3D TV and the Possibilities for Digital Signage

It may seem like a scene out of the 1980’s science fiction film Back to the Future but the technology for glasses-free 3D digital signage is already here.

3D imagery has been around for as long as the moving picture as 3D film was being used as early as 1890. However, it was in the 1950’s that 3D movies had its golden age when a multitude of cinema films were made in 3D.

However, 3D cinema is going through a renaissance with the development of 3D TV expected to be the next big step in home entertainment. And while most 3D systems require the viewer to be wearing 3D glasses, a type of 3D TV is being developed that requires no glasses at all.

The potential of 3D TV in the out of home advertising and outdoor digital signage market is huge – especially if glasses-free 3D TV becomes a viable and working technology.

Imagine walking down the high street and passing outdoor digital signage systems where the content leapt out in front of you, it may seem like a scene out of the 1980’s science fiction film Back to the Future but the technology for glasses-free 3D digital signage is already here.

Autostereoscopy is one method of providing 3d imagery without the need for special 3D glasses. There are disadvantages with the technology such as there being only certain points of view where the 3D effect works and there has also been complaints of headaches and eye strain from users who have indulged in prolonged viewing.

However, with all infant technologies, autostereoscopy is constantly being improved and it is expected that 3D TV technologies will play a big part in the coming decade.

One of the most exciting applications for this type of 3D technology is in the outdoor digital signage market. We have already seen over the last few years how much more attractive dynamic advertising and signage is compared to regular print media and it is possible that this up and coming 3D technology will make conventional outdoor digital signage seem as hackneyed as print media appears today.