One way to minimize DLP Link rainbows

Initial test - pretty good!

I got a sheet of acetate (clear, thin film) from a local print shop, then carefully cut out the shape of the lens from my UC DLP Link glasses. I then put the cut out film pieces on the front of my UC glasses. The cut pieces of film are held in place by sort of snap fitting on top of the front of each lens. Hard to explain, but there is a small gap between the lens and the frame where the film can slip into place. No tape, invisible, and actually adds a layer of protection from scratches to the front of the glasses.

I guess the acetate does something to the light to diffuse the rainbow, as it is 98% gone with the added film layer. The picture is slightly dulled and moving your head around causes some rainbow patterns to appear while moving. Even with these added minor annoyances, it was the best 3D experience I've had on my set to date.

I'd give this a 7/10 on the homemade fix scale. I'd love to test it with wave retarder film instead of plain acetate. I'm still working on improving this technique, any suggests are welcome.

I just changed the material from acetate to a 3M laminate sheet. There is no rainbow or any other problems - I think we have a winner! Next week I'll put up a template to print out, then someone else can try it out for more feedback on how it works. I'm also considering sending that out to a few members here with UC DLP link glasses for free if you mail me a SASE. Let me know if there is any interest.

It was simple 3M laminate that you can buy in any supply store. I'll look at the box when I get home for the exact info. It is like two sheets of film that you put something in the middle then put it through a laminating machine to heat it up so it sticks together. This stuff has no sticky layer on it to start. Since it is never heated it never sticks to anything. It was just one of the those materials I had laying around the house so I gave it a try. It worked better then I ever expected.

DO NOT USE THE STICKY STUFF!!!!

Thanks, I was wondering where that was hiding. Sorry for making a new thread that clearly stated in the title that I found an affordable fix for the rainbow issue. I hope the extra thread didn't ruin your day, sorry for helping.

BTW - retarder film costs like $150 a sheet:
http://www.edmundoptics.com/onlineca...m=1&StartRow=1

Laminate costs about 25 cents for a sheet of it.
The first thread was discussing the possibility of fixing the polarization rainbow issue, this thread is to let people know it actually works. Since it actually fixes a huge problem for a number of people I thought it deserved its own thread.

Let me know how it works out for you! I was very impressed with my results.

The next step is to find the thinnest, most transparent piece of film available with an anti-reflective coating on it. I'll also put up a template eventually to help with cutting out the lens shape on the UltraClear glasses. I don't have any other glasses so you are on your own with anything other the UltraClears.

The template and directions are attached.

FYI: I used a 3M laminating pouch where only the bottom layer is sticky, so I used the top layer without the adhesive. It is thin and transparent, so there is no tinting to the TV's picture. The transparency film is slightly more reflective then I'd like, but I haven't found a better substitute just yet.

 

UCLenses_Layout 1.pdf 50.4130859375k . file

Nice - I'm glad to hear that this is working for others as well!

My next thought is to try a iPad protector or monitor protector film instead of a transparency sheet. These would have an anti-glare coating which is badly needed. I am just worried that the silicone adhesive would stick too much to the lens.

But for now, the laminate does work wonders!

EDIT - I got another set of glasses and did this technique, but only one lens worked. I still had a slight rainbow. So I removed the one sheet of film and cut another one down, and this time it worked. So I guess there are angles where even the film does nothing.

Non bump edit - Just ordered an anti-glare iPad protector film for a few bucks. I am hoping this thin, transparent, anti-glare film will eliminate the rainbows without all the glare and reflections. I will definately test them on my sunglasses lenses before attaching them to the UC lenses.

The color shift is a separate problem that the film overlay will not solve, it only works to remove the polarization rainbow. You have to go with different glasses if the color shifting is too annoying to you.

The iPad screen protector was a massive failure. I learned something about anti-glare film, it isn't transparent. When you remove the top layer the film becomes cloudy and worthless. I am done messing around for now as the transparency works good enough. My rainbows are gone so I'm happy.

If you want a piece of my laminate sheet PM your address and I can send you a sheet of what I'm using, but as the thread title suggests it doesn't fully fix the issue, it just "minimizes" it. Sounds like your results are about the same as mine.