Just about everyone is used to looking at 2D visuals on the screen but adding that third dimension makes things look a lot more exciting. 3D technologies have been around for a while but you do not get a chance to see them very often since they require special equipment.

They often involve still images where you need to wear special 3D glasses in order to see the visuals really pop out at you. Recent developments have been made in the film industry where you can witness certain scenes in full 3D. With the introduction of 3D TVs, you can now enjoy these effects at home as well but you still need the 3D glasses. Autostereoscopy is a relatively new technology that eliminates the dependence of 3D glasses.

The technology is applied to the screen where it can use parallax barriers or lenticular lenses. Because of the multiple viewing regions that it yields, the resolution is sacrificed a bit but you witness an effect where one eye sees a different image than the other eye. With proper visual execution, one can create those perspective effects. In order to see the 3D effect, you must be looking at the right angle to get that sweet spot.

Sharp is actively making displays that use autostereoscopy. Some portable gadgets like the Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W1 digital camera feature small displays where you can see 3D visuals glasses-free. But the technology did not fully reach the mainstream until Nintendo announced their newest handheld and Nintendo DS successor known as the 3DS.

This new portable console features updated graphics and autostereoscopy so you can witness the third dimension without wearing glasses. You can even adjust the intensity of the effect making this a great implementation for people sensitive to 3D effects.

It is likely that 3D TVs in the future will have this new technology as things develop because a lot of people can agree that 3D glasses are an unnecessary expense for an extra feature.