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It's been almost a year since the first of the "new" 3D TVs hit the market, enabling their owners to watch 3D Blu-ray movies and 3D television programming as well as play 3D games. The technology behind these televisions is still relatively new, however, and still inspires plenty of questions.In this newly updated FAQ I'll attempt to answer those questions as well as possible, incorporating my first-hand knowledge in reviewing numerous 2010 3D TVs, conversations I've had with industry experts, and reactions from readers.This article is targeted toward people looking for an introduction to modern 3D TV technology.
If you're an advanced reader just looking for the latest news your best bet is going straight to CNET's 3D TV resource guide.3D TV is a generic term for a display technology that lets home viewers experience TV programs, movies, games, and other video content in a stereoscopic effect. It adds the illusion of a third dimension, depth, to current TV and HDTV display technology, which is typically limited to only height and width ("2D").2. How does 3D TV work?A 3D TV works much like 3D at the theater. A screen showing 3D content displays two separate images of the same scene simultaneously, one intended for the viewer's right eye and one for the left eye. The two full-size images occupy the entire screen and appear intermixed with one another--objects in one image are often repeated or skewed slightly to the left (or right) of corresponding objects in the other--when viewed without the aid of special 3D glasses. When viewers don the glasses, they perceive these two images as a single 3D image, a process known as "fusing."The system relies on a phenomenon of visual perception called stereopsis. The eyes of an adult human lie about 2.5 inches apart, which lets each eye see objects from slightly different angles. The two images on a 3D TV screen present objects from two slightly different angles as well, and when those images combine in the viewer's mind with the aid of the glasses, the illusion of depth is created.3. How is the new 3D TV technology different from older 3DMost people are familiar with the old anaglyph method, where a pair of glasses with lenses tinted red and cyan (or other colors) is used to combine two false-color images. The result seen by the viewer is discolored and usually lower-resolution than the new method.The principal improvements afforded by new 3D TV technologies are full color and high resolution--full 1080p HD resolution for both eyes in Blu-ray 3D, for example, and half that resolution in broadcast 3D used by DirecTV and other providers. Note that current passive 3D TV technology affects adversely resolution (see #5).A pair of "active" LC shutter glasses, the most common type for 3D TVs.(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)
(Note: For the remainder of this article, any mention of "3D" refers to the new full-color version, not the old anaglyph variety.)4. How is 3D TV different from 3D in the theater?Many viewers have experienced newer 3D presentations, such as IMAX 3D, in movie theaters. Though the technologies can differ somewhat--most U.S. theaters use passive glasses, for example (see #5)--the main practical differences between 3D TV in the home and theatrical 3D are the size of the screen and the distance you sit from it.In the home the image is generally much smaller, occupying a lower percentage of viewers' fields of vision, so it's generally less immersive. With 2D you could create a more immersive home theater by sitting closer to the screen, but with 3D that can become a problem. Panasonic recommends a seating distance of no closer than 3x the screen height away--about 6.2 feet from a 50-inch screen--and cautions that sitting closer could increase the risk of eye fatigue and headaches. One expert we talked to, Martin Banks of UC Berkeley, confirmed that sitting too close to a 3D screen can heighten the risk of such adverse effects (see #7).Smaller screens may also present other issues unique to 3D, such as a relatively narrow viewing distance range. We've also seen that the edge of the image, which is much more noticeable with smaller screens, can disrupt 3D viewing much more disconcertingly than 2D.One advantage of 3D TV at home as opposed to the theater is user control. Some 3D compatible TVs provide control over the 3D experience in addition to standard picture settings. Samsung's models, for example, allow you to adjust the "G axis," or the amount of 3D effect, to taste, comfort or to compensate for variations in eye spacing.5. What's the difference between active and passive 3D?Vizio's passive glasses are comparatively thin, light and inexpensive.
