Abstract: A system for producing a three dimensional (3D) effect from displayed images is provided. Images of a video program are displayed in a complementary primary colors-encoded stereoscopic image format, which includes stereoscopic images of objects or a scene. Corresponding stereoscopic images are displayed in different colors. As the display refreshes, the display alternates the colors of the corresponding stereoscopic images and sends a control signal to active glasses worn by a viewer of the video program that causes a left-eye lens and right-eye lens filter to alternate the color which is filtered in by the respective filter. The viewer is able to view the video program with a perceived 3D effect without either of the lenses of the active glasses having to become opaque during display of the complementary primary colors-encoded stereoscopic image.