A 3D TV screen showing 3D content displays two separate images of the same scene simultaneously, one intended for the viewer's right eye and one for the left eye. The two 1080p left eye and right eye images occupy the entire screen and are presented to the viewer in succession, milliseconds apart. When viewers don 3D glasses compatible with their 3DTV, they can perceive these two images as a single 3D image.

This technology relies on a visual process called stereopsis. An adult's eyes are about 63.5mm apart, which allows each eye to see objects from slightly different angles. The two images presented from a 3DTV screen present objects from two slightly different angles as well, and when those images combine in the viewer's mind with the aid of the glasses, the illusion of depth is created.