3D Stereo Film and Video Production FAQ
What is Stereo3D and how is it different from "3D"?
Stereoscopic (Stereo3D) describes an image which has all of the dimensional attributes as in the "real world". A stereoscopic image requires two eyes to view it, as each eye is provided with a slightly different perspective of the same object(s). The slightly differing perspective views are combined by the brain into a single, true stereoscopic image. A 3D camera has two lenses, one for each eye's perspective.What's the big difference between 3D production and standard video production?Today, 3D is a term which is also used to describe computer generated graphics having the appearance of possessing three dimensional perspectives. Two eyes are not required for viewing 3D computer graphics--though 3D computer graphics can be generated in stereoscopic views, for a full depth perception effect for use in your 3D Stereo production. The term 3D was first coined by newspaper ad men in the 1950's and used to describe the three-dimensional movies Hollywood was turning out. By abbreviating three-dimensional to 3-D, there was more room for the hype and photos.
Differences are usually limited to 3D photographic technique and some of the equipment used. Techniques include camera placement for best 3D effect, camera movement to emphasize the dimensional attributes and directing the foreground to background relationships. Sometimes more light is required because most of the subjects making up the scene must all be in focus (3D doesn't work as well when some subjects are out of focus).Does a S3D production cost twice as much as a standard 2D video?
No! Naturally, costs vary with each project, however, the cost difference is rarely more than 20% below-the-line. The added cost is for some specialized equipment and personnel. Also, 3D takes a little more time to produce because there is an additional optical axis to consider. "X" represents horizontal, "Y" represents vertical and the "Z" axis represents the depth. It's the "Z" axis that produces the dramatic off-screen effects.What kind of special equipment is required to produce Stereo3D?
The prime difference is the 3D cameras, routing cables and some specialized processing and monitoring gear. (all supplied by Stereomedia). Audio, grip equipment and most production support equipment remains the same as for any flat production.Is special videotape used to produce or duplicate 3D video?
No! Standard video tape is used with standard NTSC video recorders; Betacam SP, DV Cam, DV Pro, Digital Betacam, etc. The difference is with the cameras and the way the video is recorded. Playback tape can include standard: VHS, Hi-8, Mini-DV, DVD, etc.Can a standard 2D video be made from a S3D video?
Yes! There are two ways to achieve this, one better than the other. When two-deck recording is employed, two-separate 2D video signals are recorded (and combined into 3D in the post- production phase). When a single deck is employed, the resulting field-sequential signal may later be de-multiplexed to produce a single eye, 2D perspective. This second method will sometimes cause tiny artifacts and careful consideration should be taken at the beginning of production to determine whether or not these artifacts are tolerable.Is Stereo3D post-production drastically different than standard 2D?
No! Post production is practically the same. There are of course some exceptions, but those are generally when digital effects are introduced. Slo-mo's, reverses, flips, etc., sometimes need to be handled differently. Stereomedia is familiar with most post-production problems and has developed quick solutions to solve them.What are some of the ways Stereo3D video can be viewed?
There are two basic formats; active & passive. Both require a device to be used between the viewer and what is being viewed. Generally speaking, Stereo3D video may be viewed in four ways: 1.) Disneyland-type polarized glasses are used when projected onto a large screen, 2.) viewing on standard home TV monitors or computer screens require LCD eyewear. Method 3.) is using head-mounted display hardware (HMD's), and 4.) autostereoscopic displays, which required no glasses to view the Stereo3D effect. See the "Display Methods" page for details.What do I need to present Stereo3D video to an audience?
Watching a Stereo3D presentation is always an event, regardless of where its presented and the more control the presenter has over the environment, the better chances of a successful presentation. The best method is determined by the size of the audience.Can a standard video be "converted" to a Stereo3D video?One-on-one presentations often require only a darkened room, VCR and a standard television set (some restrictions apply). Since polarized glasses will not work with television monitors, 3D would be viewed using liquid-crystal shutter glasses. Two basic types of LC shutter glasses are available: tethered glasses that plug into to a small decoder box, or wireless using a small infrared "transmitter".
Projecting Stereo3D video to small and large groups can be done in a variety of ways, and both examples use simple, inexpensive polarized glasses. For audiences of 8-25, there are small, table-top 3D projectors. More powerful versions for larger groups, up to 2,000 people or more. Both rear-projection and front-projection techniques are available.
We have assisted many customers with the "display" portion of the medium. Projected single or twin, on standard and multi-scan monitors using both active and passive glasses. There are a number of techniques and some special electronics needed for certain types of displays. See the "Display Methods" page for details.
Yes, although it's quite expensive, very labor intensive and the effect is often not as dramatic as true 3D. Stereomedia is able to "process" and convert existing 2D footage into Stereo3D through the use of sophisticated computer programs. Computer animations are the easiest to recreate as Stereo3D, if the producer as access to the original 3D models and animation files.What about 3D HDTV?
Producing a project in high definition video is similar to producing a 3DStereo project in 2D. Costs are naturally greater because of the greater cost of HD production gear. Often it is more cost effective to shoot on 3D film cameras and transfer to HD for excellent results. The same projection considerations apply as almost all projectors now are HD capable.