P3D Re: The Term "3D"

[Greg Kintz <gkintz@xxxxxxxx>]

John Vala wrote:
> Every few wekks someone here brings to our attention some "3D
> something" which we as stereographers would not consider "3D".
> The worst comes from the computer graphics industry which applies
> shading or rounded corners to objects in a 2D image and they call
> it 3D!  Everyone has 3D graphics!  But who has stereographics??!

Here's my approach: When conversing in an environment that already
understands that I'm talking of stereoscopic 3-D, then I use shorter
phrases like "stereo" or "3-D".  When I'm writing or talking to some
one (or group of people) who I think may become confused, the longer
"stereoscopic 3-D" term comes into play.

"Stereo" is typically related with stereophonic sound in many circles,
but can also imply "stereoscopic" to many avid photo hobbyist. 

As mentioned above, "3-D" is used all the time in the computer/video
graphics community.  But, it is also well known to represent stereo-
scopic images by many people when relating to stereoscopic films,
print, video etc etc...  Often, they're not quite sure what it is,
but they know it's "in 3-D". (Or they know it gave them a headache!)

Linguistic shortcuts are a part of life and will always have their
time and place.  ..Now has anyone seen my "quad" recording?  :)


   -Greg-


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