History of 3D - Yesterday

The stereoscopic era of motion pictures began in the late 1890s when a British film pioneer filed a patent for a 3D movie process using two projectors. Although many experiments were conducted over the next two decades, it wasn't until September 27, 1922 that the first confirmed 3D movie, The Power of Love, was shown to a paying audience at the Ambassador Theater in Los Angeles; however, the experience was disappointing due to glare.

The first commercial full-color 3D film, using Polaroid® filters to reduce glare, took place at the 1940s New York World's Fair. This short film, produced and shot by John A. Norling, showed the assembly of a Chrysler automobile. To view the 35 mm film, shown on two interlocked projectors, audience members wore eyewear that allowed the left eye image to be seen only by the left eye and vice versa; this technique reduced glare but did not eliminate it.

Although 3D presentations have improved over the last 60 years, As a result of using two film projectors, cross-talk or ghosting (caused by small amounts of stray light) did result in some headaches in audience members who tip their heads from side-to-side.

History of 3D - Today

Are you ready for the jump out of your seat action you have always dreamt viewing. Not since the leap from the Black and White era into colour feature films has technology made such an impact.

Digital 3D cinema and modern TV Anaglyph display systems are here. Two separate platforms where re-invented to operate in cinemas and at home for DVD releases. These systems integrated cutting edge technology to create picture perfect vivid story telling.

As always each company has released their individual versions of these modern 3D systems. However each delivery system displays mesmerizing entertainment that engaging all moviegoers alike with richer story telling that zooms straight pass them

History of 3D - Tomorrow

3D TV, Games and websites will be coming to your home SOON

Home entertainment has changed 3D HDTV’s Turn on your new 3D HDTV, slide on your active 3D glasses, and watch the images jump off the high definition screen and into your home theater. The extreme speed of the latest microchip, combined with 3D technology, makes it all possible. Experience games & movies like never before

Imagine playing a game with characters and objects that appear to surround you. Or immerse yourself in a movie that spills right into your living room. That's the magic of 3D ready HDTV’s. Even when you're not watching 3D content, you'll appreciate the high definition quality of your 3D HDTV and HDTV’s are the perfect combination.

With 3D ready capability, your HDTV will be ready for the future. 3D content is becoming more popular every day. When you add the optional 3D add on kit, you can enjoy a nice selection of 3D movies and hundreds of PC games today and you'll have everything you need to enjoy increased 3D content tomorrow.

Want to watch the TV of the future today? It will be as easy as One, Two, Three setting up your HDTV for 3D viewing.

1. Connect your 3D HDTV – offered by either Mitsubishi or Samsung – to a compatible 3D source

2. Place the HDTV into 3D mode

3. Put on your active 3D glasses

No 3D standard has yet been adopted for Blu-ray, but industry insiders are already speculating that Panasonic's first official release using its own Blu-ray authoring system will be James Cameron’s 3D Sci-Fi epic Avatar, due for theatrical release in December 2009.  A 3D BD of the movie could be on sale as early as Easter 2010.

Clips from the eagerly awaited production and endorsements from director Cameron (pictured below) have characterized the Panasonic's 3D demonstrations of late; it also donated 3D cameras and monitors to the production. Authoring trials are currently been carried out at the brand’s Panasonic Hollywood Labs facility.

Will James Cameron's Avatar herald a 3D at home revolution?

Although Dolby is lobbying hard for its own proprietary 3D standard, most major players seem to favor an open system, like that proposed by Panasonic.