What is 3D TV?

3D technically termed Stereoscopic Imaging, is light images that have been manipulated to create a 3D illusion. Commonly only seen in Cinematic film it has recently taken the next step into TV and your lounge room. Even though 3D TV has been around since the 1950's it has only recently moved back into the spotlight due to blockbusters such as Avatar and Alice in Wonderland. It has now been perceived by major technology companies as the next step for audio visual technology.

How does it work?

A 3D image is seen by humans because of our binocular viewing. The slightly different viewing angles from our right and left eye projects an image that is processed by our brain in order to perceive depth, distance and size. Stereoscopic imaging is based on the human view. It is the same image filmed by two camera lens in the same position as human binocular vision. Glasses are then worn (except for auto-stereoscopic monitors) to filter the right and left eye images to project normal right and left eye view.There are different forms of 3D stereoscoping:

• Active 3D Systems - uses CRT shutter glasses. The glasses open and close the view between the right and left images that are being screened for the corresponding eye.
• Passive 3D Systems - based on light polarization. The glasses filter the light of the images from two projectors. (IMAX uses this method as it is best for a large audience)
• 3D Polarised Modulation - combines the best attributes of active and passive stereoscopy. It enables the use of only one projector (active) and the use of cheap plastic or cardboard glasses (passive).
• Auto-stereoscopic Monitor- no need for glasses as the monitor produces multiple viewing zones. This method is expensive and depends highly on correct head positioning of the viewer.
• Anaglyph System - the coloured glasses filter right and left images through the red/green or red/blue combination, creating a loss of resolution quality.

Who's manufacturing it?

Samsung has been the first company to release 3D TVs around the globe with the Australian release in mid-April, with Sony planning to release in July and Panasonic and LG close after.

3D TV channels in Australia won't be broadcast till 2011 but SBS plans to get in early with a 3D showing of the Soccer World Cup in 2010.

Compatibility with Blu-ray DVD players and IPTV connections are being further enhanced, to propel the 3D TV market into the future.

Pros and Cons of 3D TV

Because 3D TV is new it is going to be expensive and not necessarily include the best features it one day will due to companies rushing to provide the first 3D TV to the marketplace. This competitiveness works in our favour as the company's will continually push themselves to produce a higher quality 3D TV at a lower cost. All programs and digital media from now on will be directed towards this new technical phenomena, it correlates closely with our normal view and is the next step for Television technology. So when do we rush out and buy one? That really depends on your budget and patience...