Are 3D Images on a PC Screen Possible at This Time?

The answer to that question is a resounding yes, but you still need the red and green glasses to see the stereo visual effect.

The history of 3D movies is a long one, filled with many starts and stops. During WWII a process called stereoscopy was used by the aerial photography analyzes to detect camouflaged tanks and gun emplacements and the like. In order to view a stereo photo one needs 2 photos of the same image taken from slightly different angles. These are then placed side by side and viewed through a special set of prisms. The impression of depth is very effective.

In the 1950s this was the method used. By introducing the same image shot from 2 different angles using different polarities it was found to be possible where when the viewer used the spectrographs where each lens was set to a different polarity then an appearance of depth was experienced. This however never really took off as the spectacles were clumsy and many viewers complained of headaches. And production costs were also hugely expensive.

The IMAX cinemas have had a few 3D productions but these screenings have always been about the visual experience rather than feature films, as I max productions are hugely expensive to make with a limited audience given the cinema sizes. Cinerama also cave an almost 3D impression with is 148degree image. Who can forget the first screening of Star Wars (Episode IV the first one to be released in the 80's) in a Cinerama theater with the incredible effect of the writing in Space followed by the shock of seeing the Empires ships suddenly appearing from behind?

Experiments have gone on over the years covered by the impracticality of the Red and Green glasses and hugely expensive production costs. These absolutely culminated in the hugely successful, but very expensive to make AVATAR in 2009. The thing with Avatar is that it was shot in 3D from the beginning.

Many animated movies are being presented in 3D these days such as "How to Train Your Dragon" "Kung Fu Panda 2" and "Shrek Forever After".

But the interest and novelty is wearing off and although some TV producers are marketing LCD screens for the home entertainment market these still require the 3D glasses. However the technology is still being developed as this article is being written.

Software is available to convert 2D digital movies into 3D which can be viewed on an LCD screen with a not entirely ineffective 3D effect. This is available now for viewing on YouTube but one needs a set of those red and green glasses and a lot of bandwidth.

Auto stereoscopic displays are also being developed and the Japanese and Chinese companies are experimenting and getting ready to release a 3DTV. These displays do not require special viewing glasses.

These are developments that are happening right now. More and more movie houses are fitting themselves out to be able to screen 3D movies to the full effect. Although this development has been going on in fits and starts there is little doubt that future developments will see more and more movies made and released in 3D.

Source by Carolina Everett

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