(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)
Most 3D TVs use active liquid crystal shutter glasses, which work by very quickly blocking each eye in sequence (typically 120 times per second) to separate the different right and left images required for 3D. The glasses, in addition to the liquid-crystal lenses, contain electronics and batteries (good for 80 or more hours and often rechargeable) that sync to the TV via an infrared or (in many 2011 models) RF signal. They currently cost $60-$120 per pair when sold separately.In 2011 Vizio, LG and Toshiba will introduce 3D TVs that use passive polarized 3D glasses that are much less expensive. They are actually compatible with the passive 3D used in theaters, and will work with Real D's circular polarized glasses, for example, which are available for as little as $5 each online. The 2011 models use a technology called Film Pattern Retarder, developed by LG, where a polarizing film coating the TV screen allows each eye to view every other line. See #31 for our impressions.At CES 2011 Samsung and Real D announced RDZ, a system that claims to deliver full resolution yet allow the use of cheaper passive glasses. Products with this or similar technology won't be widely available in 2011, however.6. Can everyone see 3D?No. Between 5 percent and 10 percent of Americans suffer from stereo blindness, according to the College of Optometrists in Vision Development. They often have good depth perception--which relies on more than just stereopsis--but cannot perceive the depth dimension of 3D video presentations. Some stereo-blind viewers can watch 3D material with no problem as long as they wear glasses; it simply appears as 2D to them. Others may experience headaches, eye fatigue or other problems. (See also TV industry turns blind eye to non-3D viewers.)
7. I've heard 3D causes headaches. Is that true?Viewing certain programming on a 3D TV can cause headaches or other ill effects in some viewers, especially over longer periods of time. In our experience, and in the opinions of most experts we've consulted, the main cause of headaches or eye fatigue isn't the 3D technology itself; it's badly produced 3D content.Comfort is a major concern of most 3D producers. Too much of a 3D effect can become tiresome after a while, abrupt camera movement can be disorienting, and certain onscreen objects can appear blurry, for example. The best 3D movies, like "Avatar," tend to use depth effects that stay close to the plane of the screen, with fewer gotcha objects that pop out or recede into the screen excessively. Even so, comfort with 3D varies widely from viewer to viewer, and one recent study (more info) found that older viewers can experience less discomfort than younger ones.
Content producers are still refining methods to deliver a comfortable experience that's still "3D enough" to satisfy viewers, and since 3D is still a relatively new medium mistakes are inevitable. The best 3D is still found in theatrical productions, so if you're concerned about eye fatigue, we recommend seeing a 3D movie or two before investing in a 3D TV. We don't know of any definitive studies that indicate any long-term or permanent damage caused by viewing 3D, and by most accounts the more 3D you watch, the more comfortable with the effect you become.8. What do I need to watch 3D TV at home?To watch anything in 3D you'll need a 3D-compatible TV and a source capable of delivering 3D content to the television--most often a 3D Blu-ray player, but perhaps a cable or satellite box, game console or streaming video device. For some setups you'll want an AV receiver or home theater system that can switch HDMI 3D sources. On the other hand you'll most likely not need to buy any new HDMI cables. Oh yeah: you'll also need a pair of 3D glasses for every viewer.Does the movie, TV show or video game need to be in 3D?Yes. With the exception of simulated 3D (see #18) you'll need specialized, new 3D content to watch 3D. The most common such content today takes the form of 3D Blu-ray discs, which first appeared in 2010, that adhere to a specific 3D standard and bear the 3D Blu-ray logo. TV shows and video games also need to be in a specific 3D format (see #20) to provide the 3D effect.This logo is reserved for Blu-ray discs that use the "new" 3D technology.10. How many 3D Blu-ray discs are available now?Very few. The first 3D Blu-ray to bear the logo above and be available for sale in stores was "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs." Since its release On June 22, 2010, a smattering of other titles have become available in stores and online; Blu-ray.com shows 39 U.S. titles available now, with another 21 announced to arrive before the end of the year. Many of them are documentaries, IMAX films or children's animation. Many, notably Avatar, are exclusives only available as part of a bundle when you buy a 3D TV or other gear. Other notable titles coming this year include "Tron: Legacy" (April), "The Green Hornet" and "Bolt" (2011). We expect the trickle to continue throughout 2011 along the same lines.High-def digest also published a good list, along with links to reviews, release notes and a list of earlier "anaglyph" 3D Blu-ray releases (see #11), in January 2011.For now the Avatar 3D Blu-ray is exclusive to Panasonic hardware bundles.11. What about older 3D DVDs and Blu-ray discs?
Many Blu-ray and DVD titles, such as "Coraline" and "Journey to the Center of the Earth," contain versions of the films, and often a couple pairs of colored glasses, in the old anaglyph style, and so cannot deliver full-color, high-resolution 3D (see #3). Even more confusing is that some titles, like "Coraline," are also available in the "new" 3D Blu-ray format (see #12. The best way to differentiate between the new ("full HD") and the old ("anaglyph") 3D Blu-ray discs is to look for the official 3D Blu-ray logo.
