The term instantaneous in this invention means that the roughly 180° horizontal visual field of view that a human senses in real time. The major novelty of the instantaneous 180° (i180°) 3D technology includes (a) a combination of multiple binocular and monocular fields of view for image acquisition, (b) a combination of binocular and monocular fields of view in content playback, (c) a multi-resolution scheme for sensing, processing, transmission, and playback, (d) a realization of physical consistency of the line of sight with minimal distortion of all projection lines between imaging and display, and (e) a method for two-way compatibility for systems with conventional binocular 3D and monocular 2D systems. In addition to applications in consumer electronics, the invention has potential applications in professional business, such as film industry, theaters, museums, advertisements, surgery, rehabilitation, and assistance to the handicapped and elderly.