Guidance for Horizontal Image Translation (HIT) of High Definition Stereoscopic Video Production

摘要

Horizontal image translation (HIT) is an electronic process for shifting the left-eye and right-eye images horizontally as a way to alter the stereoscopic characteristics and alignment of 3D content after signals have been captured by stereoscopic cameras.1 When used cautiously and with full awareness of the impact on other interrelated aspects of the stereography, HIT is a valuable tool in the post production process as a means to modify stereoscopic content for more comfortable viewing. Most commonly it is used to alter the zero parallax setting (ZPS), to compensate for stereo window violations or to compensate for excessive positive or negative parallax in the source material.2 As more and more cinematic 3D content migrates to television distribution channels the use of this tool will likely expand. Without proper attention to certain guidelines the use of HIT can actually harm the 3D viewing experience. This paper provides guidance on the most effective use and describes some of the interrelationships and trade-offs. The paper recommends the adoption of the cinematic 2K video format as a 3D source master format for high definition television distribution of stereoscopic 3D video programming.