Can your phone or TV show 3D images? No, seeing a 3D movie for the first time is an extraordinary experience because it’s not possible with TV. Is 3D technology expensive because only cinemas offer it? No, this immersive experience is no longer limited to commercial cinemas, but it is now a staple of high-end home theaters. You can view 3D movies because of 3D glasses. But how do 3D glasses work?
3D glasses might look like cheap plastic glasses or sunglasses, but they are actually sophisticated optical or electronic tools designed to “trick” your brain into perceiving a 3D image.
Your home theater 3D setup is producing a 2D image, yet it uses advanced technology to create a 3D effect. This post will not only cover how to turn on for 3D images but also break down the science behind the three main types of 3D technology, i.e., Anaglyph 3D, Polarized 3D and Active Shutter 3D projector using DLP-Link technology, and how your 3D home theater might have high definition tech used by Valerion 3D projectors to deliver the sharpest images possible without rainbow effect with Active Shutter 3D glasses.
The Science of Sight: Stereoscopic Vision Explained
The world appears in 3D because the brain processes it differently from the eyes. What does that mean? We, humans, have “Binocular Vision” or “Stereopsis.” Our eyes are spaced about 2.5 inches apart. Because of that, each eye sees a slightly different angle of the world. Our brain then fuses these two slightly different 2D images into a single 3D image. This is how depth perception is created. This is the reason we have panoramic vision.
The 3D glasses in your home theater setup are designed based on the same phenomenon. They force both eyes to see different images: the left eye sees only the left perspective, and the right eye sees only the proper perspective from a flat screen.
A Brief History: Anaglyph 3D (The Red/Blue Glasses)
The Red/Blue 3D glasses were revolutionary in the 19th century for enabling 2D images to be viewed in 3D. Most people will recognize them from comic books or 1950s movies, if asked. But it became outdated and was discontinued in the 1980s, as Polarized and Active Shutter 3D glasses emerged. How exactly did Anaglyph 3D glasses work in the 20th century?
Unlike Active Shutter 3D glasses, Anaglyph 3D uses a single screen to display two overlapping images for each eye in different color tints, usually cyan and red. Anaglyph 3D glasses work by blocking the opposing color-tinted image, so each eye sees a specific picture with that color tint. This mimics the natural viewing illusion of the eyes; the brain processes it, and the image appears in 3D.
Because Anaglyph 3D failed to provide a better viewing experience, it was discontinued. It degrades color accuracy due to two highly saturated tints and can cause eye strain after use. Because of those drawbacks, Polarized 3D and DLP-Link technologies were introduced to provide glasses that support a full color spectrum with reduced eye strain. At the same time, a Polarized vs. Active 3D comparison is straightforward because of how Polarized 3D works and its differences.
How Polarized 3D Works
Did you know IMAX and RealD don’t have the best 3D technology? Instead of Active 3D, they use Passive 3D and Polarized 3D glasses with no batteries or other advanced technology. Their advantage is their lightweight.
Polarized 3D works by light from the screen travelling as waves. The projector will send two polarizations of light to two images, which will be viewed through Polarized 3D glasses. These waves can be horizontal or vertical, clockwise or counterclockwise. Polarized 3D glasses will act as filters for these light waves. They will block the light wave that isn’t oriented for that eye. But why was Active Shutter 3D technology developed? Polarized vs. Active 3D, which is better?
While Polarized 3D technology works on massive cinema screens, it has a downside. They are a bad fit for a home theater 3D setup. When used in a home theater, the resolution is halved because the screen is split between the left and right eyes. To address this, Active Shutter 3D technology has been developed and is commonly found in Valerion 3D projectors, enhancing image quality and your experience.
How Active Shutter 3D Works
Active shutter or DLP (Digital Light Processing) Link technology in 3D projectors works by not showing the image to your eye at any given moment, which Valerion’s 3D projector uses to improve image quality compared to others. An Active Shutter home theater setup uses sophisticated Active Shutter 3D glasses. They use a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) to block one eye and display a 3D image. But how does blocking vision create an optical illusion for a 3D image?
Your home theater will be synchronized with Active Shutter 3D glasses. Your Active Shutter projector projects an image for only one eye at a time. When the projector shows the left image, the right lens of the 3D glasses will close. When the image is shown for the right eye, the left lens will close. Is there any lag when the 3D glasses' shutters are active?
No. Lenses flicker rapidly at 120 times per second, so fast that your brain can’t even recognize it. They flicker between opaque (black) and transparent to let the appropriate eye see. This method mimics natural viewing by presenting an image to an individual eye at a higher speed, keeping it continuous and fusing the pictures of the brain, creating an immersive 3D image.
Since glasses and the projector must be linked, glasses must be an electronic device that receives signals, and physically changing the lens state requires power. But unlike other Active Shutter 3D glasses, Valerion offers built-in rechargeable batteries or coin cells, eliminating the need to carry an external power bank.
Valerion has DLP-Link technology for Active Shutter 3D glasses and projectors, because Active Shutter delivers Full HD or 4K resolution to both eyes, which is difficult for other projectors with Polarized 3D. This has ensured that no details are lost, even on a 300-inch projection screen. It is the superior choice for audiophiles and videophiles who want image sharpness and experience.
How to Watch 3D on Your Valerion Projector
To turn on 3D projection for your image, here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Navigate to “Projector Settings.” Or it might be in shortcuts, added as a shortcut, confirm it by pressing the Shortcut button (≡) on your remote.
- Navigate “3D” in Projector Settings.
- Select one option from the list to generate a 3D image based on your media input.
How to Add a Shortcut for the 3D Setting for the Valerion Projector
To add a shortcut to Projector’s 3D settings for faster access:
- Press the Shortcut button on Valerion’s remote.
- Select Edit.
- Select the 3D Settings to add it as a shortcut.
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Pro Tip:
- You can convert 3D content to 2D for viewing with the Valerion projector 3D settings.
- To activate a different 3D mode, select the 3D option in the Shortcut menu, then press the Down button twice.
Conclusion
Do you find viewing 3D images a unique and better experience? But how do 3D glasses work? They work by creating an optical illusion to create depth perception. Among the three types of 3D technology, Red/Blue 3D glasses are no longer available because their projectors can’t produce high-resolution images and can cause eye strain. It has been replaced by Polarized 3D and Active Shutter 3D. Polarized vs Active 3D: Which is better for your home theater 3D setup?
Polarized 3D technology is designed for mall cinemas because, when used in a home theater setup, image quality degrades dramatically. This is why the Active Shutter 3D system with DLP-Link technology for 3D glasses is better. View Full HD or 4K resolution with an Active Shutter 3D projector, like Valerion’s, but not with a Polarized 3D projector. It is time to dust off your favorite 3D Blu-rays or digital files and experience them in 3D with the sharpness that Valerion Projectors Provide. Ensure 3D glasses are compatible; consider Valerion 3D Glasses for a seamless experience.
