3D Video Rendering: Thrills and Frills
Most of us have been thrilled at movie theaters lately because of something so surprising and new. Yes! 3D video rendering which has been used frequently in Hollywood movies and has been introduced in India as well.
Uses of 3D Video Rendering:
Such technology can be used for training students pursuing professional courses like architecture, engineering and medicine etc. , displaying them 3D images of machines that will enable better learning. 3D capable camcorders such as HDR-TD 10 and now TD 20 have been launched in the market.
Making a 3D Video:
Although we all love this latest technology, still the market is not yet rife with too much demand for such T.Vs or Videos. It is not on the priority list of buyers due to recession or may be expensive technological solutions. For making a 3D video, fast processors, more RAM, 3D monitors and RAID hard drives are essential. Why? Because you use two cameras for taking a 3D video.
Technical Challenges:
Technology surges forth with its list of pros and cons. 3D video rendering is no exception.
Computer needs to read from two files in order to build a single 3D video signal. So much more storage space is required. You can go in for RAID configurations here as they render proper throughput and also storage capacity.
The preview of your 3D video can be done by making use of colour-filtered glasses. This is an inexpensive method of editing our 3D video but you will be unable to enjoy true colours of your video. Another option is to make use of NVIDIA 3D Vision Pro which is Windows and Linux compliant.
To test your 3D video, 3D T.V. is another viable option. It is always better to test your work using this as a 3D monitor and gauge your production on the same platform that your client will use. The idea is to preview your 3D video on the biggest screen to get an end user experience. Are you now vying for 52'' 3D television?
Visual annoyances like fatigue and eye strain due to imperfect images have to be given importance when you develop a 3D chain. Such observation conditions have to be heeded.
Have you experienced the much common problem i.e. vergence vs. accomodation decoupling ? Decoupling becomes the main reason for fatigue and eye strain. All these technical challanges have to be addressed for better user experience.
3D software:
Better solutions are seeing the light of the day. Consider 3D software such as Sony Vegas 10 software or Apple's Final Cut and Adobe's Premiere CS5 which deliver when supported by much expensive Cine form's Neo3D. However, if you so wish, you can avail of free trial.
Basic 3D Editing Techniques:
Once you import files to your media drive, do not forget to rename them as right and left files. To manage well, sync your right and left eye video file together( Panasonic AG-3DA1 will automatically do it for you!). Frame sync holds equal importance and next comes muxing wherein the two right and left eye files are built into a single 3D signal. Then it's time to work on the graphic elements or titles and review your work in 3D.
Conclusion:
Although there is little demand for 3D content, it is still quite worthwhile to test and try this technology hands-on. Sometimes the joy of doing things is a reward in itself. So, enjoy being a professional 3D video maker. Who knows, tomorrow may be another great day for you!