Technological innovation in broadcasting is alive and well. New services for broadcast now go beyond HDTV, multicasting and mobile DTV and incorporate interactive experiences. One such experience that is already coming into living rooms is 3D.

Like any technology, the success of 3D relies on viewer acceptance. And nothing will speed acceptance more than quality programming. This means it is essential to understand the mechanics behind 3D shooting.

Lenses, of course, perform the vital act of image capture, which is the stepping stone for everything that follows. When it comes to 3D, lens controllers, as well as the lens design construction and the manufacturing processes used take center stage.

Controllers ensure that the various lenses track perfectly, both electronically and optically. They also help the cameras move in and out more easily and in perfect synchronization, which is critical in 3D shooting. Another critical element is setting depth of field properly, especially in close ups, over the shoulder shots and other narrative scenes. It is the difference between having a 3D program look cartoonish or having it appear as though it is actually taking place in the viewers’ living rooms.

Lens construction and the manufacturing processes are essential as well. That’s because 3D shoots involve two cameras, so each lens must be of the same focal length, with zoom and focus positions moving in perfect synchronization. If this doesn’t happen, the picture will not come together properly. Aligning the optical axis exactly can take work, primarily because the beam splitters and image sensors may not align accurately.

Lenses from Fujifilm Optical Devices are constructed in a way that ensures the synchronization process happens smoothly and successfully. That’s why some of the most distinguished 3D houses have converted to Fujinon lenses.

Generally, lenses of the same specification are closely matched. But when they are measured with a collimator—a device for aligning lenses—they often differ slightly, which means shooters can end up wasting time searching for two accurately aligned lenses.

Fujinon lenses are optically and electronically matched, with precision zoom and focus servos that allow the control system to synchronize the left and right camera lenses for 3D, and offer pinpoint operational accuracy. This can simplify the process, and reduce set-up and shooting times significantly.

For more information on Fujifilm Optical Devices, go to www.Fujinon.com, or follow us at www.Facebook.com/FujifilmOptical and www.Twitter.com/FujifilmOptical.