"Timothy R. Cook" <z99### [at] bellsouthnet> wrote in message
news:3D0### [at] bellsouthnet...
> Out-of-phase red and blue image of something.

Of course ABX is referring to the current dominant use
of the term; to refer specifically to computer graphics
derived from rendering algorithms based on three (or
more) dimensions. Prior to the current use the term was
used, for over 100 years, to refer to stereoscopic imaging.
The representation of depth through two perspectives.
Those of us who are stereoscopy enthusiasts are sometimes
irritated by the arrogant stealing of our term "3D" for a
different application. After all, the 3D movies of the 20's,
through the 1980's, did have any "3D graphics".

Then to have anaglyphic stereoscopy (red/blue) described
as "out-of-phase" is, well... quite an insult. Anaglyphic
stereo is arguably the worst format, but most common
because it is the cheapest to produce, but if it were out
of phase it would be flat and blurry.

To the stereo enthusiast it doesn't make much sense
to call a flat image "3D" just because of the algorithms
used to produce it. The image is just as flat as any
other 2D print, such as a photograph, which is also
"3D" (the real world) in its origin.

Although the appropriation of the term for computer
graphics creates some confusion for stereoscopy,
there is no use in stereo enthusiasts trying to stop the
change in terminology. That would be a waste of time.
Computer graphics are truly 3D in origin and the
depth can be viewed through either stereoscopic
presentation, interaction with the virtual environment,
or animation.

So stereo enthusiast are trying to take back another
term that was taken away: STEREO. Originally the
term stereo was applied almost exclusively to
stereoscopic imaging. That was the case for over
80 years, until "HiFi" was replaced by the term
"stereo" for audio equipment with two speakers,
around the 1950's. Of course that didn't bother
people because stereoscopic photos, movies, and
comic books were "3D" :-)

So long live STEREO and 3D, best experienced
when combined with a good surround sound
system ;-)

Harolddd

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