History of 3D Animation
3D images have been around in photography and film for a long time. In fact, before WWII 3D images in films were very popular. Recently with renewed interest and amazing advances in technology the 3D genre is once again being explored. The only difference is now it really works. 3D can add dramatic effects to movies that were not thought possible in the past.
In 300 BC Euclid’s experimented with 3D geometry. Later renaissance man Leonardo Da Vinci worked on creating images that were three-dimensional. In 1844 David Brewster created a device that could see a 2D image in 3D. This device was the stereoscope. After which the stereoscopic camera began to catch on, but camera trends quickly faded back to the black and white imagery.
With the advent of the stereoscopic camera 3D movies were developed. In 1855 a 3D camera based on stereoscopic principals was invented it was called the Kinematoscope. In 1922 the very first 3D movie was shown it was called “Power Of Love”. This movie was produced using a “anaglyph process” in which scenes are printed in two different colors and viewed by special glasses.
During the 1950′s the household television became a household word and the 3D movie craze caught on as well. Some popular 3D movies were; “Robinson Crusoe” in 1947, “Bwana Devil” in 1952, and “House of Wax” in 1953. Since 3D technology was not evolved enough for a true 3D viewing experience, the 3D movie fad eventually died out.
In the 1990′s there were some 3D TV viewing experiments done, but they were mostly hype designed to improve ratings since to view true 3D the proper equipment is required. Although now 3D is not only making a comeback, but it is more of a true introduction because now we have the capability for a true 3D TV viewing experience.
Newer television sets with a refresh rate of 120HZ and at least HDMI 1.4 should be 3D compatible, but the big name manufacturers are working on delivering true 3D TVs to homes everywhere. Samsung and Mitsubishi have been on the forefront of 3D HD TV production. Toshiba, Sony, LG and Panasonic are also launching their own 3D TV versions. Phillips is in the process of developing a 3D TV that doesn’t require glasses.
Time will tell what 3D TV standard will win this race, but the writing on the wall seems to say that 3D TV is here to stay.
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