Stereoscopic 3D Display
Stereoscopic 3D Display
There are 2 types of modern stereoscopic 3D display technology known as "Active" and "Passive" displays. They are both compatible with a range of TV technology and projectors.
Active Stereoscopic 3D Display
This type of display runs at a very high frequency (120hz+) and uses special powered glasses to filter separate images to each eye. The glasses needed to view 3D media on these displays contains the same type of Liquid Crystals used in LCD displays. They are stored in the lenses and when an electric current is passed through them, they change from transparent to black and allow little light through. The glasses are set to alternate each lens in turn from transparent to black meaning that at any one point in time, you will only be able to see through one lens. This sequence is synchronised with the image on the screen meaning that if the left eye is covered, the screen shows the image the right eye should see and vice versa. As both the screen and glasses operate at very high frequencies, the human eye does not pick up the "shuttering" and us to use them comfortably. Screen based displays and Projectors are able to use this technology to display stereoscopic content.
Passive Stereoscopic 3D Display
This type of display uses advanced light filtering technology to send different pictures to each eye. The glasses used by this screen use plastic filters that only allow a certain frequency of light to penetrate the glasses (similar to the way sunglasses work). Screens based displays use a special filter placed in front of the screen to only allow the corresponding frequencies of light to pass through even or odd pixel rows in the display (see diagram). Most passive projection systems use two projectors with a glass filter placed in front of each, to project the correct frequencies of light on to the projection screen (see diagram). There are a few projectors that contain dual lamps that have a filter placed in front of each, inside the projector. There is also a filter available that matches the polarisation filter with the sequence of a Shuttering projector that allows you to use both Active and Passive glasses.
Active vs. Passive
The choice on whether to use an active or passive display depends on a variety of parameters. It is generally agreed that Active displays produce a better quality image and are therefore used for projects where a very high quality display is needed. However Passive displays are becoming more affordable and are a more cost effective way of viewing 3D, especially for larger audiences. Our consultants will work with you to decide the best type of technology based on the needs of your project.
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