The popular method of creating a 3D image on a TV these days is to rapidly show two slightly different images one after the other. Each eye gets to see the correct image by way of glasses that rapidly block and unblock the image so each eye only gets to see one image at a time. Because each of our eyes see the world from a slightly different perspective our brain is deceived into thinking that the image has depth of field.

The problem with the active shutter glasses is that they are expensive. People also have different shaped faces and like to buy glasses that suit. When you buy these glasses you are kind of stuck with the one style. If they happen to not fit correctly then you have to deal with expensive and uncomfortable glasses. You will also need a TV capable of the high refresh rates that 3D requires. If you have a TV that is more than 4 or 5 years it is most likely not 3D capable. Once you have the TV you then need to get glasses compatible for your model. They're expensive and if your whole family is watching the same movie then there is quite a few dollars worth of equipment sitting on your faces.

Thankfully technology moves onward and upward at a great rate of knots and new equipment is already coming into the market place which promises to solve all of these problems. TVs and projectors are now becoming available which use the same technique as the movie theaters for creating a 3D image. It's brand new technology so it's mostly still out of reach for most home users. Movie theaters work by projecting the image with polarized light. When the correct glasses are worn each eye only gets to see one picture each, both taken from a slightly different perspective. Again, the brain is fooled into seeing a 3D image but the refresh and scan rate argument is effectively made mute as both images are displayed on screen at the same time.

Even cooler technology is available in the form of LCD screens that can create the 3D illusion without the need for glasses. The LCD screen is configured in such a way as to be able to project the two separate images in different directions so that each eye will only see one of them. The technology behind how this is done is always a closely guarded secret. This technique so far cannot be done for a widely dispersed audience or a large one. The reason for this is that there is a sweet spot which the viewer has to be in in order to get the two images correctly aligned. If a viewer's eyes are not correctly aligned to the images then they will not get the 3D illusion.

You might be wondering why you would choose aluminum out of other more traditional materials such as wrought iron or wood. Aluminum has some very good advantages for choosing it as a material for outdoor furniture. The biggest advantage is that it is extremely malleable and easily cast or extruded. Other reasons are that it is non-toxic, doesn't rust, create sparks and is non-magnetic making it suitable for a wide variety of environments.

You would be hard pressed to find a material that is just about maintenance free. With a tiny bit of maintenance you can keep your aluminum patio furniture looking new. A quick spray of the hose is just about all it will need, and forget about having to re-stain it every couple of years, unless you like that sort of thing.

A wipe down with some mild soap and warm water is about the most work you will do for even the dirtiest of outdoor aluminum furniture. If you especially like the extra sparkly look you can use a good quality automotive wax. An immediate wipe down after a spillage is the easiest way to avoid any staining.

Casting or creating a frame for material to go around are the two main methods of aluminum furniture manufacture. In casting, liquefied aluminum is poured into a mold of the desired shape. If you are after more complex pieces with attractive patterns such as those found in wrought iron then cast aluminum is what you are after. It's a good compromise but still isn't capable of producing the fine detail found in wrought iron furniture.

Aluminum patio furniture manufactured with the frame method consists of an aluminum frame on which a sturdy mesh is applied. The frames can be either hollow or solid. You don't get the intricate designs with framed aluminum but with proper care it will last you just about forever.

Cast aluminum has been gaining in popularity in recent years due to it's light weight, easy care and of course its cheaper price. Despite all of these advantages it still manages to look stylish and sophisticated.