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Seeing TRIPLE D

Nazir Keshvani, Editor, Asia Image, 1 May 2009

After the recent NAB 2009 show in Las Vegas, one thing is clear. The entertainment industry has high hopes for stereoscopic 3D movie technology. Hollywood is said to be investing heavily in James Cameron's 'Avatar,' a 3D sci-fi thriller due out in December 2009, while 'Monsters vs Aliens' has reportedly served up some surprising box office numbers.
The new 3D is a far cry from the common anaglyphic horror film technology that used red and blue cardboard glasses to separate images into left and right sides. Stereoscopic 3D systems use 'active glasses' that employ a shutter mechanism that's synchronised with the image on the screen.
Many next-generation televisions will achieve the 3D effect through the use of semiconductor devices, that incorporate millions of mirrors, each measuring just 8 [micro]m across. The key to the technology is the switching speed of the mirrors – at 8 [micro]s, they're about 1,000 times faster than liquid crystal displays.

Some manufacturers are using laser technology to offer 3D home viewing. Using lasers, they say, helps enhance the image while cutting power consumption roughly in half.
Ultimately, though, chip makers and television manufacturers are waiting on the delivery of content to give a boost to the technology.
Indeed, investment will drive the fledgling 3D technology, which wowed attendees at NAB 2009. A number of 3D demonstrations at DVS, ColorCode 3D and Numedia were held here. The technology drew thousands of passers-by to displays at the various booths.
Many people were gathered around 3D displays wearing glasses and broad smiles. The buzz indicated that 3D is making inroads as an imaging technique. If the smiles indicate success, 3D is here to stay.