3D TV Basics

Q: What is 3D TV Technology for the Home?
A: 3D television is a display technology that enables viewers in the home to experience broadcast TV, movies and video games in what is referred to as a stereoscopic effect. It relies on the use of stereopsis or separation (more commonly known in 3D viewing as parallax), to add the illusion of a third dimension to an otherwise two-dimensional flat image. This illusion is created by simultaneously displaying two separate full-size but slightly different images of the same scene - one for the left eye and the other for the right eye. The differences in the two images are intended to mimic in very simple terms, the way the human vision system sees an object. The distance separating the eyes of a human being - referred to as interpupillary distance - helps the eyes see objects from a slightly different angle, leading to two distinct images. The brain then processes these differences to generate among others, depth information to create the 3-dimensional image.
Q: Is 3D able to be seen by everyone?
A: No, approximately one million people in the United States suffer from “Stereo Blindness”. This condition prevents them from perceiving the intended depth of 3D entertainment experiences. With this condition, some people will see 3D programming in 2D with no physical problems, while others experience headaches, eye fatigue, motion sickness or other conditions
Q: If I get a 3D TV, do I need a separate TV for regular viewing (2D)?
A: No. Everything you watch on your regular TV you can also watch on a 3D TV. This might come as a pleasant surprise if you thought you could only watch the limited amount of 3D material that's been released so far. When you watch regular 2D video on a 3D TV, you won't have to wear 3D glasses and you won't see 3D effects. But you will see a superb picture because 3D screens are more technologically advanced, and produce the best-looking 2D pictures currently available.
Q: What is a "3D-ready " TV ?
A: A 3D-ready TV includes the necessary infrared (IR) emitter that sends control signals to compatible 3D glasses. The emitter is actually built into the TV bezel, so you can't see it. Keep in mind that certain 3D ready DLP TV's and 3D ready DLP projectors need an external emitter to work with active 3D shutter glasses.
Q: Why do I have to wear glasses to watch 3D?
A: A 3D TV alternates between "left eye" and "right eye" versions of an image very, very quickly. The glasses receive a signal (either DLP Link or IR depending on the technology) from your 3D TV, ensuring that the correct eye sees the correct image at all times. If you don't have the special "active shutter" 3D glasses, the image will look blurry.
Q: Whats the resolution I can expect to see with 3D?
A: At the moment, 3D Blu Ray's (using HDMI 1.4) are the highest resolution available at 1920 x 2160 with a 120 Hz refresh rate. That means that each eye is viewing its own full 1080p high-def image at 60 Hz each eye.
Q: How is 3D TV different from 3D at the movies?
A: Viewing 3D movies in a theater has always required the audience to wear some type of 3D glasses. For older movies, you may remember the two different colored lenses, typically red and blue, and color-coded film to create the 3D effect. This is actually called Anaglyph. More recent movies are based on 3D glasses with polarized lenses, which look more like standard sunglasses. The key to creating the 3D effect is to create slightly different perspectives for each eye. The difference with 3D TV is that you need "active" battery-powered shutter glasses, which can lighten or darken hundreds of times per second to alternately block out the left or right lens in coordination with the video frames flashing on screen. To anyone not wearing shutter glasses, a 3D TV picture will look blurry and distorted.

What do I need to make 3D happen in my home?

Q: What are the main components that make up 3D viewing in the home?
A: A TV or Projector designed for 3D. Any of the following technologies will work:
3D –ready / 3D Capable
LCD, LED-LCD, Plasma, DLP rear projection TV’s and DLP projectors -For 3D ready DLP rear projection TV’s you will need an outboard emitter since the 3D glasses protocol is DLP Link and not IR. This will connect to the 3D Sync port on the back of the TV. If the 3D ready DLP rear projection TV does not have a check board converter built in (3DA-1) you will need this out board box so the incoming source (either side by side or over/under) speaks the same language as the DLP TV (checkerboard)
-For 3D ready DLP projectors you will need to first ensure the projector has a 3D Sync port to connect an emitter. If not, you will need to use the XpanD X102 DLP Link active shutter glasses. If the projector does have a 3D sync port, you simply connect the XpanD external emitter to this sync port.
3D Blu Ray player
f your 3D Blu Ray player says "3D Ready", you may need to do a firmware upgrade. Most 3D Blu Ray players available are 3D compatible and are ready to play back a 3D Blu Ray without the need of an upgrade.
Play station 3
The Play station 3 could essentially replace the need for a 3D Blu Ray player due to a recent firmware update that allows the Play station 3 to display 3D for 3D LCD, LED-LCD and Plasma 3D TV’s.
Broadcast
Set top box. There are many set top boxes that are currently on the market capable of displaying 3D. Along with the various 3D channels available, you should be ready to enjoy your favorite program or sporting event in 3D. Please check with your local service provider to confirm if 3D is available in your area.

