Bringing 3D to Business The Basics for Schools and Other Organizations The Projector Expert White Paper Series
Bringing 3D to Business: The Basics for Schools and Other Organizations Movie theaters were the first to put 3D glasses into the hands of viewers, but exciting and impactful 3D images can now be used affordably and effectively in a variety of business settings as well. A full end-to-end 3D projection system brings lessons to life in the classroom and provides a new way of experiencing information in the boardroom. After much talk, 3D is coming into its own for business use; however, a 3D system needs to support 3D output end to end to be successful. With a little careful planning, users can leverage a projector and 3D content on a big screen to communicate effectively and with greater impact. Getting the Big Picture From medical imaging to CAD rendering, 3D technology is being used in a variety of industries for business activities. Engineers and product designers are projecting, in real time, 3D designs for collaborative product review in an immersive environment that breeds creativity. Especially as the CAD market grows, the demand for the ability to share CAD designs with workgroups and other audiences has also increased. Today, the CAD industry is more dynamic than ever, said analyst Kathleen Maher of Jon Peddie Research (JPR), based in Tiburon, CA. It is involved in every aspect of design, build, construct, and manufacture. Increasingly, CAD is becoming part of a visually connected world that can be understood and better managed. There are opportunities in new platforms, new technologies, and new customers in emerging economies. It s a very good time for the industry. In 2009, the 1
$10,000 CAD Market Forecast $9,000 $8,000 $7,000 $6,000 $5,000 $4,000 $3,000 $2,000 $1,000 (in millions of US $) 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Source: Jon Peddie Research worldwide CAD market was $5 billion, reaching $6.4 billion in 2010 and $7 billion in 2011, according to JPR s Worldwide CAD Market Report 2012 published in December 2011. 1 The opportunities extend well beyond the CAD market, though. 3D images are increasingly becoming a more important part of medical imaging applications. In fact, the global market for 3D Medical Imaging (software and workstations used in MRI and CT; and Ultrasound machines) is forecasted to reach US$5.9 billion by the year 2017, according to a global report on the 3D Medical Imaging market released by Global Industry Analysts in November, 2011. 2 Today, business professionals conduct daily business using multimedia presentations that include video and 3D content in order to bring punch to their messaging. Optoma s TW675UTi-3D Meanwhile, the youngest generation, already accustomed to 3D and interactive entertainment, is ripe for teachers who want to leverage these technologies to aid and enrich learning in a classroom setting. In fact, research shows that 3D projection technology has widespread positive impact on how students learn, helping them to retain and comprehend information better and even behave better in the classroom. A recent study of over 1,000 students by JTM Concepts Inc. confirms that the average test scores increase more than 35 percent when DLP 3D technology (as is integrated in Optoma s ultra short throw projectors) is implemented in the classroom. 3 1 http://jonpeddie.com/press-releases/details/worldwide-cad-market-report-2012/ 2 http://www.strategyr.com/pressmcp-1202.asp 3 http://www.dlp.com/downloads/3d_infocomm_press_release_2010.doc 2
The results of the research indicate a marked positive effect of the use of 3D animations on learning, recall and performance in tests. Under experimental conditions, 86 percent of pupils improved from the pre-test to the post-test in the 3D classes, compared to only 52 percent who improved in the 2D classes. Within the individuals who improved, the rate of improvement was also much greater in the classes with the 3D. Individuals improved test scores on average 17 percent in the 3D classes, compared to only an eight percent improvement in the 2D classes between pre-test and post-test, said Professor Dr. Anne Bamford, director of the International Research Agency in a research study. 4 The 3D Source For schools and businesses alike, 3D content options are exploding, with new types of content evolving as well as a huge burst in availability. For educators, for example, the list of 3D content and application providers now includes dozens of providers including Amazing Interactives, Classroom3, Cyber-Science 3D, Designmate, E-Animations Corp., Eon Reality, NavTech, LLC and Neotek. For general business, 3D presentation and graphics programs, as well as business intelligence tools, have become available. Better still, for teachers, a wealth of free content is available. Projector Central, for example, estimates that there are currently more than 3,000 pieces of free 3D content available online. 5 In vertical markets, including medical imaging and computer-aided design, a similar burst of offerings is emerging. In addition, the list of potential output sources is evolving as well providing an increasing number of options for users. Some users choose to buy a Blu-ray 3D player to unlock the increasing number of content titles being released in that format. Others choose to access newly-available 3D channels on cable or satellite networks for educational content. In addition, PC software supporting 3D and interactive capabilities, from 3D modeling and design programs to educational software for elementary, high school and university students, is evolving rapidly. Optoma s TW610STi Although nominally supporting 3D, the Blu-ray player, cable/satellite box or PC in the average office or school may or may not be ready to open the doors to 3D viewing. To be Full 3D compatible automatically, the hardware must support High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) 1.4a. This compact audio/video interface provides a standard for transmitting uncompressed digital data when connecting these digital audio/video sources with compatible video projectors, digital audio devices, computer monitors and digital televisions. When both the output and input devices support HDMI 1.4a, 3D content can be delivered seamlessly. Bluray 3D players, as well as newer cable or satellite set top boxes, 3D cameras, 3D video recorders and 3D PCs, commonly integrate the newest HDMI 1.4a. 4 http://www.dlp.com/projector/dlp-innovations/3d-projectors/3d-classroom-research.aspx 5 http://www.projectorcentral.com/3d_classroom_projectors.htm?page=strategies-for-implementation 3
