Panasonic Blog

In the first of our series on ‘Demystifying 3D’ we look at the some of the basics of 3D and how it works.

Why do we see in 3D?

Let’s go back to basics for a second. When we watch TV on a regular 2D screen the image appears flat, this is because it’s filmed with one camera and one lens, so it’s like watching the world with one eye shut. However the fact that we have two eyes allows us to see the world in 3D, this is due to an effect called ‘stereopsis’, which gives us ‘stereoscopic’ vision. ‘Stereoscopic’ vision gives us the ability to see depth -- basically, each of your eyes sees a slightly different image of the same scene. Your brain analyzes and processes the differences between the two images to reconstruct spatial conditions, enabling you to see things with three-dimensional depth.

To explain this effect here is the Colin Harm, Panasonic Australia, Training Manager

You can try this excercise on yourself and see the effect for yourself, just follow these instructions:

• Place your finger just a few centimetres in front of your eyes and shut your left and right eye alternately. You’ll see the object changes (or rather, the finger moves).
• Now try it with the arm fully extended. Again the object changes, but not quite as much. If you look at the same finger, say 20 metres away, it will hardly change or move. To put it simply, it’s the combined work of both the left and right eye which allows us to see two images as one and therefore to see life in 3D.

As you can see from the experiment the closer the object is to the eyes the greater the distance between the left and right eye the greater the 3D effect appears.

This is the first in our ‘Demystifying’ 3D series, the next installment will focus on 3D facts.

To read more posts on 3D click here

Following the announcement of our ground breaking partnership with channel 7 to broadcast the 2010 Grand Final in 3D, here are full details on how to watch it

• The transmission will carry 3D video content in H.264 (MPEG-4) format and only specific 3DTV receivers will be capable of decoding the signal and displaying the video content in stereoscopic format. The transmission will commence on or after midnight on 18 September 2010 until 8th October 2010.
• The service will be a temporary scientific test transmission of 3DTV (stereoscopic video format).

Panasonic 3D A1 Full HD 3D Camcorders used to film Australia’s first ever 3D wedding

We’re proud to have Panasonic 3D video cameras film Australia’s first ever wedding in 3D at the end of July. We teamed up with the great people at ‘Abraham Joffe Videographers’ to capture one couples special day completely in 3D.
The project wasn’t without it’s sceptics however, even within the film crew, who weren’t sure how 3D fit into their industry but were soon converted.

“Like many people I was pretty sceptical about 3D and whether we would be using it anytime soon…..then I actually saw a demo of Panasonic’s new 3D A1 camera up at video craft and was pretty blown away by what I saw”
Abraham Joffe, Abraham Joffe Videography

We’re hugely proud to announce that we are releasing the worlds first 3D Camcorder in September

In an exciting step forward for 3D technology, we are excited to today announce the world’s first consumer 3D camcorder, due to hit stores in late September. The HDC-SDT750 lets you easily capture and create 3D movies of family and friends by simply attaching a 3D conversion lens.

Incorporating Panasonic broadcast technology, this new 3MOS System camcorder lets users create their own vivid, lifelike 3D movies – something that only professional movie producers were previously able to do – and then enjoy watching them at home on their 3DTV.

“This exciting new technology means that capturing 3D footage no longer needs to be left to the professionals. Users can now capture their own memories and see them come to life in immersive lifelike images right in their own loungeroom. This further expands the enjoyment of 3D in the home.”
Sophie Barton, Group Marketing Manager, Audio Visual, Panasonic Australia

Panasonic’s new Full HD 3D Camcorder, the AG-3DA1, contributes to the worlds first free to air 3D broadcast

The world’s first free-to-air 3D broadcast, which was transmitted throughout Australia in the early hours of this morning, contained footage shot on a revolutionary new Panasonic camcorder.

“This is a historic moment for television, not only in Australia but for the world. We are delighted that we have the opportunity to share in it and position Panasonic as a leader in 3D technology from day one.”
Mathew Alexander, Product Manager, Broadcast, Panasonic Australia

Panasonic Australia provided broadcasters with a five-minute clip of scenic views for 3D test transmissions, which was screened from 12AM – the first time 3D content has been beamed to homes in Australia. Test transmissions will run for a period of nine weeks and include a number of upcoming sporting events.