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Answers to Frequently Asked Questions Important DepthQ® 3D Technical QuestionsQ: What is the DepthQ® 3D Polarization Modulator? A: In combination with a polarization-preserving (aka 'silver') screen, the DepthQ® Polarization Modulator allows your digital cinema projector to display stunning stereoscopic 3D films, viewable using inexpensive industry-standard passive glasses (circular polarization). It works by precisely and efficiently varying the polarity of light passing through it, in perfect synch with the double or triple-flash of left and right eye images from digital cinema projectors.  The DepthQ® Polarization Modulator allows your digital cinema projector to display stunning stereoscopic 3D films, viewable using inexpensive industry-standard passive glasses. Q: What factors determine the best 3D experience for my patrons? A: With liquid crystal (LC) based polarization modulators, the quality of the optics is most important, and determined by several factors: optical efficiency, switching speed, flatness/focus, contrast and heat protection. DepthQ® 3D’s optics are superior to our competitors in these areas. Other factors include your projector’s dark time, lamp life, the glasses you choose and your screen. Read on to see how ALL of these factors affect your Total System Efficiency (how much light your patrons ultimately see), proving DepthQ® 3D is “best-in-class”. Q: What is DepthQ® 3D’s Optical Efficiency? A: All LC-based polarization switches start with nearly identical Optical Efficiencies of ~17% (including the 3D glasses). DepthQ® 3D is actually ~17.5% optically efficient (i.e. light-efficient) using common low-cost cinema glasses, or up to ~18% with premium (expensive) glasses. However, it's important to note that Optical Efficiency is not the only efficiency that matters, as there are further reductions in brightness before light actually reaches your guests, including losses from 'Dark Time', color correction, and projection port glass. Of these, a 3D product's required Dark Time is really the most important factor, as this dramatically effects Total System Efficiency (how much light your patrons ultimately see). Q: Can every product benefit from ‘premium glasses’? A: Yes, ‘premium glasses’ using higher-quality components can increase everyone’s Optical Efficiency, but at ‘premium prices’ prohibitive to running a theater. Know that any marketed brightness values based solely on using premium glasses are not realistic for 3D cinema. Q: What is DepthQ® 3D’s Switching Time? A: DepthQ® 3D has a patented, symmetrical Switching Time of only 50 microseconds (µsec), while our competitors’ products simply cannot completely switch faster than ~550µsec in each direction. Current digital cinema projector technology does not yet take advantage of our extreme switching speed. The fastest they switch today is approximately 350µsec. But at 50µsec DepthQ® easily and completely switches states within this 350µsec. Competing products simply cannot.  DepthQ® 3D is DONE switching well within the fastest projector Dark Time of 350µsec.  Our competitors take up to 24 times as long to switch eyes. Q: What is Dark Time? A: ‘Dark Time’ is the time projector light must be turned OFF between Left and Right images to allow a 3D product to switch eyes. The longer the Dark Time, the less light to the screen. At 50µsec, DepthQ® 3D switches far faster than the fastest projector Dark Time available to date of 350µsec, producing the highest Total System Efficiency in our class. A competitor’s manual states their modulator requires a Dark Time of 1200µsec while a spinning wheel polarizer requires 1157µsec (for triple-flashed 24FPS content). Hit 'Play' to see the difference using split screen. On the left is a test pattern projected using DepthQ® 3D's minimum projector Dark Time of 350µs. Watch the noticeable brightness change as Dark Time is increased using the same test pattern on the right (Note - no modulators were used, this is just the effect of Dark Time on projection brightness): Split-screen reveals visible dimming in the right half of the white circle as Dark Time is increased. Q: How do Switching Time, Dark Time and Crosstalk relate? A: If a 3D product does not finish switching within the projector’s Dark Time, one eye will see light meant for the other eye. This is called ‘Crosstalk’ (ghosting). Setting a projector’s Dark Time faster than a product’s Switching Time causes excess ghosting. At 50µsec, DepthQ® 3D is DONE switching well within the fastest projector Dark Time of 350µsec. So you can use the fastest Dark Time available, for the brightest 3D image, with zero chance of excess ghost.  