12. What TV shows and networks are in 3D now?Not many. Aside from sports, no mainstream TV programming is produced in 3D, and no major networks aside from Discovery and ESPN have announced 3D channels.The most widely-carried 3D channel is ESPN 3Don DirecTV, Comcast, AT&T U-verse and Time Warner cable. It launched in June 2010 with the World Cup soccer tournament and went to a 24-hour format on February 14, 2011. It shows some live events, such as the 2010 Home Run derby and a few college football and NBA games, but most of the content is prerecorded.DirecTV also launched n3D, the first 24-hour 3D channel and an exclusive venture with Panasonic, last year. It shows the occasional 3D event, such as the 2010 baseball All-Star game and US Open tennis tournament, as well as documentary fare.On February 13, 2011, DirecTV began carrying 3net, another 24-hour 3D channel from Discovery, IMAX and Sony that will specialize in nature and documentary programs. Unlike n3D it's not an exclusive, although no other carriers have picked it up as of press time.Other cable and satellite providers offer the occasional event and/or have some 3D available on-demand, but currently DirecTV has the most 3D TV content by far.
13. Are there any 3D video games?Again, the pickings are slim. Among video game consoles the Sony PS3 supports the widest selection of games, including Gran Tourismo 5 and Call of Duty: Black Ops, and plans a full slate of 2011 releases including Killzone 3 and Uncharted 3 (full list). The Xbos 360 supports a few as well, including COD: BO and Batman: Arkham Asylum, but doesn't deliver nearly as many as the PS3. Nintendo's Wii doesn't have 3D games, but the company will launch the 3DS, a glasses-free portable gaming platform, in March 2011.Wipeout on the PS3 was one of the first of the new generation of 3D games.
With the help of gear like the Nvidia 3D kit, PCs have been able to deliver 3D games, many converted from 2D versions, for the last few years to some compatible TVs and monitors.
14. Do any Internet streaming services offer 3D?With 3D slow to arrive to TV providers and Blu-ray disc, we expect Internet streaming services to help fill the 3D content gap. Vudu is the first, delivering 3D movies in the side-by-side format (see #20) to select TVs and Blu-ray players, including the Sony PlayStation 3. Samsung offers a separate TV "App" with trailers for 3D movies. Netflix and Amazon Video-on-Demand don't offer 3D yet, but it's just a matter of time in our opinion before they, along with YouTube and other video services, join the club.
If you're an advanced reader just looking for the latest news your best bet is going straight to CNET's 3D TV resource guide.3D TV is a generic term for a display technology that lets home viewers experience TV programs, movies, games, and other video content in a stereoscopic effect. It adds the illusion of a third dimension, depth, to current TV and HDTV display technology, which is typically limited to only height and width ("2D").2. How does 3D TV work?A 3D TV works much like 3D at the theater. A screen showing 3D content displays two separate images of the same scene simultaneously, one intended for the viewer's right eye and one for the left eye. The two full-size images occupy the entire screen and appear intermixed with one another--objects in one image are often repeated or skewed slightly to the left (or right) of corresponding objects in the other--when viewed without the aid of special 3D glasses. When viewers don the glasses, they perceive these two images as a single 3D image, a process known as "fusing."The system relies on a phenomenon of visual perception called stereopsis. The eyes of an adult human lie about 2.5 inches apart, which lets each eye see objects from slightly different angles. The two images on a 3D TV screen present objects from two slightly different angles as well, and when those images combine in the viewer's mind with the aid of the glasses, the illusion of depth is created.3. How is the new 3D TV technology different from older 3DMost people are familiar with the old anaglyph method, where a pair of glasses with lenses tinted red and cyan (or other colors) is used to combine two false-color images. The result seen by the viewer is discolored and usually lower-resolution than the new method.The principal improvements afforded by new 3D TV technologies are full color and high resolution--full 1080p HD resolution for both eyes in Blu-ray 3D, for example, and half that resolution in broadcast 3D used by DirecTV and other providers. Note that current passive 3D TV technology affects adversely resolution (see #5).A pair of "active" LC shutter glasses, the most common type for 3D TVs.(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)
