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First came television, then television in color. Next, we exchanged our little 24-inch screens for massive “big screens” that devoured the living room. A few years later, we cleared off the mantle and traded up for a wall-mounted flat screen. It looks quite nice, especially surrounded by pine cones and knickknacks. Meanwhile, the family gadget geek wonders, “What’s next?” The answer? 3D TV’s. For further information on 3D TV’s and technology, read reviews and opinions and at 3DTVWatch -  the TV review site for three dimensional viewing.

3D Technology

Although most of us associate 3D technology with the 1950’s and cardboard glasses, it’s been around for a long time. In 1849, David Brewster, of Scotland, invented the stereoscope (first described in 1838 by Sir Charles Wheatstone), which used two images shown to the eyes using different lenses. As the viewer looked through the lenses, his brain fused the images into one, three-dimensional picture—precisely the way our eyes work naturally. This invention became increasing popular, and was used for entertainment and education throughout the latter half of the nineteenth century. By the early twentieth century, the film industry began experimenting with 3D technology, but nothing really caught on until the mid-1950’s, when films like Bwana Devil and House of Wax thrilled audiences wearing special viewing glasses.

3D Television

For several decades after, 3D was a novelty. As technology has improved, however, it’s become more commonplace, first in the theatre, and now on your television.  Like 3D movies, 3D TV uses special glasses. However, these are not the cardboard spectacles with the different coloured lenses.  These are alternate frame or “active shutter” lenses, which open and close the lenses when synched with the 3D transmitter on your television set.  In this way, your eyes see two images, so quickly that your brain translates them as one three-dimensional image. Companies are working to develop 3D sets that don’t require glasses, but there is some discussion as to whether or not the image is as clear as it should be.

Today’s 3D televisions can be used as either 2D or 3D sets and, as they are HD-enabled, the image is crisp and clear no matter which setting you use. Sony Corporation is manufacturing 3D Blu-Ray players, which also accommodate the larger number of 3D movies now being produced. As media companies begin to experiment more with 3D technology, expect to see more 3D channels, videos, movies and games available. DirecTV, for example, televised 25 FIFA World Cup matches in 3D in 2010. As 3D becomes more popular, you can also expect to see more “in your face” scenes in television programs, written to take advantage of 3D’s immersive effects.

Should You Go 3D?

If you’re an “early adopter,” this is probably a no-brainer, and you’re waiting impatiently for the delivery truck to arrive.  If you’re a little more cautious, here’s some information to keep in mind:

• Cost: Obviously, 3D technology doesn’t come cheap. You can expect to pay $2,000 or more for a 3D or 3D-ready television set. Depending on the set, you’ll also need to purchase a 3D transmitter. You’ll also need to buy viewing glasses which correspond with your set—one for each member of the family, and possibly a 3D Blu-Ray player.
• Lack of Standardization: Because every company uses slightly different technology, not every product (like glasses) is compatible with every set.

As we’ve seen time and again, however, every new media technology eventually standardizes and comes down in cost.  As movies and gaming make greater use of 3D technology, however, and because sets can be used in both 3D and 2D format, expect that your next new TV will indeed be 3D.