3D TV to go mainstream soon

Researchers from ITU say that down the years, there would be such 3D systems that would accurately mimic the way our eyes and brains perceive the visual world. They call it the 'stereposcopic 3D' technology, and are certain that soon viewers would be watching their favourite programs and even feature films in 3D.

The study group has outlined the future of television, citing three kinds of 3D TVs which they call as three generations of 3D television.

The first generation — 'plano-stereoscopic television' — calls for two views to be delivered to viewers’ TV sets. Wearing special glasses similar to those used to watch 3D cinema, viewers will be able to see depth in the picture, although the view will remain the same when they move their heads (in real life, our view changes when we move our heads).

The second generation will provide for multiple views, with head movement changing the view, for a viewing experience that more closely mimics real life.

The third generation will feature systems that record the amplitude, frequency, and phase of light waves, to reproduce almost completely human beings’ natural viewing environment. These kinds of highly advanced systems are technically some 15-20 years away.

"This new ITU report establishes a clear framework for the development of new types of systems that will totally change the way we experience broadcast and multimedia content," said Valery Timofeev, Director of ITU’s Radiocommunication Bureau. "It maps out an exciting vision that won’t just change the look of entertainment, but open up a whole range of exciting new possibilities in sectors from education and healthcare to traffic management."