Most people are familiar with stereoscopic 3D, which requires the viewer to wear special glasses. The effect is created by presenting the same two-dimensional image from two slightly different perspectives to the left and right eye, separately.

Stereoscopic display can be achieved in various ways. Anaglyph techniques include the classic red-blue glasses, with two images in two colours viewed through lenses of the same colours. In alternate frame sequencing, liquid crystals in the lenses of the glasses momentarily block the viewing path, ensuring each eye sees only the image intended for it.

Still another technique is polarization, where two images are viewed through polarizing glasses that filter light in such a way that each eye sees a specific image.

But going forward with 3D technology, glasses are a barrier. People don't want them: carrying them around is a hassle and sharing them is unhygienic.
For these and other reasons - including expense - 3D stereo with glasses is no longer appealing to consumers.

Autostereoscopy delivers the same 3D effect, but without the glasses. This has actually existed for several years but is just now beginning to penetrate the commercial market. The effect requires a screen with extremely high resolution.

Manufacturers are now racing to develop such displays for tablets, smartphones and TVs, giving users the option of watching 3D movies and playing 3D games. As well, they're starting to offer devices with cameras designed for taking 3D photos and video.

In Canada, LG has released a 3D tablet, the Optimus Pad, as well as the Optimus 3D smartphone. HTC has also just released its new 3D smartphone, the Evo 3D. And - as we go to press - it's rumoured the next iPad and iPhone will have autostereoscopic display, too (they have already achieved a display resolution high enough!).

Keep an eye out for that and other pre-Christmas releases, when several more brands will bring 3D-capable products to market.

Our expert

Armand Cadieux's 20 years of experience as a professional designer and entrepreneur includes founding Spiral Art & Design and 3D Interactive Inc., a development studio that creates "serious games," or simulations for industrial training and other applications. Now that he's sold the company, Cadieux is a game design instructor with NAIT's Digital Media and IT program.