These arm-chair-experts argue that the "standard" is the red lens over the left eye ("red left"), and that we are perhaps causing confusion or, at the very least, don't know what we are doing.

Some have said we are doing this to eliminate competition!!!

To put this into perspective, one must take away the emotional aspect, and look at facts.

It is true that red left has been more dominant, especially in the last 40 years, which can therefore appear to some to be a standard practice.

Yet, one of our largest competitors in the glasses business is (still) EXCLUSIVELY red right!

Another 3D artist in the field makes a few cute claims why red left is better. Cute doesn't cut it. He further says more 3D glasses are made that way. That is NOT true.

When we made our first 3D glasses (for Universal Video in 1980), the client specified red left. For the next few years, the many millions of glasses we produced were red left. At the time, there didn't appear to be any reason to be different.

During this time, I gave hundreds of 3D TV demonstrations to people from all walks of life, mostly professionals in the entertainment industry. During these screenings, I would occasionally hear one or two people complain that the image looked "red," or "blue," or that they couldn't see a 3D effect. This was a decided minority, and since it is common knowledge that more than 10% of people have "problems" with stereoscopic vision, I felt they were within "spec."

I must add, fatigue plays a big part in viewing impression. When one is tired, the visual system often goes "2D," switching only to one's "dominant" eye. We generally aren't aware of this, as the brain quickly switches back to 3D when it needs to. This can lead to one seeing only through one of the lenses of the 3D glasses, and therefore seeing only red (or cyan), and maybe no 3D.

In 1991 (as I recall), I was giving a demonstration to a very well known TV producer and about 10 of his associates. As the tape played, the producer said the image looked red, and didn't see 3D. YIKES! Then a woman echoed. YIKES again! Others stated they saw a good picture, and great 3D.

At that moment, the years of hearing this sort of comment totalled up to an observation - a theory - that MIGHT address the problem. It was fortunate that the facility we were in had certain video effects equipment, because I asked the tape operator to stop the tape, rewind, and start again, but with the image reversed. I then asked the audience to turn their glasses inside out.

As the tape re-started, there was a moment of silence (which seemed like an hour). The producer then let out a "WOW" (honest!), followed by comments on the 3D. The woman that shared his earlier difficulty now said she too could see the 3D.

The other observers claimed the 3D looked the same either way.

For a few months, I exclusively gave red right screenings, and, to this day, have only heard a very small number of persons seeing "red" or no 3D. And those, I am quite sure, are the minority that have 3D problems.

This is not a scientifically substantiated situation. 3D is highly subjective, so I have chosen to simply follow direct observation. Less complaints equals improved presentation. To me, that is the dictum.

So, red right became our "in house" standard. The fact is, our clients always have, and always will chose their preferred orientation. We often produce red left images and/or glasses on client request.

The first major red right project was John Wayne's HONDO. Wayne's son Michael, who runs the Wayne company, carefully evaluated the orientation issue. For him the decision was rather like ours - "whatever looks best to most." No complaints were heard from any of the 151 TV stations that showed HONDO in 3D. We made over 13,000,000 glasses - with our name clearly visible. NO complaints.

Since then, we have produced numerous programs and print pieces - with no complaints.

From my view, this means the decision to be "different" is justified and has obviously been quite successful.

There is still no "standard," and probably never will be. Frankly, there is no need. Whatever the 3D presentation, appropriate 3D glasses will always be available. Sure, there are a few who will complain "we already have red left glasses - why should we have to buy red right glasses?" to which I might reply that the producer of the presentation is usually selling the 3D glasses, using the profits to cover the additional costs of 3D production. Most smaller TV programs cannot afford 3D, let alone the cost to manufacture and distribute perhaps millions of glasses. Simple economics. Besides, it's easy to turn red left glasses inside out if one is too cheap to buy a new pair of glasses, or, more likely, new glasses are unavailable. Common sense goes a long way.

Lastly, as for our going red right to eliminate competitors, utter nonsense. First, the "competition" can easily make red right if they want. Second, there aren't millions of red left glasses sitting on the competitor's shelves! 3D glasses are made to order.

Dimension 3 will continue to be "red right" until such time it is apparent there is a REAL reason to change.

For those who have spent time reading this (in my opinion) unnecessary "defense," I thank you. Please do enjoy 3D - regardless of "orientation."