News & Analysis
Why Johnny can't stand one-size-fits-all 3-D glasses
Junko Yoshida
12/29/2009 10:03 AM EST
Sure, James Cameron's "Avatar" has been finally released once and for all -- presumably turning 3-D non-believers into converts; 3-D technology companies are busy signing last-minute licensing deals with CE hardware vendors -- just in time for more 3-D hype at CES; and we all know that Hollywood's 3-D drumbeat and the CE industry's take-no-prisoner approach to 3-D TV will only escalate in 2010.
This all occurs for good reason. 3-D is a shining example of how new technology advances -- while everyone from content producer to chip developer counts on the new variation to make money at a time of great recession.
So, I tell myself, why spoil the party? And yet, I just can't shake off this nagging feeling.
Here's the problem.
The CE industry has for years talked about making everyone's life easier -- by offering "better experiences" via brighter, larger-screen flat-panel TVs or ever smaller portable cameras and mobile phones. If they really mean it, then, what are they doing here by forcing everyone to wear 3-D glasses which will be -- for most people -- an uncomfortable experience?
A couple of months ago, I happened to run into an executive working in the 3-D industry, and the next thing you know, we were having lunch together. We've known each other for a long time. As we caught up, talking about various aspects of our professional lives, our conversation inevitably returned to 3-D, where it originally started. We covered all ground, debating every possible pro and con.
After all that back and forth, I looked him in the eye and asked him one last question: "So, if there is one thing that could trip up the industry and lead 3-D to failure on the mass market, what would that be?"
Without missing a beat, he answered: "3-D glasses." I've always trusted the guy, but this straight answer reinforced my respect for him.
It's true.
In fact, next time you're in a 3-D movie theater, look around -- especially at the kids in the audience. You'll notice that many are holding one side of their 3-D glasses and pressing it against their faces -- for the movie's entire duration.
A simple fact is that 3-D glasses provided by theaters today -- regardless of different technologies applied -- are just too big for most kids to wear.
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Tim R Johnson
1/1/2010 9:42 PM EST
There is a large population, including me, that wear prescription glasses. For us, clip on 3D glasses are required, similar to clip on sunglasses, rather than wearing one pair of glasses over another. Also. a wide viewing angle, say +/- 60 degrees is needed so that families, or guests, can watch 3D TV together when sitting at different places in the room.
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zhgreader
1/4/2010 12:44 AM EST
3D film goes over more than half century, but still be quite young. Different 3D glasses response to different 3D film system.
color(r/b)system is the cheapest but switcher is the most expensive.
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zhgreader
1/4/2010 12:47 AM EST
?
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invisiblenetman
1/4/2010 3:51 PM EST
I have never responded to an article in EETimes but have to tell you how spot on you are. I took my 7 year old to see Up! and that was her biggest complaint. She actually took the glasses off for parts of the movie as the glasses âbuggedâ her so much⦠She really didn't even want to see the movie in 3D as the glasses bugged her (she knows how uncomfortable they are from all the 3d experiences we've had in Disneyland/world).
I foresee a new business opportunity for someone â comfortable 3d glasses you own and bring to movies yourself, or once they figure
out TV, for your home useâ¦
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jyoshida
1/4/2010 4:50 PM EST
Thanks, Invisblenetman. I do think that the industry is underestimating the 3-D glasses issue. I am glad that Invisblenetman shared his real-life experience. Ask your own kids. They can tell you how uncomfortable they are. Meanwhile, you raise an interesting point here. You suggest us to own a pair of our own 3-D glasses that we use at home -- which we can bring to theaters. Hmmm. That means, whatever 3-D technology our new TV set deploys in the future needs to be compatible with 3-D format used in theaters. No wonder many in the 3-D technology business see the CES this week in Vegas as a do-or-die event.
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