 3D being shown.
  

3D TV formats

There are several ways to generate and show 3D moving pictures. The most common of these 3D technologies are:

• Analglyphic 3D which uses passive red-cyan glasses
• Polorization 3D which uses passive polarized glasses
• Alternate-frame sequencing 3D which uses active shutter glasses/headgear and
• Autostereoscopic displays which do not require 3D glasses

The most popular 3D technology currently is the polarization 3D technique which uses polarized glasses to create the 3D image. This technology works with the 3D-Ready TVs currently on sale.

Why is 3D TV gathering momentum now?

3D TV is moving forwards because we are seeing products that are ready for market, real products with real prices and release dates.

This frenzy has been made possible by an agreement of 3D TV standards which has precipitated the arrival of 3D Ready TVs and related 3D hardware (Blu-ray players and PS3′s are to be capable of playing 3D discs). In addition Disney and DreamWorks Animation have announced plans to develop future animated content ideas in 3D. The entire industry is now pulling in the same direction, behind 3D!

When will the 3D TV become mass market?

Despite this optimism behind 3D TV there is much debate as to how long it will actually take for 3D TV to become mass market. The general consensus is that the “explosion” in demand for 3D TV won'l happen until 2012.

The success of 3D TV in the UK is clearly also in the hands of the digital TV platforms such as Sky and Virgin Media, who need to actually broadcast 3D TV content.
Following the launch of Sky 3D, Europe’s first dedicated 3D TV channel in October 2010 the UK Discovery Channel has received a licence from the UK communications regulator Ofcom for a 3D channel in the UK. So it seems likely that Discovery 3D will launch in the Uk market in the near to medium term.

What else do you need to think about when setting up 3D TV in your home?

You will need some specialist advice when setting your home up for the full 3D TV experience. Things to consider include:

Choosing a 3D Ready TV – they come in LED, LCD and plasma formats from all the major digital TV manufacturers. They are either compatible with active shutter 3D viewing glasses or passive polarized glasses.

Watching DVDs in 3D (3D Blu-ray DVDs) – you will need to buy a 3D Ready Blu-ray player.

Connecting up all the 3D equipment in your home (e.g. 3D-ready TV and 3D Ready Blu-ray player – you will need high-speed HDMI cable (10.2 Gbps or higher).

Having installed your 3D Ready TV, you will need a source of 3D programmes. Currently Sky is the only provider and you will need a Sky+HD box to view Sky’s new Sky 3D channel, free to all top tier Sky+ HD customers. Discovery will probably follow with a 3D TV channel in 2011.

Is watching in 3D safe?

There are some studies underway researching the long term effects of watching 3D TV. The concern is that some 3D movie viewers have experienced headaches and difficulties in judging distances after sitting through a 3D movie.

In addition, people only watch 3D movies very infrequently whilst 3D TV may become a regular feature in digital TV homes, with viewers potentially watching for many hours each week in 3D.

So research is underway to see if there are any long term health effects of watching 3D TV. As yet we have not heard of any worrying research results, but will keep you posted.

However, one thing to bear in mind is that some people (about 0.5% of the population) suffer from “stereo blindness” which will prevent them from seeing the 3D picture even when wearing 3D glasses. They may also suffer from headaches, eye fatigue or other conditions if they try to watch in 3D.

» Contact us now to discuss your 3D TV