Have you had an object appear to jump at you from the screen? That’s 3D!
Over the years, filmmakers and digital content producers have explored the possibilities of 3D video. This has resulted in the popularity of 3D media.
Due to this growth, there is a need for mediums that consumers can use to view this content. Devices that are 3D compatible are in demand.
Projectors are widely used due to their image enlargement and fine viewing experience. So, they have taken advantage of this demand.
There are now 3D compatible projectors being manufactured. Such 3D-ready and Full 3D projectors have risen to cater to the market demand.
What does 3D ready mean? How is it different from a 3D projector? Which should you buy?
This article has been put together to answer these questions. It will help you to decide which type is better suited for you.
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How Do 3D Projectors Work?
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3D projectors map three-dimensional data onto two-dimensional surfaces. These surfaces include walls or screens.
Images from a 3D projection allow viewers to perceive a form of depth. This is unlike images from traditional projectors.
This feeling of depth boosts the viewing experience. It lets the audience experience the projected media as if it was a simulation of a real-time event.
To create the simulation of depth, two almost identical images are simultaneously projected onto the screen. This is called stereoscopy.
3D viewing requires a pair of 3D glasses. These glasses allow you to see both images with each eye by filtering polarity.
These 3D glasses sometimes come with the projector or can be bought separately. They are needed to maximize the viewing experience.
What is the Difference Between Full 3D and 3D Ready Projectors?
Like its 2D counterpart, 3D projectors are manufactured using display technologies such as the Digital Light Processing (DLP) and 3-Liquid Crystal Display (3LCD).
However, 3D projectors are able to accept and project a different data stream type. The data can be in different formats.
The format is the type of signal used to send 3D content from a source to the projector.
Projectors receive 3D content in many stereoscopic transmission formats. The most common are: Checkerboard, Frame Sequential, Side-by-Side and Frame Packing.
The difference between Full 3D and 3D ready projectors is in the kind of stereoscopic format they accept.
3D Ready Projector
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It is often difficult to tell if a projector supports 3D viewing. There is no standard terminology that is approved by any industrial body or association.
The “3D Ready” label is the easiest way to know if a projector supports 3D viewing.
3D ready projectors only accept the Frame Sequential input format. This is one of the four major formats for 3D data transmission.
The Frame Sequential format sends out 120 frames of a full resolution image every second. This is one of the simplest forms of 3D.
The 3D ready design targets a reduction in the cost of production. This is why it offers the least expensive 3D transmission format.
3D ready projectors will only accept data from devices that support HDMI input and transmit on the Frame Sequential signal.
This means that 3D-ready projectors cannot project 3D content from every 3D compatible device (i.e. set-top boxes or Blu-ray 3D players) due to its input format type.
Full 3D Projectors
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It is common to see brands describe their projectors as “3D”, “Full 3D” or “Full HD 3D”.
There’s one major difference between the Full 3D and 3D-ready projector. This is how many 3D input formats a Full 3D projector can support.
Full 3D Projectors are capable of accepting 3D data in any of the four input formats. They can be used with any 3D-compatible device regardless of its input format.
This means that the Full 3D projectors are compatible with HDMI devices or Blu-ray 3D players.
Summarily, the difference between 3D readiness and Full 3D is in their 3D projection abilities. One is limited while the other is not.
“Full HD 3D” is a marketing term that means a projector supports the Full HD resolution and is also 3D ready.
Full 3D projectors offer versatile 3D projection while Full HD 3D projectors offer 3D projection in full HD resolution.
What Does 3D Compatible Mean?
If a device is said to be 3D compatible, this means that it supports 3D viewing.
3D compatible devices are able to receive data in any or either of the 3D input formats. They are also able to display the 3D content on a screen.
With 3D compatible devices, the 3D glasses will function properly to simulate the 3D experience.
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The 3D glasses will have no effect on the display output from devices that aren’t 3D compatible or media that isn’t transmitted via a 3D format.
It is important to verify that your device is 3D compatible before making a purchase by looking through the specifications stated by the manufacturer.
FAQs
1. Can I Play 3D movies on my projector?
You can only play 3D movies on a 3D-compatible projector. A normal projector will be unable to interpret or project 3D images.
If you already have a 3D-compatible projector, you have to be sure which type it is.
Full 3D and 3D ready projectors only differ by the input formats they accept. 3D content generally has four transmission formats.
3D projectors are able to accept input in any format. 3D ready projectors on the other hand, are able to accept input in just one format.
Your ability to play 3D movies depends on the type of projector. A 3D-ready projector is only compatible with devices that support HDMI input and transmit in the Frame Sequential format.
2. Is a 3D projector worth it?
Yes, the viewing experience gained when you pair your 3D projector with 3D glasses is unmatched.
Video content has transformed over the years. Now, it is now possible to experience more depth as a viewer.
Movies and videos have gone beyond merely watching as images transform on the screen. Now the experience is deeply immersive.
Everyone should experience this.
3. Can I use a 3D projector without glasses?
To enjoy the 3D experience, it is necessary to use 3D glasses. Without them, your 3D projector is as good as 2D.
The 3D glasses are what enable you to see the two different images with each eye. Then your brain interprets them as one, adding the illusion of depth.
Conclusion
It is now possible to experience wholesome depth while projecting a movie. This has been made possible with the aid of real-time simulations.
This viewing experience can only be accessed using 3D compatible projectors. You’ll also need your projection screen.
It is important to distinguish the different categories of projector 3D compatibility. This guides buyers to making the right choice.
Chances are what you need is a Full 3D projector and not just a 3D ready projector.
Vance is a dad, former software engineer, and tech lover. Knowing how a computer works becomes handy when he builds Pointer Clicker. His quest is to make tech more accessible for non-techie users. When not working with his team, you can find him caring for his son and gaming.