As a key contributor to stereoscopic 3D (S3D) technology, I am meticulous about ensuring the quality of the S3D experience. I define S3D quality as follows:

Technically,

1) The experience must be sufficiently comfortable so that the technology disappears. The system must generate comfortable images, and the user should ideally forget they are wearing eyewear. Eyestrain is not acceptable. Ever try to watch a terrific film with a migraine? People pay to get rid of headaches, not to get them.

2) The image must hold together. Does it hold stereoscopic depth and look “solid,” when coming out of, or receding into, the display surface?

3) Consistency. Perceived color, brightness, contrast and resolution must be similar that of a 2D system.

4) There must be life-like stereoscopic depth, along a smooth continuum (vs. layers, or a “cardboard” effect).

Once these are achieved, the S3D experience for the viewer must be seen (literally) as adding significant value to the intimacy and richness of the overall experience. So far, the S3D industry has fallen short of achieving this level of technical quality, and has only begun to touch on embracing the S3D medium as a valuable visual language.

I will further develop these concepts in subsequent posts… Stay tuned!

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