3D TV essential guide How 3D TV works

We perceive depth because the left eye and right eye are in different locations and each eye captures a subtly different image. 

The brain processes the two different images into a single image enabling us to perceive the world around us with a sense of depth.

The principle behind 3D TV is exactly the same – two different images are displayed and then shown to the left eye and right eye.

Footage of the same image is recorded from two slightly different perspectives, either from two different cameras, or a camera with two lenses.

The footage is interlaced into one image and broadcast. 3D-ready TVs are then able to separate the original 3D broadcast back into separate images. This is done either through polarisation, or rapidly flickering active shutter glasses.

They appear on screen as blurred images – but with the addition of 3D glasses, the separate images are directed to either the right eye or left eye, creating the impression of depth.

How 3D TV works video

The basic process behind 3D TV broadcasts. Two images are captured for left and right eye, broadcast as one interlaced image and then polarised by a 3D ready TV. 3D glasses create a sense of depth.

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