I did actually find a program on a website the other day that created 3D images using animated GIF! You needed two photos taken about 4″ apart, then the program layered them and made them alternate. OK, so the image very visibly wobbled but the 3D effect was impressive.

You’re right about the “next big thing” thing. 3D is superb in the IMAX, but pretty ropey on a normal cinema screen. And I don’t get the current push for rugby and football in 3D. Lower the ticket prices and get more people into the grounds if they want realism!

I remain unconvinced that 3D will be the next big thing that the industry tells us it will be. All this faffing about with glasses or going cross-eyed is more trouble than it’s worth when you just want to sit down and watch something. I can see it would be useful for some niche applications, e.g. product design, or perhaps some games but not for general entertainment.

However, I’ve been wrong before… for example, I still don’t have the personal jet pack that I was conviced I’d have by the year 2000!