Convincing The Tech Guy That 3D is Unstoppable
I
attended NAB (National Association of Broadcasters Convention) in Las Vegas last
week. While there I was interviewed by Leo
Laporte on TWiT Netcast (minute 44) on the topic of Legend3D and the future of 3D in
general. Like many of my fellow geeks,
I’m a longtime fan of Leo and a regular listener. His weekend show, "The Tech
Guy" on KFI reaches millions of listeners nationally and he has a
strong international following as well.
My primary interest in meeting Leo was to address his extreme pessimism
over the viability of 3D in theatrical and home entertainment. During our conversation, I found it particularly
interesting that Leo admitted having strabismus (crossed eyed or wall eyed) that
would naturally limit his perception and appreciation of 3D in feature
films. He further admitted that he had
to concentrate to see stereo in 3D theaters.
I explained to Leo that if he has to concentrate in order to perceive
stereo in a 3D movie, it likely takes away from his whole entertainment
experience. Bottom line, it’s no wonder
Leo Laporte is not particularly enamored with 3D entertainment.
In
my previous blogs, “People
Who Hate 3D Movies Should Have Their Eyes Examined” and “How
Hugo Gave One Neuroscientist The Gift of Stereo-Vision,” I specifically address
Leo’s condition of strabismus but the primary message is the fact that no two
people experience 3D in quite the same way and that common optometric
corrections for nearsightedness can seriously limit stereo perception. In the posts I assert that many film critics
who are negatively biased against 3D or who say that 3D added nothing to a
particular film might have vision problems that limit their stereovision. I can
relate as I too had a problem with partial stereo-blindness; however, through proper
optical correction I was able to achieve perfect stereovision.
During
the interview, some of the fellow geeks in Leo’s very active chat room commented
that they were not convinced by my argument.
Of course, I wouldn’t expect Leophiles to put forth anything other than Leo’s
party line. But that’s what makes this
argument so challenging and enjoyable. If you understand the current position
and strategy of the consumer electronics industries, you’ll understand that 3D
is inevitable and unstoppable. Product turnover in the category of home
entertainment is totally dependent on 3D moving forward and 3D is expected to
be standard on cell phones, tablets and laptops. Increased resolution will not sell new TVs and
bigger TVs will no longer entice consumers.
Something radical is needed to continue fueling growth and 3D is as
radical as it comes.
I
must admit that when Leo mentioned that he did not like wearing glasses while
watching 3D, I had to laugh as I looked at him sitting across from me wearing
corrective glasses. It’s amazing how
jaded people are about wearing glasses in a theater during a 3D movie yet many
of them wear glasses all day long including when they are at home watching TV
or in a theater. Many also wear sunglasses
for the purpose of cutting down brightness. I believe it’s a mob mentality when
it comes to negative feelings about the glasses. People hear that it’s a
negative so they naturally assume it’s a negative. In my blog, “Engaged
in 2D and Immersed in 3D” I discuss how 3D glasses can actually enhance the
3D movie experience.
There
was a great deal of 3D at the show including many 3D camera rigs as well as
3D editing and conversion software. There were also several glassless displays
exhibited. While there was a considerable amount of 3D technology at the show, there
was a lack of emphasis specifically on 3D, as Leo noted. I saw this as a critical stage in the
adoption of 3D. This was a professional show and it’s clear that 3D is now well
integrated within the general offerings of various companies. On the other hand, if you attended CES this
year you’ll understand that 3D was inescapable. It was
everywhere you looked at CES.
At
the tail end of the interview, Leo suggested having me on his show for a
healthy debate on the viability of 3D. He reiterated that suggestion on “The
Tech Guy” last Saturday and also suggested to Scott Wilkinson that he have me
on his show, "Home
Theater Geeks" to discuss the latest in 3D technology and
entertainment. I welcome both opportunities
to get the word out that 3D is here to stay. To quote Cameron, “the
3D toothpaste will never go back in the tube.”
