The world is hungry for information about 3D. Marketing and promotion of 3D movies, events, channels and TVs has been widespread, but for those in the industry who must sell, communicate and do technology and business deals related to 3D, more information is needed. Many in the 3D industry have knowledge about their own products or services, but they may not have the bigger picture upstream or downstream. Others need to gain in-depth knowledge about the differences between 2D and 3D, so they can begin to participate in the 3D wave.

Chris Chinnock
Senior Analyst and Editor
for Insight Media

Some training and education programs are starting. ETC and the University of Southern California have started a program to train future filmmakers about the different 3D aspects. Sony’s 3D Technology Center in Culver City, CA and the International Cinematographers Guild are partnering for training in content creation for Guild members. 3Ality Digital has their own 3D acquisition training program, 3DIQ, primarily on their own equipment.

Special training is also popping up at other events. Dimension 3 in France in June has three days of training classes in 3D, mostly around acquisition and post-production. Createasphere is teaming with Panasonic for training at some of its events and, 3D Comm, organized by Insight Media, will launch next month with 3 days and two tracks of training in all aspects of 3D during InfoComm.

Dealers, retailers and system integrators are being trained too, but usually by manufacturers who do this to help sell their products.

And who is educating the consumer? Some education will clearly come from the manufacturer’s web sites, but this may not be the most unbiased information. Amazon has just launched a site with a detailed FAQ page on 3D.

But there is so much more to do. As a result, Insight Media and the 3D @ Home Consortium are taking steps to address this market need.

For example, Insight Media has been developing a series of classroom training seminars to address all aspects of the 3D value chain. These modules will include topics such as:
* Stereoscopic and Autostereoscopic 3D displays
* Advanced 3D Displays
* Basics of 3D Vision and Human Factors
* Trends and Requirements for Quality 3D Content Creation
* Understanding 3D Formats, Encoding and Playback Methods
* Consumer 3D Ecosystem Overview
* 3DTV Methodology and Forecast Review
* 2D-to-3D Conversion Methodology and Forecast Review
* 3D Gaming and Forecast Review
* Hands-on 3D

If you have a training need, we will work with you to select modules, customize them for the level and needs of the audience, and conduct 2-, 4- or 8-hour training sessions at your location or a designated site. Talk to me if this is of interest.

At the 3D @ Home Consortium, members are preparing a number of White Papers to describe and detail aspects of the 3D ecosystem. This, along with other content from 3D stereoscopic experts, is being posted on the public part of the web site (www.3dathome.org). The Consortium is also looking at ways to provide neutral, unbiased information for consumers to assist them in making better buying decisions. Non-member participation in these consumer education programs is possible. If you are interested in participating in these programs, please contact Heidi Hoffman, the Managing Director of the Consortium.

Creating and delivering 3D content to consumers is both easy and hard - but understanding how each part of the chain can impact the final 3D experience is vital to ensuring we do create compelling 3D experiences. Training and education is clearly one way to help move the ball forward.