(Note: For the remainder of this article, any mention of "3D" refers to the new full-color version, not the old anaglyph variety.)4. How is 3D TV different from 3D in the theater?Many viewers have experienced newer 3D presentations, such as IMAX 3D, in movie theaters. Though the technologies can differ somewhat--most U.S. theaters use passive glasses, for example (see #5)--the main practical differences between 3D TV in the home and theatrical 3D are the size of the screen and the distance you sit from it.In the home the image is generally much smaller, occupying a lower percentage of viewers' fields of vision, so it's generally less immersive. With 2D you could create a more immersive home theater by sitting closer to the screen, but with 3D that can become a problem. Panasonic recommends a seating distance of no closer than 3x the screen height away--about 6.2 feet from a 50-inch screen--and cautions that sitting closer could increase the risk of eye fatigue and headaches. One expert we talked to, Martin Banks of UC Berkeley, confirmed that sitting too close to a 3D screen can heighten the risk of such adverse effects (see #7).Smaller screens may also present other issues unique to 3D, such as a relatively narrow viewing distance range. We've also seen that the edge of the image, which is much more noticeable with smaller screens, can disrupt 3D viewing much more disconcertingly than 2D.One advantage of 3D TV at home as opposed to the theater is user control. Some 3D compatible TVs provide control over the 3D experience in addition to standard picture settings. Samsung's models, for example, allow you to adjust the "G axis," or the amount of 3D effect, to taste, comfort or to compensate for variations in eye spacing.5. What's the difference between active and passive 3D?Vizio's passive glasses are comparatively thin, light and inexpensive.
(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)
Most 3D TVs use active liquid crystal shutter glasses, which work by very quickly blocking each eye in sequence (typically 120 times per second) to separate the different right and left images required for 3D. The glasses, in addition to the liquid-crystal lenses, contain electronics and batteries (good for 80 or more hours and often rechargeable) that sync to the TV via an infrared or (in many 2011 models) RF signal. They currently cost $60-$120 per pair when sold separately.In 2011 Vizio, LG and Toshiba will introduce 3D TVs that use passive polarized 3D glasses that are much less expensive. They are actually compatible with the passive 3D used in theaters, and will work with Real D's circular polarized glasses, for example, which are available for as little as $5 each online. The 2011 models use a technology called Film Pattern Retarder, developed by LG, where a polarizing film coating the TV screen allows each eye to view every other line. See #31 for our impressions.At CES 2011 Samsung and Real D announced RDZ, a system that claims to deliver full resolution yet allow the use of cheaper passive glasses. Products with this or similar technology won't be widely available in 2011, however.6. Can everyone see 3D?No. Between 5 percent and 10 percent of Americans suffer from stereo blindness, according to the College of Optometrists in Vision Development. They often have good depth perception--which relies on more than just stereopsis--but cannot perceive the depth dimension of 3D video presentations. Some stereo-blind viewers can watch 3D material with no problem as long as they wear glasses; it simply appears as 2D to them. Others may experience headaches, eye fatigue or other problems. (See also TV industry turns blind eye to non-3D viewers.)
7. I've heard 3D causes headaches. Is that true?Viewing certain programming on a 3D TV can cause headaches or other ill effects in some viewers, especially over longer periods of time. In our experience, and in the opinions of most experts we've consulted, the main cause of headaches or eye fatigue isn't the 3D technology itself; it's badly produced 3D content.Comfort is a major concern of most 3D producers. Too much of a 3D effect can become tiresome after a while, abrupt camera movement can be disorienting, and certain onscreen objects can appear blurry, for example. The best 3D movies, like "Avatar," tend to use depth effects that stay close to the plane of the screen, with fewer gotcha objects that pop out or recede into the screen excessively. Even so, comfort with 3D varies widely from viewer to viewer, and one recent study (more info) found that older viewers can experience less discomfort than younger ones.