What is the deal with the 3D glasses?

Q: Why Universal glasses?
A: Standard 3D glasses only work with the brand of TV they’re compatible with – they are not universal. XPAND Universal 3D Glasses work with a variety of different 3D-ready television sets, computers, projectors and they also work in XPAND 3D-ready movie theaters (2800 locations worldwide). The Universal 3D Glasses are designed to deliver movies, games, pictures and graphics in the highest-quality 3D available today. They have comfortable, lightweight frames and are more durable than manufacturer glasses.
Q: How do the Xpand Universal 3D Glasses work?
A: The Universal 3D Glasses use active shutter technology. An IR signal from the TV (or movie theater installation) "tells" the glasses when to switch and view alternating images for the left and right eye. The switching is done so fast that you can’t see any flicker and everything looks like a continuous 3D image.
Q: Where else can I use my X103 Universal 3D active shutter glasses?
A: The glasses work with the following TV brands: LG, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, Sony, Sharp and Toshiba. A complete list of compatible TV models is available at: www.XPANDcinema.com/3dtv. As previously noted, some TV models require the use of an external IR emitter. If necessary, this information can be obtained from the TV manufacturer.
Q: Which laptops do the Xpand Universal 3D Glasses work with?
A: The glasses work with HP (available now) and Sony laptops (available March 2011) and will work with future AMD-based laptops to be announced. As of now, they are not compatible with the NVIDIA 3D Vision system.
Q: How do I turn the Xpand Universal 3D Glasses on and off?
A: Step 1 ON: Press button (1) once
Step 2 LED light (2) will change from off to bright
Step 3 OFF: Press button (1) once
Step 4 LED light (2) will change from bright to off
Q: How do I enable the X103 Universal 3D glasses to work with different 3D TV'S?
A: In order to function properly, the glasses have to be synced to the TV display. This is an easy procedure. Simply press the on button the correct number of times and an LED in the glasses will blink the appropriate number of times. Some examples include:
Samsung, Mitsubishi One blink
LG Two blinks
Sony* Three blinks
Sony laptops Three blinks
Panasonic, Toshiba, Sharp Four blinks
HP laptops Five blinks
Philips** Five blinks
XPAND Emitter Six blinks
JVC LCOS Projector Five blinks
* Please note that the lenses on the Sony glasses do not have an input polarizer. Due to that, the Sony glasses do not block any ambient light when the shutters are closed (they only block the light when it is coming from the screen). When the Universal Glasses shutters are closed, they block both the ambient light and the light coming from the screen. Additionally, a small yet observable fraction of the light coming from the screen is blocked by the input polarizer, which is why Sony glasses are slightly brighter than the Universal Glasses. If you are using a Sony 3D TV, it must be set to High Brightness mode (as opposed to Low Brightness or Automatic).
** Note: some TV models require the use of an external IR emitter. If necessary, this information can be obtained from the TV manufacturer.
Q: How are the Xpand Universal 3D Glasses powered?
A: The glasses are powered by a CR2032 battery that lasts up to 100 hours. Replacing the battery is simple and the batteries are available at a variety of retailers.
Q: How do I clean the Xpand Universal 3D Glasses?
A: Our 3D Glasses cleaning wipes are recommended for cleaning the glasses. They will soon be available on our web site, at our e-tailers and in stores. Otherwise, clean the glasses as you would any pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses.
Q: What are some of the key features of the Xpand Universal 3D Glasses?
A: Active shutter IR-based
Deliver full 1080p 3D resolution to both eyes
Wide 3D viewing angle for multiple viewers/players
Fast shuttering speed eliminates headaches, fatigue, and eyestrain
High transmission ratio provides bright images
Complete XPAND Universal 3D Glasses bundle includes glasses, two extra batteries, nose pieces and microfiber storage bag
Rugged, comfortable and flexible design
Q: Where can consumers buy XPAND Universal 3D Glasses?
A: The XPAND Universal 3D Glasses are available online and at retailers including Sears, Amazon.com, Tiger Direct, tru3d.com, 3dglassesunlimited.com, 3dstore.nl, Fry’s Electronics, CompUSA, Nebraska Furniture Mart, RC Willey, Bjorn’s and other major retailers in the U.S. The list of all resellers is available online.
Q: How much do the glasses cost?
A: The XPAND Universal 3D Glasses are available at a suggested retail price of $129.00
Q: What is the warranty on the X103 Universal Glasses?
A: The glasses carry a one-year limited product repair/replacement warranty. For a detailed warranty statement, please visit http://www.xpandcinema.com/warranty/.
Q: Should I have additional questions or need technical support, who should I contact?
A: Xpand technical support is available toll free at: 1-888-906-1190 or via email at: technicalsupport@xpandcinema.com