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Most of the current model TVs create 3D images by rapidly displaying two slightly different images for one frame of animation. Each eye gets to see the correct image by way of glasses that rapidly block and unblock the image so each eye only gets to see one image at a time. The world has depth because each of our eyes see it from a slightly different perspective. When the two slightly different images are shown in this way the brain is fooled into seeing an image with some depth to it.

The problem with the active shutter glasses is that they are expensive. People also have different shaped faces and like to buy glasses that suit. When you buy these glasses you are kind of stuck with the one style. If they happen to not fit correctly then you have to deal with expensive and uncomfortable glasses. You will also need a TV capable of the high refresh rates that 3D requires. The TV you bought 4 or 5 years ago probably won’t be 3D capable so you will have to fork out some serious cash for a new one. Many TV brands have their own specific models of shutter glasses so your next step is to invest in these. They’re expensive and if your whole family is watching the same movie then there is quite a few dollars worth of equipment sitting on your faces.

Luckily technology never stays still and we are already seeing new TVs available which can possibly eliminate the extra expense of glasses. New technology always costs more but TVs are becoming available that use polarized light to display the images. This is the same technique used in the movie theaters but on a smaller scale. Two projectors are used in the movie theaters which project two seperate images onto the screen at the same time with polarized light. Each lens on the polarized glasses will only let one image through while blocking the other. As a result each eye sees a separate and slightly different picture than the other. As both images are shown at the same time the refresh and scan rates of TVs is not as crucial.

LCD screens can also create 3D without the need for glasses. The LCD screen is configured in such a way as to be able to project the two separate images in different directions so that each eye will only see one of them. The technology behind how this is done is always a closely guarded secret. A major disadvantage of this technology is that it is not suitable for a widely dispersed audience. Each viewer has to be in the correct spot in order for each eye to get its correct image. Any viewer outside of the sweet spot will only a see a 2D image at best or a blurry mess at worst.

Consequently it may be a while before we see this glasses free 3D technology in large TVs and projectors but it is available in the new Nintendo 3DS game system. As there is usually an audience of one with a personal gaming system then this technology is an excellent way to bring 3D gaming to the masses.

This article has been written by the author, Alex Blaken. Should you require any more 3D Image please visit his 3D Viweing resources!