DepthQ® 3D is DONE switching well within the fastest projector Dark Time of 350µsec. Since longer Dark Times make dimmer images, it can be tempting to use shorter Dark Times to increase brightness; but setting a projector’s Dark Time faster than our competitors' switching times will cause excess ghosting.  Our competitors take up to 24 times as long to switch eyes. Projector Dark Time can be set shorter than their true Switch Time, causing excess ghosting. Because DepthQ® 3D switches far faster than the fastest projector Dark Time, there is ZERO chance of creating excess ghost. Set your Dark Time to the minimum and create brighter 3D! Q: What is High Frame Rate (HFR) 3D? A: Today’s standard for 3D content is to capture at 24 frames per second (FPS) per eye, and project 'triple-flashed' at 72FPS per eye, or 144FPS in total. HFR 3D is 3D content captured and projected at even higher frame rates. The technique greatly expands a director’s palette by producing significantly sharper detail, smoother motion and highly realistic action, while drastically reducing historically common artifacts such as motion judder and pan blur. ‘The Hobbit’ was captured at 48FPS per eye, to be projected double-flashed at 96FPS per eye, or 192FPS in total. James Cameron may aim even higher with his ‘Avatar’ prequels, capturing 60FPS per eye and projecting 240FPS (120FPS per eye). Q: How do Switching Time, Dark Time & HFR 3D relate? A: With HFR 3D, the amount of time available to show a single frame decreases, so long Dark Times will use even more of the available light. Because of its miniscule 50µsec Switching Time, only DepthQ® 3D is truly ‘100% HFR-Ready’ to handle authentic double-flashed HFR at 192 FPS or 240 FPS - even as high as 400 FPS - while continuing to let you use the shortest available projector Dark Time (350µsec to date). A spinning wheel polarizer’s 3D HFR specifications actually do not exceed single-flash 48FPS (96FPS) and 60 FPS (120 FPS), while another competing modulator’s specifications max out at double–flashed 48 FPS (192 FPS). As illustrated below, a '100% HFR-Ready' competitor with a published Dark Time of 1200µsec will require nearly 30% of a 240FPS HFR 3D frame to be spent in the dark.  With HFR 3D, long Switch Times become increasingly impactful on brightness. Only DepthQ® allows you to take advantage of the fastest projector Dark Time at all true HFR frame rates. Q: What is Total System Efficiency? A: Total System Efficiency is how much light your paying customers actually see, after accounting for Optical Efficiency, Dark Time, color calibration, port glass, and screen/eyewear losses. The de facto industry standard was set by RealD®, at ~15%. A Total System Efficiency of ~16% is achievable using DepthQ® 3D paired with commercially available, low-cost glasses. A product’s required Dark Time is the most significant factor when it comes to Total System Efficiency, but it's often conspicuously absent from marketing. Q: Why do some products' efficiency comparisons seem skewed? A: Competitors’ marketing sometimes compares their Optical Efficiency against another company’s more meaningful Total System Efficiency, creating a misleading impression. The reality is all LC based polarization switches start with nearly identical ‘Optical Efficiencies’ of ~17% – one factor of many to follow. DepthQ® 3D has consistently stated our efficiency at a conservative ~15%, using the only efficiency that really matters - Total System Efficiency. This follows the industry’s de facto standard. But in reality, with a new screen and efficient port glass, you can hit ~16% Total System Efficiency using DepthQ® 3D, and without resorting to more expensive ‘Premium Glasses’. Q: So who’s really brighter in the end? A: Using our Optical Efficiency of ~17.5%, and our competitors’ published optical efficiencies and dark times (DT) from their manuals or marketing, DepthQ® 3D (DT of 350µsec) is ~18% brighter than a competing modulator (DT of 1200µsec) and ~12% brighter than a spinning wheel polarizer system (DT of 1157µsec) at 144FPS. In a direct measured 144FPS test using each company’s own commercially available low-cost branded glasses, and with the projector set to the same 350µsec dark time for both, DepthQ® 3D proved ~9% brighter than another competing modulator (DT of 350µsec, true switch time 520µsec) (Tested 3/18/2013). Furthermore, while this competitor's manual states a Dark Time of 350µsec, its measured Switch Time was actually 520µsec. As mentioned here, using a Dark Time that is shorter than the actual Switching time will cause excess ghosting. Setting the projector Dark Time to this competitor's measured Switch Time of 520µsec to minimize ghosting, DepthQ® 3D proved ~12% brighter. Q: How does Total System Efficiency relate to lamp life? A: Falling below the recommended end-of-life foot-lamberts for 3D cinema (6 - 4.5fL) too soon before your lamp’s true end-of-life is costly. DepthQ® 3D’s higher Total System Efficiency allows you to hit your foot-Lamberts spec longer, maximizing your lamp investment. The comparisons below show the difference in useful 3D Lamp Life at standard and HFR frame rates between DepthQ® and a competitor's product (DT 1200µsec). Click the image to view a larger version.  