I was watching an episode of Star Trek the other day (yes, surprising isn't it?) and I found myself wishing we had their futuristic "holodeck" technology.
That particular fictional tech enables the crew to create solid 3D objects, environments and people out of light. So, for example, someone could use this technology to walk around in a virtual world that, for all intents and purposes, felt and seemed as real as the "real" world. It's the ultimate in entertainment.
You could be anywhere, do anything or hang out with anyone - or holographic representations thereof - all from the comfort of your home. Why isn't anyone trying to make this a reality?
I mean, we can shoot radio-controlled bombs down enemy chimneys and take a picture of the lint in a guy's pocket from a satellite in space - so why can't I go hang-gliding with a virtual Jimi Hendrix, Socrates and Mark Twain?
You're probably wondering just where this is all going, and if I'm just going to talk about weird things I'd do with Star Trek technology, or something actually useful.
I'm just as curious about that as well, because it all really depends on how useful you consider the television.
Although we're not all that close to getting holodecks in our living rooms, we are pretty darn close to having the option to buy 3D television sets to enjoy.
Both Sony and Panasonic say they will release home 3-D television systems in 2010. Mitsubishi and JVC are said to be working on the same thing, too.
That's just next year, folks! In less than 12 months, according to these reports, you could have one of these sets in your house - although there probably won't be a whole lot to watch initially.
That's because the shows need to be filmed in a special way to make them 3D-viewable. So, television broadcasters and producers will have to make major equipment and standards overhauls to be able to deliver the 3D content.
You'll also need to wear some sort of glasses while you watch the programming, but luckily it won't be the ridiculous red and blue glasses we use at the movie theatre.
Instead, the glasses will be more like venetian blinds. While the 3D television quickly alternates pictures for your left and right eye onscreen, shutters on the glasses open and close - essentially swapping the viewer's vision from left to right.
The effect is that things onscreen seem to pop right out at you. It also gives you a bit of a headache if you watch for too long, apparently.
Of course, 3D television sounds awesome for watching sporting events or swimsuit competitions (hey, I'm just saying!), but probably not so much for shows like the View, or the Weather Channel - or hemorrhoids commercials.
Well we have a year to think about what's worth watching in 3D and for broadcasters to get working on content for us to watch.
So although we may never use a Star Trek holodeck in our lifetime, we may get to watch the Starship Enterprise go boldly where no man has gone before - right off the screen and into our laps. Joy!
