Forgotten City

source: Panasonic 3D TV

So , should we really all be ditching our old ( or in reality really rather new ) sets in favour of a new 3D TV? If we do, what will we watch? And do we need special specs to do so? Fear not we have got the answers.

How does 3D TV work?

“It displays two images on the screen at once, with the pictures moving further apart or closer together to make photographs seem that they have depth,” says Christian Brown, senior category chief at Sony. The way the image is delivered depends on the 3D system being used how many cameras split the image during filming and where in the act they’re reunited. “But they at last work on the same premise that the 2 photographs together trick your grey matter into believing the image is 3 dimensional.”

What sorcery is this?

It isn’t essentially as much fun as you might think. If something is filmed in 3D, like U2’s fresh 3D concert, it’s done on two cameras that sit side-by-side. If you are watching something that’s basically standard pictures with 3D effects added on like Clash of the Titans the 3D image will come courtesy of effects-box trickery.

Do I need to wear those glasses?

Yes which can make getting your buddies over to look at the footie a touch more complicated logistical exercise.

am I able to nick them from cinemas?

we can see where you are going with this, but no. Cinema 3D glasses are “passive”, which means all of the complicated 3D work is occurring on the screen and your glasses just filter the light. Most new 3D televisions ( though not all ) use “active” glasses, meaning there’s wiring and a battery in each set, doing part of the work in making the 3D picture. Some 3D TVs come with up to 2 pairs included, and extra pairs typically cost ?120. The battery lasts around one hundred hours.

am I able to watch standard television?

“All 3D televisions are fantastic for watching standard 2D television as well,” asserts Carl Pring, head of brand and advertising at Sony.

Will there be a 3D Freeview?

There are no swift plans. Danielle Nagler, the BBC’s head of HD and 3D, says that while the firm is messing with sports and Doctor Who cinema trailers : “there is still a lot of work to do in explaining 3D to customers and getting them to speculate in it.”

Will programs made in 3D be the same as 2D programs?

Not really. Duncan Humphreys, discoveries director at 3D consultant production company Can Communicate, says “you want to learn a totally new set of rules if you are filming in 3D”. Because 3D requires less cameras, is edited with less fast cuts and films from different angles, it will feel different from standard 2DTV. Making programs in 3D will also increase programme budgets some filming costs will double. Sports and music material is around. Other genres might take time to catch up. “I don’t expect too many wildlife documentaries to go 3D until costs come down a little more,” explains Humphreys.

Should I upgrade now, or can I wait till the price comes down?

That is the question that everyone is asking. Ten million TVs are available in the United Kingdom every year and right now only three percent of those are 3D sets. According to John Kempner, vision purchaser for the John Lewis Partnership, however : “you have got to believe that your set is going to be with you for five to seven years,” and he is going on to claim that he predicts the amount of content available in 3D to grow steadily over that period.

Is 3D truly just a trick?

According to the BBC’s Nagler : “We are proud about the developments of 3D but we need to see the long term benefits to broadcasters before we commit. The trials we are doing are kind of like early colour,” she continues. “fascinating, there is, however, a great distance to go.” Carl Pring nonetheless , illuminates the potential revolutionary nature of the technology : “Did we ask for color television or the internet?” he says. “Did we ask for text messaging or online pizza ordering? All of them appear to have added something to our lives. There’s not a replacement for experiencing the real deal, naturally, and everyone who has seen one of our demos at their local television store has experienced the power of 3D and I’d suggest folk try it for themselves. “.

http://3dtvsets.co.uk