DepthQ® 3D’s higher Total System Efficiency allows you to hit your min. fL spec longer, maximizing your lamp investment. Click the image to view a larger version. Q: How does ‘maximizing lamp life’ equate to cost savings? A: By allowing you to hit your foot-Lamberts spec longer, you will simply replace your Lamp less frequently. So bottom line…DepthQ® 3D saves you money on lamp costs. Using the same products and specifications in the three comparisons above, including a 10K Lumen lamp running 24FPS content at 144FPS 6 hrs/day 6 days/week on a 32’ screen, with a 3D end-of-life of 4.5 ft-Lamberts, DepthQ® 3D will save you approximately $500 to $1200 USD annually. And the cost savings increase substantially when running HFR 3D content with DepthQ® 3D vs. our competitors. Q: What do you mean by ‘Advanced Heat Protection’? A: Only DepthQ® 3D protects your investment from heat degradation over time with our advanced heat-rejecting metallic polarizer. You won’t burn it up. It won’t yellow. It won’t degrade. All our competitors use...plastic laminated to glass. Click 'Play' to view actual comparison tests below: 2KW lamp test compares the optical properties of a competing polarization modulator and a DepthQ® Modulator DPM-L, demonstrating each product's heat absorption properties. 4KW lamp test demonstrates how quickly an unprotected plastic-laminated-to-glass polarizing element can be destroyed by a relatively bright video projector, while DepthQ®'s polarizer remains unscathed. Q: What is the Maximum Projector Power DepthQ® 3D allows? A: DepthQ® 3D, with its heat-rejecting metallic pre-polarizer, has NO lamp limitations. When lamps get brighter, your DepthQ® will keep protecting your investment. Another reason we’re future-proof. Q: Other products have a bigger aperture. Isn’t that better? A: Not at all. Large aperture devices require their apertures to be filled with light in order to stay cool, often causing you to move your projector back. DepthQ® 3D’s heat-rejecting metallic polarizer allows a smaller aperture, letting you stay close to the lens, accommodating every DCI lens possible while saving space in your booth. Q: Why do I see image softness and warping in other products? A: Our competitor’s products are not necessarily flat optically, and can soften or warp your image. DepthQ® 3D is laser-tested to meet a precise flatness specification, keeping your images sharp and uniformly focused. Click 'Play' to see the video proof below (current small image shows warping clearly - we recommend full-screen and HD modes to plainly evaluate focus): DepthQ® 3D is laser-tested to meet a precise flatness specification, keeping your images sharp and uniformly focused. Q: What is your Contrast Ratio? A: When it comes to contrast specifications, the true limiting factor is the quality of the silver screens, which are generally around 50:1. All polarized 3D products are subject to this constraint. Our contrast is >100:1, which exceeds the screen. Q: How is DepthQ® 3D superior to a spinning wheel polarizer? A: Besides the significantly longer Dark Time and lower Total System Efficiency, a mechanical spinning wheel that creates static electricity and attracts dust and popcorn oil is a high maintenance device. Additionally, there is a recurring $500 expense to replace the wheel approximately once per year. In contrast, DepthQ® 3D is a solid state, low-maintenance device that simply delivers more light to your guests. Based on the published efficiency data from marketing and manuals, a spinning wheel polarizer (DT of 1157µsec) operating at 144FPS is expected to be ~11% dimmer than DepthQ® 3D (DT of 350µsec). However, in a real-world comparison in an operating theater, a recently installed spinning wheel polarizer combined with its currently shipped matching 3D eyewear actually measured ~18% dimmer than DepthQ® 3D combined with its matching inexpensive 3D eyewear (Tested 3/18/2013). In another real-world comparison in an operating theater, a spinning wheel polarizer with 628 hours of operation combined with its currently shipped matching 3D eyewear measured ~30% dimmer than DepthQ® 3D combined with its matching inexpensive 3D eyewear (Tested 10/9/2012). The polarizer wheel itself was visibly yellow; the projected image dim and soft. In contrast, DepthQ® 3D protects your investment from heat degradation over time with our advanced heat-rejecting metallic polarizer. You won’t burn it up. It won’t yellow. It won’t degrade. Miscellaneous Questions:Q: Will DepthQ® 3D work with my digital projector? A: DepthQ® 3D works with any DCI-compliant DLP projector.  