3D technology

A 3-D (three-dimensional) film or S3D (stereoscopic 3D) film is a motion picture that enhances
the illusion of depth perception. Derived from stereoscopic photography, a regular motion picture camera
system is used to record the images as seen from two perspectives (or computer-generated
imagery generates the two perspectives in post-production), and special projection hardware and/or
eyewear are used to provide the illusion of depth when viewing the film. 3-D films are not limited
to feature film theatrical releases; television broadcasts and direct-to-video films have also incorporated
similar methods, primarily for marketing purposes.

Circular polarized or active LCD shutter glasses

The one thing that hasn't changed about 3D is the need for glasses -- if you're holding out for 3D on a big
screen without glasses, you're going to let this generation of 3D pass you by. The technology in the
glasses varies by a lot and the main two types these days are circular polarized and active LCD shutter.
Both serve the same purpose, to ensure each eye sees a different image, but in much different ways.
Circular polarized glasses are easily the most common used in 3D cinema today. If you've been to a 3D
presentation of a Pixar movie, or maybe to Disney World and used what look like cheap sunglasses,
you've probably tried the technology. Without going into too much detail, each lens is set to filter out
different light, so for example in a polarized system like RealD's, there can either be two projectors with
different polarizing filters in front of each (pictured below) or a special ZScreen which can alternate the
clockwise and counterclockwise polarization for each frame. In either case, the right and left frame
alternate at about 144 times per second so that each of 24 frames per second of a movie is displayed 3
times per eye.

RealD circular polarized filter in front of a projector

LCD shutter glasses

So in comes the LCD shutter glasses -- the technology itself has actually been around for some time, in
fact there were eight Sega Master Systems games that worked with shutter glasses dating back to the
80's. But the technology was limited by the display technology of that era which could only show 480i at
30 frames per second, which worked out to about 15 FPS per eye in 3D -- so yeah, the flickering could
make you sick.

Sega Master System shutter glasses

Basically the way shutter glasses work is each lens can be blacked out very very quickly to synchronize
with a frame displayed on the HDTV. This way a different 1920 x 1080 progressive image can be shown
to each eye.

An IR emitter connected to the TV sends signals to the glasses to keep 'em in sync. In larger demos,
multiple emitters are mounted throughout the venue to ensure all the glasses get the signal. This is
obviously less than ideal for a large movie theater, but shouldn't be a problem at home.
 IR emitter used in Panasonic's 3D demo

The other reason shutter glasses make sense at home is because they don't limit the viewing angles of
the display -- not to mention the glasses are more expensive and someone would likely steal them from a
theater. But besides these advantages, proponents argue that the colors are more accurate, there's less
ghosting and smearing, and it is argued that the contrast is greater between the left and right eyes. So,
you add all these reasons together and the technology should provide the most realistic and reliable 3D
technology ever unleashed on consumers -- at home or anywhere else.

It's not all good though, besides the cost of the glasses and the added emitter in the TV, some say that
there is added flickering, and with the shutters closing in front of your eyes, the image is dimmed a bit.
Both Sony and Panasonic claim these are no longer issues in thanks to the super fast refresh rates and
brightness available on the latest HDTVs.

Liquid crystal shutter glasses (also called LCS glasses, LCS 3D glasses, LC shutter glasses[1] or active
shutter glasses.[2]) are glasses used in conjunction with a display screen to create the illusion of a three
dimensional image, an example of stereoscopy. Each eye's glass contains a liquid crystal layer which has
the property of becoming dark when voltage is applied, being otherwise transparent. The glasses are
controlled by an infrared, radio frequency, DLP-Link or Bluetooth transmitter that sends a timing signal
that allows the glasses to alternately darken over one eye, and then the other, in synchronization with the
refresh rate of the screen. Meanwhile, the display alternately displays different perspectives for each eye,
using a technique called alternate-frame sequencing, which achieves the desired effect of each eye
seeing only the image intended for it.
Advantages

LC shutter glasses mostly eliminate "ghosting" which is a problem with other 3D display technologies
such as linearly polarized glasses. Moreover, unlike red/cyan colour filter (anaglyph) 3D glasses, LC
shutter glasses are colour neutral enabling 3D viewing in the full colour spectrum. Chromadepth stereo
requires colour coding of depth information - reddish objects appear closer than bluish ones.

Disadvantages

Flicker can be noticeable except at very high refresh rates, as each eye is effectively receiving only half of
the monitor's actual refresh rate. Most modern LC glasses however generally work in higher refresh
rates and mostly eliminate this problem for most people.

Until recently, the method only worked with CRT monitors; some modern flat-panel monitors now
support high-enough refresh rates to work with some LC shutter systems.[3] Many projectors, especially
DLP-based ones, support 3D out of the box.

LC shutter glasses are shutting out light half of the time; moreover, they are slightly dark even when
letting light through, because they are polarized. This gives an effect similar to watching TV with
sunglasses on, which causes a darker picture perceived by the viewer. However, this effect can produce
a higher perceived display contrast when paired with LCD displays because of the reduction inbacklight
bleed. Since the glasses also darken the background, contrast is enhanced when using a brighter image.

Frame rate has to be double that of an non-3D, anaglyph, or ChromaDepth system to get an equivalent
result. All equipment in the chain has to be able to process frames at double rate; in essence this
doubles the hardware requirements.

Shutter glasses are heavier and more expensive than other forms of stereoscopic glasses because they
need electronics and batteries. Anaglyph, ChromaDepth, and polarized 3D glasses can be purchased at
low prices.

Shutter glasses are often matched to the TV/brand so it may not be possible to use your shutter glasses
with a different 3D TV. However, efforts are being made to create a Universal 3D Shutter Glass.

In March 2011 Panasonic Corporation, together with XPAND 3D, have formulated the M-3DI Standard,
which aims to provide industry-wide compatibility and standardisation of LC (Active) Shutter Glasses.
This movement aims to bring about compatibility among manufacturers of 3D TV, computer, notebook,
home projection, and cinema with standardised LC (Active) Shutter Glasses that will work across all 3D
hardware seamlessly.

The current standard is Full HD 3D Glasses.

There are many sources of low-cost 3D glasses. IO glasses are the most common glasses in this
category. XpanD 3D is a manufacturer of shutter glasses, with over 1000 cinemas currently using XpanD
glasses. With the release of this technology to the home-viewer market as of 2009, many other
manufacturers are now developing their own LC shutter glasses, such as Unipolar International Limited,
Accupix Co., Ltd, Panasonic, Samsung, and Sony.
The M-3DI Standard, announced by Panasonic Corporation together with XPAND 3D in March 2011,
aims to provide industry-wide compatibility and standardisation of LC (Active) Shutter Glasses.

Samsung has developed Active 3D glasses that are 2 ounces and utilize lens and frame technology
pioneered by Silhouette who creates glasses for NASA.

Nvidia makes a 3D Vision kit for the PC; it comes with 3D shutter glasses, a transmitter, and special
graphics driver software. A certified 120 Hz monitor is required to use the 3D Vision; standard LCD
monitors run at 60 Hz.
Standards

Field Sequential has been used in video games, VHS and VHD movies and is often referred to as HQFS for
DVD's, these systems use wired or wireless LCS glasses.

The Sensio format was used with DVD's using wireless LCS glasses.

A new standard has emerged for use with Blu-ray 3D called Full HD 3D Glasses with support from the
major display and glasses manufacturers.