Why is 3D Important?

Grant's Perspective on ... why 3D is important and the need to go big.

2010 has been bursting with the recent development of 3D technology. InfoComm was no different. 3D was everywhere.

I've read some blogs stating that 3D is not a big deal. I put some thought into this while viewing the display booths and have come to the conclusion that for many people 3D is big.

If you work in education, 3D is worth investigating. Anything you would like to learn without actually doing it, is right for 3D, from training photocopier repair technicians, engine assembly, to medical procedures.  The Texas Instrument website has some great background information on 3D in the classroom.

Product development and customization is ready for 3D. People who develop 3D Auto CAD illustrations can now view in stereoscopic form. Be it a widget or a custom virtual tour of a new building, 3D can help speed the product development and approval process.

Exploration can be assisted with the use of 3D. The oil and mining industries perform siesmic exploration and produce accurate 3D maps of the resources under the earth without drilling for samples. Going in the other direction, astronomy is using 3D to better understand space.

3D is happening now, I have personally been involved in several 3D projects in the last year.

I also have been asked how big should a 3D screen be? Larger than a regular monitor because the screen should encompass the viewers peripheral vision. Common 2D thinking recommends that a person should sit 3 times the height of the monitor away. To view 3D you need to be closer so bigger is better.

I'm sure I'll be posting more on 3D so I welcome any questions and comments you have!

Grant