Why an History of 3D?

The box-office success of stereoscopic 3D blockbusters, such as James Cameron’s Avatar and Disney’s Up, showcased the impressive capabilities of modern 3D technology to cinema audiences worldwide, and demonstrated that the public was eager for more 3D experiences. Following the success of these films, 3D televisions emerged, allowing viewers to enjoy the power of 3D from the comfort of their living rooms.

Technology shows no signs of slowing down, with the current buzz centered around 3D gaming. While it’s impossible to deny that technology has advanced significantly in recent years, it would be inaccurate to claim that stereoscopic 3D is a brand-new concept.

Stereoscopic 3D images have existed since the 19th century. By using a pair of 2-dimensional images taken from slightly different perspectives, a 3D illusion could be created, enhancing depth perception in the brain through either a binocular-like viewing device or lenticular paper.

The next significant breakthrough in 3D technology came with the invention of “3D glasses,” which, when worn, could create the illusion of a 3-dimensional image. Of course, these glasses only worked when viewing “anaglyphic” images, but the technology was impressive enough to lead to the development of the first 3D films.

While these films were popular at the time, particularly in the 1950s, the technology behind them was quite rudimentary. Many viewers complained of headaches and nausea, leading to a decline in the format’s popularity.

However, the success of IMAX technology from the late 1990s onward reignited people’s interest in the format, paving the way for “Digital 3D” and the recent wave of cinematic blockbusters.

The release of 3D TVs soon followed, with dedicated 3D channels now enabling viewers to utilize the technology in their own homes. As the technology is still in its early stages, the number of channels available for viewing on 3D TVs is steadily increasing.

With the advent of 3D TVs comes the rise of 3D gaming. Sony’s PlayStation 3 supports 3D gaming, and games such as Super Stardust HD, PAIN, and WipEout are already playable in PlayStation 3D. Similarly, Microsoft’s Xbox has plans to support 3D gaming, and Nintendo has unveiled the 3DS, the world’s first handheld 3D gaming console that operates without special glasses.

However, like 3D movies, 3D gaming is not an entirely new concept either. The technique was previously attempted, with systems like Nintendo’s Virtual Boy creating a 3-dimensional world for gamers as far back as 1995. Unfortunately, the technology did not take off as hoped, and the product was discontinued less than a year after its launch.

The technology behind current systems is far superior, and it is reasonable to assume that 3D gaming, like 3D TV and movies, is here to stay.