Content producers are still refining methods to deliver a comfortable experience that's still "3D enough" to satisfy viewers, and since 3D is still a relatively new medium mistakes are inevitable. The best 3D is still found in theatrical productions, so if you're concerned about eye fatigue, we recommend seeing a 3D movie or two before investing in a 3D TV. We don't know of any definitive studies that indicate any long-term or permanent damage caused by viewing 3D, and by most accounts the more 3D you watch, the more comfortable with the effect you become.8. What do I need to watch 3D TV at home?To watch anything in 3D you'll need a 3D-compatible TV and a source capable of delivering 3D content to the television--most often a 3D Blu-ray player, but perhaps a cable or satellite box, game console or streaming video device. For some setups you'll want an AV receiver or home theater system that can switch HDMI 3D sources. On the other hand you'll most likely not need to buy any new HDMI cables. Oh yeah: you'll also need a pair of 3D glasses for every viewer.Does the movie, TV show or video game need to be in 3D?Yes. With the exception of simulated 3D (see #18) you'll need specialized, new 3D content to watch 3D. The most common such content today takes the form of 3D Blu-ray discs, which first appeared in 2010, that adhere to a specific 3D standard and bear the 3D Blu-ray logo. TV shows and video games also need to be in a specific 3D format (see #20) to provide the 3D effect.This logo is reserved for Blu-ray discs that use the "new" 3D technology.10. How many 3D Blu-ray discs are available now?Very few. The first 3D Blu-ray to bear the logo above and be available for sale in stores was "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs." Since its release On June 22, 2010, a smattering of other titles have become available in stores and online; Blu-ray.com shows 39 U.S. titles available now, with another 21 announced to arrive before the end of the year. Many of them are documentaries, IMAX films or children's animation. Many, notably Avatar, are exclusives only available as part of a bundle when you buy a 3D TV or other gear. Other notable titles coming this year include "Tron: Legacy" (April), "The Green Hornet" and "Bolt" (2011). We expect the trickle to continue throughout 2011 along the same lines.High-def digest also published a good list, along with links to reviews, release notes and a list of earlier "anaglyph" 3D Blu-ray releases (see #11), in January 2011.For now the Avatar 3D Blu-ray is exclusive to Panasonic hardware bundles.11. What about older 3D DVDs and Blu-ray discs?
Many Blu-ray and DVD titles, such as "Coraline" and "Journey to the Center of the Earth," contain versions of the films, and often a couple pairs of colored glasses, in the old anaglyph style, and so cannot deliver full-color, high-resolution 3D (see #3). Even more confusing is that some titles, like "Coraline," are also available in the "new" 3D Blu-ray format (see #12. The best way to differentiate between the new ("full HD") and the old ("anaglyph") 3D Blu-ray discs is to look for the official 3D Blu-ray logo.
12. What TV shows and networks are in 3D now?Not many. Aside from sports, no mainstream TV programming is produced in 3D, and no major networks aside from Discovery and ESPN have announced 3D channels.The most widely-carried 3D channel is ESPN 3Don DirecTV, Comcast, AT&T U-verse and Time Warner cable. It launched in June 2010 with the World Cup soccer tournament and went to a 24-hour format on February 14, 2011. It shows some live events, such as the 2010 Home Run derby and a few college football and NBA games, but most of the content is prerecorded.DirecTV also launched n3D, the first 24-hour 3D channel and an exclusive venture with Panasonic, last year. It shows the occasional 3D event, such as the 2010 baseball All-Star game and US Open tennis tournament, as well as documentary fare.On February 13, 2011, DirecTV began carrying 3net, another 24-hour 3D channel from Discovery, IMAX and Sony that will specialize in nature and documentary programs. Unlike n3D it's not an exclusive, although no other carriers have picked it up as of press time.Other cable and satellite providers offer the occasional event and/or have some 3D available on-demand, but currently DirecTV has the most 3D TV content by far.
13. Are there any 3D video games?Again, the pickings are slim. Among video game consoles the Sony PS3 supports the widest selection of games, including Gran Tourismo 5 and Call of Duty: Black Ops, and plans a full slate of 2011 releases including Killzone 3 and Uncharted 3 (full list). The Xbos 360 supports a few as well, including COD: BO and Batman: Arkham Asylum, but doesn't deliver nearly as many as the PS3. Nintendo's Wii doesn't have 3D games, but the company will launch the 3DS, a glasses-free portable gaming platform, in March 2011.Wipeout on the PS3 was one of the first of the new generation of 3D games.
With the help of gear like the Nvidia 3D kit, PCs have been able to deliver 3D games, many converted from 2D versions, for the last few years to some compatible TVs and monitors.
14. Do any Internet streaming services offer 3D?With 3D slow to arrive to TV providers and Blu-ray disc, we expect Internet streaming services to help fill the 3D content gap. Vudu is the first, delivering 3D movies in the side-by-side format (see #20) to select TVs and Blu-ray players, including the Sony PlayStation 3. Samsung offers a separate TV "App" with trailers for 3D movies. Netflix and Amazon Video-on-Demand don't offer 3D yet, but it's just a matter of time in our opinion before they, along with YouTube and other video services, join the club.
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