3D video projection is becoming increasingly popular with cinema and immersive entertainment fans. Since 3D was discontinued on TVs, projectors are still the only way to enjoy a three-dimensional picture at home. They enable you to recreate the movie theater experience, with a very large 3D image that accentuates immersion in the film or documentary.
How does 3D video projection work?
The principle of 3D projection is based on the display of separate images for each eye. A compatible projector will broadcast a high-frequency image for the left eye, followed by one for the right. Thanks to specially adapted glasses, each eye only perceives the intended image. The brain then reconstructs a single 3D image, creating the depth typical of 3D content.
There are two main techniques used by 3D projectors. The active process, which requires electronic shutter glasses synchronized with the projector. And the passive process, which works with polarized glasses similar to those used in cinemas. The active system is still the most widely used for home projection, as it delivers a brighter, better-defined picture, even for very large images.
The benefits of 3D projectors
3D projection provides a higher level of immersion than conventional 2D projection. It gives the impression of being right at the heart of the action, with startling depth and splash effects, reinforcing the visual impact of films and documentaries. On an XXL image, these effects are all the more spectacular as they use the full width and height of the screen.
What’s more, today’s 3D projectors are capable of delivering outstanding picture quality, with high contrast, accurate colors and excellent fluidity. Some models also offer specific optimization technologies, such as image interpolation, which enhances the sharpness of fast-moving scenes, or HDR processing, which improves the dynamic range and richness of 3D content.
What equipment do you need to enjoy 3D videoprojection?
To enjoy an immersive 3D experience at home, you need a compatible projector, 3D Blu-ray player or other source designed for this type of content, as well as glasses adapted to the technology used. Some 3D projectors incorporate an RF or infrared transmitter to automatically synchronize 3D glasses. Others use DLP Link technology, widely used on DLP projectors.
DLP Link works simply and conveniently: the projector emits a synchronization signal to the screen that is invisible to the naked eye, usually in the pure white light spectrum. DLP Link glasses detect this signal each time the image changes, and synchronize the opening and closing of the glasses with the projector’s display rhythm. The advantage of this solution is that no external transmitter is required, since everything is transmitted directly by the projected light. It ensures efficient and stable synchronization, as long as the user remains facing the screen.
Finally, we recommend the use of a quality projection screen, with a reflective surface that optimizes image brightness and contrast, to take full advantage of the depth effects offered by 3D. A well-prepared room, with controlled lighting, also helps reinforce the immersive effect.
Discover our selection of 3D-compatible projectors
Would you like to enjoy a unique immersive experience with a very large 3D image? Discover our selection of 3D-compatible projectors to transform your living room into a real cinema.
Frequently asked questions about 3D projectors
3D videoprojection is based on the display of different images for each eye, to create the illusion of relief and depth. The projector broadcasts a high-frequency image for the left eye, followed by another for the right. These images are synchronized with 3D glasses that filter the image for each eye. The brain then reconstructs a single three-dimensional image. Depending on the model, 3D can work with so-called active or passive technologies, the most common in videoprojection being active glasses.
Yes, you do need to wear special glasses to see the 3D effects of a 3D projector. These glasses ensure synchronization between the images projected by the projector and each eye, thereby recreating depth perception. Without them, the image will appear blurred or doubled.
Yes, a 3D projector is perfectly capable of displaying 2D content, without the need for any special equipment. It works just like any conventional projector, with no need for glasses.
To enjoy 3D videoprojection, you need a 3D-compatible projector, glasses adapted to the technology used, a compatible video source (3D Blu-ray player, console or PC), and suitable HDMI cables. A conventional projection screen may be suitable, but a high-quality model will enhance the picture.
It is not mandatory to use a specific screen for 3D projection. However, a neutral or slightly positive gain screen can improve brightness and contrast, which benefits the immersive experience.
Home projectors use only active 3D technology. This means you need glasses with electronic shutters, capable of synchronizing with the projector. DLP projectors require DLP Link glasses: these capture the synchronization signal directly from the projected image. Some projectors incorporate an RF or IR transmitter to synchronize 3D glasses with RF or IR receivers. It is therefore advisable to check which type is compatible with the projector before purchase.
DLP Link is a synchronization system used by DLP projectors for active 3D glasses. It works by projecting a signal directly onto the screen, invisible to the naked eye, which is then picked up by the glasses, synchronizing the shutter of the lenses with the projected image. This eliminates the need for an external transmitter.
Yes, the source must be 3D-compatible. A Blu-ray player must support 3D Blu-ray discs, a PC must be equipped with a compatible graphics card and suitable playback software, and the broadcast content must also be designed for 3D.
As far as 3D gaming is concerned, it’s important to note that there are no longer any stereoscopic 3D games being developed or marketed today. This feature has been abandoned by manufacturers. At the time, the PlayStation 3 offered several titles that used stereoscopic 3D, such as Gran Turismo 5, Uncharted 3, Killzone 3 and WipEout HD. On PCs, some games were also compatible via NVIDIA 3D Vision technology, now also discontinued.
HDMI cables certified “High Speed” are perfectly suited to the transmission of 3D signals.
Today, you can watch mainly 3D Blu-ray movies, and some 3D videos are available on physical media or via streaming. Some PS3 and PC video games have also been developed in 3D.
No, streaming services like Netflix no longer offer 3D movies, and TV channels have also abandoned this type of broadcast. So you’ll have to turn to 3D Blu-ray discs or locally stored files.
Some models offer automatic conversion from 2D to pseudo-3D. However, the result is often limited and less convincing than true native 3D content.
The catalog of 3D films has shrunk over time, but there are still many titles on 3D Blu-ray, including animated films, blockbusters and certain documentaries. These discs are still available from specialist retailers and on the second-hand market.
The rainbow effect is a visual phenomenon perceived by some people on DLP color wheel projectors. It manifests itself as brief bursts of color, especially on high-contrast images. It does not affect everyone and remains limited on recent models, but it can be annoying for some viewers.
3D at home lets you rediscover the experience of the movie theater, with a very large, immersive picture and spectacular depth effects. It offers a more engaging experience for action films, documentaries or animated movies, while enhancing the realism of scenes.
The 3D experience requires glasses, which may not be suitable for everyone. What’s more, image brightness is often reduced compared to 2D projection. The catalog of available content has shrunk considerably in recent years, and the technology is now rarer in consumer devices.
Yes, some people may experience visual discomfort, fatigue or headaches after a prolonged 3D session, particularly in the case of poorly synchronized glasses, images that are too dark or poor calibration. However, this varies from one viewer to another.