DepthQ® 3D installed with 6KW projector at a VOX theater, Dubai. Click to enlarge. Q: Can I easily move DepthQ® 3D out of the way for 2D movies? A: Yes. DepthQ® 3D includes a moving actuator with an easily-implemented IP remote control capability to automatically move the unit out of the way for 2D content, and back in place for 3D content…In just 4 seconds. Q: Can I install DepthQ® 3D directly to my wall? A: Yes. In fact, DepthQ® 3D includes all the hardware necessary to mount directly to a wall, table, or in a rack.  DepthQ® 3D includes all the hardware necessary to mount directly to a wall, table, or in a rack. Q: Are your glasses costly and heavy like Active 3D and Dolby®? A: DepthQ® 3D uses circular polarized 3D glasses, which are significantly lighter, more comfortable and much less expensive than either Dolby® or Active systems. Additionally, DepthQ® 3D is compatible with all circular polarization eyewear brands, so you can make your own choice. Q: How does DepthQ® 3D’s price compare to other brands? A: DepthQ® 3D offers substantial benefits and operational cost savings over other brands, yet remains competitively priced, and is backed by a 3D Cinema five year optical warranty and three year electronics/mechanical warranty. Q: What Is DepthQ® 3D’s business model? A: Buy DepthQ® 3D, and you own it forever. We require no collection of royalty, licensing fees, or participation in the box office. Plus, since our product is compatible with all circular polarization eyewear brands, you have the flexibility to use our glasses or choose your own. Q: What do YOU mean by ‘Hollywood Approved’? A: We have demonstrated to, and been approved by six major Hollywood studios. Others’ claims of ‘Hollywood Approved’ may just represent a single studio. Missing a studio’s approval can literally lock you out of content. That’s quite a risk. Q: Why does your patent matter? A: DepthQ® 3D is patented in the US (LC-Tec Displays AB U.S. Patent No. 8023052 B1 and 8,184,215), and patent-pending in Europe (No. 11818595.8) and China. This novel patent protects you from claims of IP infringement. If you buy a RealD® imitation you’re taking an unnecessary risk. Q: What companies are behind DepthQ® 3D? A: With DepthQ® 3D your trust is well-placed. DepthQ® 3D is co-developed by Lightspeed Design, Inc. and LC-Tec Displays AB, two companies with over 40 years combined expertise in stereoscopic design and liquid crystal manufacturing and development. Lightspeed Design, Inc. is an established 3D provider for many discerning clients including Disney, Christie Digital, DreamWorks, Mercedes, Microsoft, Boeing, & NASA. LC-Tec invented rugged, fast polarization technology so innovative the original company and patents were purchased by 3M. When you take in every technical and business factor - superior optics, brightness, speed, sharpness, heat protection, true HFR, six studio approvals, IP protection, simple business model, lamp savings, 3D Cinema five year optical warranty and client satisfaction – DepthQ® 3D is truly your “best in class" smart investment. Lightspeed Design is the exclusive worldwide distributor of the DepthQ® Polarization Modulator. To purchase or for more information please use our Contact Form, or call +1.206.784.1385 About Lightspeed Design, Inc. Lightspeed is one of the world’s premiere designers of stereoscopic 3D presentations and software technologies, with considerable technical expertise in projection, optics and electronics. Lightspeed has proven expertise in 3D projection, systems design & installation, and software development. Clients include Pfizer, Intuitive Surgical, Microsoft, Harvard & Munich Universities, US Army, NASA, JPL, DreamWorks SKG and Walt Disney Animation. DepthQ® products are exclusively distributed by Lightspeed Design, Inc. Lightspeed reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice. DepthQ is a trademark of Lightspeed Design, Inc. All other trademarks are for identification purposes only and are the property of their respective companies. All rights reserved. |
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