Some people are wondering whether it still makes sense to invest in 2D technology, when "new 3D technology" is constantly in the media. To answer this question, one should first know how complex 3D projection is realized in large cinemas.
The Technology:
Currently, four different methods are used in professional cinemas: Dual projection, XpanD, RealD and Dolby Digital 3D.
Dual projection using polarized glasses has too many disadvantages for private use to be adopted. For one thing, you need two projectors, and for another, you need a silver-coated screen with a high gain factor, which is only conditionally suitable for displaying 2D material. Last but not least, the polarizers of the glasses are viewing angle dependent.
RealD technology uses an active filter in front of the projector. This saves a second projector, but still relies on the silver screen. In addition, the so-called Z-filters are hardly affordable for private use, so you might as well buy a second projector. A big advantage in the commercial sector is the viewing angle independence of RealD technology.
XpanD and Dolby Digital 3D have the great advantages of being able to project onto a normal, white screen and are therefore better suited for private use. Nevertheless, both techniques differ fundamentally:
The XpanD method uses shutter glasses, which alternately darken the left and right eyes. This method has been known in the private sector for a long time; the graphics chip manufacturer Nvidia used shutter glasses several years ago to market 3D games on PCs. Due to the very low refresh rate of monitors at the time, a strong flicker was noticeable, which caused headaches in some users. Due to the ever higher refresh rates of televisions, this technology could definitely become interesting for the mass market. Biggest disadvantage: The shutter glasses are quite expensive. Especially for a home cinema evening with visitors, the XpanD method is therefore only conditionally suitable – who wants to buy glasses for several 100€ for their visitors?
Dolby 3D, on the other hand, uses a technology that remotely resembles the polarization filters of dual projection: A special color filter in front of the projector alternately lets light of different wavelengths pass through. The viewers' filter glasses filter the light in front of the left and right eyes accordingly. The principle of operation is thus similar to that of shutter glasses, with the difference that the filter in front of the projector is much more expensive, while the glasses are cheaper. Therefore, Dolby 3D is very likely to have the chance to establish itself in large cinemas.
Prices for private 3D projection:
Currently, there are no devices with a good price/performance ratio for private use. The F10AS3D projector, for example, is suitable for 3D playback and achieves a resolution of up to 1400×1050 pixels. Apart from the required 120Hz playback, the technical data reads with manageable enthusiasm. In addition to the rather low resolution, the contrast ratio of about 3500:1 is rather weak for a home cinema projector. The estimated 20,000€ for the device then clearly show that 3D projection will remain reserved for enthusiasts with the necessary cash for the time being – especially since accessories (shutter glasses, BluRay players with 3D playback, etc.) are also required. In addition, hardly any 3D films are available so far.
However, it should be much more exciting for PC and console gamers. Computer games can calculate 3D graphics relatively easily, and some exciting titles are expected to appear here, especially for the Playstation 3. Televisions and PC monitors with the required 120Hz technology are already available at affordable prices. And those who move closer to the screen while gaming will certainly be able to achieve excellent results with a PC monitor or a medium-sized television.
As soon as the first devices with 3D playback are available, we will take them on and report whether 3D technology for home is already mature, or whether it is better to wait 1-2 generations.
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