A Full 3D Projector Delivers Direct Access to 3D Content However, older devices (such as older cable or satellite set top boxes and gaming consoles), which do not integrate HDMI 1.4a, can still deliver 3D content with the help of a third-party converter box. For example, users can display content from these output sources through an Optoma 3D-XL converter box to a 3D-capable DLP projector. The 3D-XL box processes 3D signals from HDMI 1.4a sources and converts the signal so it can be received by the HDMI 1.3 input on a 3D-capable DLP projector. SET TOP BOXES Projectors Deliver Ideal 3D BLU-RAY/DVD PLAYERS Perhaps as important as the input source is the right output source for viewing 3D content. 3D content in particular benefits from being viewed as a big screen image, so the largest image possible ensures the best possible viewing experience. A projected 3D image allows viewers to experience an immersive, theater-like viewing experience. By increasing the distance between viewer and image, as with a projected image, the user experience is enhanced. In addition, a large-screen 3D image ensures that viewers experience less eye strain. Whenever users try to view 3D images at a close distance, their eyes automatically try to re-focus on parts of the image that appear to be near and in the distance. Since the eye s distance from the image is fixed, the eye repeatedly tries to refocus, possibly resulting in eye strain. To combat this, a projector delivers image sizes that are much larger than many televisions. This approach produces a more cinema-like experience and creates an opportunity for a greater number of people to share the viewing experience (as in a classroom, training room or conference room). Full-3D DLP Projector In many cases, a projector offers a number of significant advantages in terms of cost, flexibility and performance over a television. Unlike projectors, televisions are completely fixed in terms of screen size and largely fixed in terms of placement. Projectors, on the other hand, can be readily moved to where the audience is and the projected image size can be maximized to the size of the room. In addition, DLP projectors offer superior viewing experiences compared to other projector options. The Texas Instrument s DLP technology used in Optoma s projection greatly reduces image ghosting or crosstalk, a problem that is particularly noticeable when viewing fast-paced 3D images with dark backgrounds. Bringing It All Together The key to successful 3D projection lies in consistency and compliance. Simply put, the content and its source must both support 3D operation (such as a Blu-ray 3D disc on a Blu-ray 3D player or 3D television content played through a cable/ 4
satellite television set top box or a 3D ready PC playing 3D content). In addition, the projector presenting the content must be capable of 3D operation and 3D glasses complete the 3D projection system. Including a projector in a 3D system delivers content on an even larger screen than is available from plasma or LCD televisions at a substantially lower cost. Optoma s 3D-capable projectors can, in conjunction with the right 3D content and accessories, produce two virtually simultaneous images needed to create a 3D image viewing model. Meanwhile, active 3D glasses (either DLP or RF) deliver those dual image streams (called stereoscopic 3D), one to each eye, to create the 3D viewing experience. Optoma also offers several models of Full 3D 1080p and 720p projectors which can be connected directly to any 3D-capable source that integrates HDMI 1.4a (no converter box needed). These projectors integrate a VESA 3D port that supports plugging in an RF emitter so that users can directly view 3D content using 3D sources and 3D-RF glasses. Glasses In order to experience 3D content, users usually need to wear 3D glasses to view 3D images. Depending on the connectivity offered by the projector, users can choose between active glasses (including DLP Link 3D glasses and RF glasses). Optoma s DLPLink 3D glasses do not require an emitter to work with Optoma s 3D-capable projectors. RF-3D glasses communicate with an RF emitter connected to the projector to allow users to view 3D content. Active glasses integrate wireless technology so that the viewers are not tethered to the output source. Active glasses are powered by batteries. Using a 120 Hz refresh rate (or 60 frames per second per eye), these glasses allow the human eye to see the images in depth for an immersive 3D experience. Active glasses use DLP Link technology to communicate with the projector so that there is no need for emitters or other technology. Optoma ZD101 DLP Link 3D glasses, for example, easily and quickly set up and do not require an emitter. In addition, the glasses are designed for lower power consumption to maximize the life of the batteries. The technology automatically synchronizes the glasses with a signal imbedded in the projected image. When wearing these glasses, users need to be within 10 to 15 feet of the screen and the DLP Link sensor must be pointed in the direction of the screen. Another option is glasses that integrate radio frequency (RF) technology. These glasses synch to an emitter and use rechargeable batteries. RF glasses operate well at long distances (up to 100 feet) making this technology a good choice in a large venue. Some of Optoma s projectors (such as the HD33) are bundled with an RF emitter to allow users to choose to use either DLP or 3D-RF glasses. 5
Enjoying 3D Content Users who want to view and access video-based content have a number of choices. While home users may turn to a 3D-capable HDTV tuner from cable or satellite-based television providers, schools and businesses are more likely to use content stored on media, such as a Blu-ray disc. Blu-ray 3D players can be used to play Blu-ray 3D discs for movie viewing. All Blu-ray content is encoded in 1080p resolution so that a projector that supports 1080p provides best results. You ll also need HDMI 1.4a connectivity. In addition, 3D content can be played on some 3D PCs. Summary Although not standard today, 3D is quickly becoming a common experience whether in the classroom or in the boardroom. Bringing the benefit of 3D to vertical applications (such as CAD and medical imaging), as well as every day business activities, is becoming increasingly affordable and possible. For a variety of reasons, projectors present a compelling solution providing better viewing quality at a lower price compared to most large screen television options. With some planning, you are just a step away from adding the impact of 3D to your business. 6
Body Text Optoma is dedicated to leading product innovation with products that deliver the best of the newest capabilities, as well as accessories, to help users get the most out of their projector. For more white papers, case studies, tools and product information, visit Optoma s Web site at www.optomausa.com. #