Simulated 3D: Does it Work?

At this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, several TV set manufacturers exhibited 3D TV sets they plan to introduce later this year.  And a few of them offered a new feature that they presumably believe will help fill a short-term void in 3D programming and encourage consumers to buy a new 3D set: simulated 3D.

This approach is quite different from what Hollywood's studios do when they have their most skilled production talent go back into their archives (think Titanic, Star Wars) and painstakingly hand craft, with the use of very high-end processors, new 3D titles. (And, it's not just catalog. As I understand it, Disney's G-Force was originally shot in 2D only but then processed in 3D for theatrical distribution)

The new TVs with the simulated-3D feature will, in a sense, upconvert existing 2D images to 3D, and do so in real time with a built-in processor.  The aim, as one manufacturer said, is to let you watch "everything" in 3D, even before everything is actually in 3D.

Panasonic will not be offering this technology. Not because we can't, but because we strongly believe that simulated 3D, like simulated stereo or HDTV, is never as good as the real thing. If it's shot in traditional 2D, keep it that way and play it back in glorious high-definition! However if it's shot in 3D let's see it the way it was intended and created. How many people do you know who colorize their family or other personal photos from black and white to colour? Likewise, do any take their standard definition camcorder video and bump it up to high definition?  Not many, I would think.

In the world of 3D, it's more than just display resolution. Creating quality 3D imagery is a complex process. Camera angles and framing need to be optimized to create a compelling 3D effect; certain scenes and movements don't lend themselves to 3D and can possibly even result in eyestrain.

While it's certainly technically possible to create a simulated 3D effect in the TV using processing algorithms, the versions I've seen look nothing like real 3D. Instead of three dimensional objects in three dimensional space, the images often more resemble the dioramas we made as kids, with flat planes suspended in three dimensions. Some portions of the image will disproportionally stick out. With a small processor, there will be compromises and judgement calls that will be made that will inevitably affect the image.

Panasonic strongly believes that when creating 3D, it's necessary to put our best foot forward, and not take any shortcuts that could turn some people off to 3D. Our goal is to bring the magic of Hollywood to the home pristine and intact without alterations and, as much as possible, accurately represent the artist's vision. To do that, we need to insure that we do the best possible 3D work we can, at all times. And that is what we will do.