Three-dimensional television: from science-fiction to reality

Moving three-dimensional images have been depicted in many science-fiction films. This has contributed to 3D video and 3D television (3DTV) to be perceived as ultimate goals in imaging and television technology. This vision of 3DTV involves a ghost-like, yet high quality optical replica of an object that is visually indistinguishable from the original (except perhaps in size). These moving video images would be floating in space or standing on a tabletop-like display, and viewers would be able to peek or walk around the images to see them from different angles or maybe even from behind (Fig. 1.1). As such, this vision of 3DTV is quite distinct from stereoscopic 3D imaging and cinema.