By: Patrick Bedall

The next 3D boom is here, and it looks like it is here to stay.  Are you one of the many people who have watched a 3D program and thought about how you could put it to work for your business?  If you are, you were probably thinking that it is way too expensive and complex for anyone except a Hollywood film studio.  Well, if that is your thought, then you will be happy to know that 3D can be a cost effective solution for capturing a great number of eyes for your product or your company.   In addition, recent industry testing has shown that using 3D video for training can increase retention by close to 30%.  Those who work in the training field know that is not a small increase. 

When talking about 3D for business purposes, the key point to remember is that you must control the viewing experience.  When we say "control the viewing experience" we mean that you must provide your viewer with a 3D monitor and the 3D glasses.  Continue reading.....

 By: Patrick Bedall

3D video is shot with 2 cameras; one camera represents the left eye, and one represents the right eye.  The relationship between these 2 cameras gives you the 3D experience.  Due to the additional setup and adjustments during production, you can expect to spend at least 50% longer shooting a 3D show, maybe more depending on the show. The post production process starts much the same as with 2D.  The show is edited for content using the "left eye" camera, and graphics are added.  Once the 2D show is approved, you begin the 3D process by adding the right eye and making the 3D adjustments.  Due to the additional steps the post production process will take much longer, maybe twice as long or even longer.  During 3D viewing a separate image is sent to the left and right eyes.  Each image has a slightly different perspective, just like is perceived by the 2 human eyes.  Currently the only affordable way to deliver a separate image to the left and right eyes is through the use of 3D glasses.  In the old days, it was the blue and red anaglyph glasses.   Just in the past few months manufacturers have come out with consumer 3D sets that use the inexpensive polarized glasses.   Technology is also starting to become available that enables 3D viewing without the use of glasses.  This technology is known as "autostereoscopic".  It may be a few years before this technology is affordable in the consumer market.