How To Buy A New 3D TV

Do I Really Need a 3DTV?

Are you looking to buy a new HDTV this year? Are you asking yourself, "Should I buy a 3DTV?".

If you plan on getting a decent sized screen (at least 40") then you may as well buy a 3D-capable TV - whether you really want one or not. The premiums for 3DTVs have come down dramatically over the past year, with 3DTVs costing only $100-200 more than comparable 2DTVs in many cases.

You are going to own this TV for many, many years. So you may as well try and future-proof your purchase the best you can. It's more than likely that within the next year or two ALL high-end TVs will be 3D-capable. It would be a shame to wish you had the option to watch 3D a couple years from now but not be able to - even if it's just to watch the occasional 3D movie like Avatar or Hugo (or watch the Olympics 2016 in 3D, or play that amazing new 3D game on your PS4). The worst case scenario is that you never use the 3D feature and simple watch everything in 2D, but at least you'll have the option.

Click here to see our updated list of the top selling 3DTVs at Amazon right now

What 3DTV Should I Buy?

Before you can determine what 3DTV is the best for your circumstances you need to ask yourself a few questions first:

Active vs. Passive 3D

Are you a videophile who will only be satisfied with the highest possible image quality?

Do you have young kids, a large family, or a lot of friends that will be watching the 3DTV?
If you have a large family then I would strongly suggest buying a passive 3DTV. Passive 3DTVs use the same lightweight, inexpensive glasses used in theaters (i.e., "free"). Active 3DTVs use the heavier, battery powered shutter glasses that typically cost anywhere from $50 to $150 a pair. So buying glasses for a family of four could cost you as much as $600. And forget about that 3D Superbowl party you were planning for your 20 closest friends if you own an active 3DTV.

The negative things about passive 3DTVs is that each eye does not see full a full 1080p image since each eye only sees every other line of the picture. However, in theory your brain puts the alternate lines back together to see the entire image anyway. 

While videophiles often point to the "full HD" issue as a reason for preferring active over passive, most people report not noticing a difference in picture quality unless sitting very close to the TV.

The other benefit of passive 3DTVs is that people generally report less eyestrain or eye fatigue from passive 3DTVs vs. active.

I currently own an active 3DTV, but if I were buying a new 3DTV today I would strongly recommend looking at the Vizio Theater line of passive 3DTVs. You can get a 42" for under $800, and Vizio supports more 3D formats than any other manufacturer (including Sony or Samsung). See the link below to see what others on Amazon.com have to say about the Vizio line of 3DTVs:

My second pick would be to look at the LG Cinema line of passive 3DTVs. Both Vizio and LG use the same passive 3D panels (manufactured by LG Panel) and therefore should have similar picture quality. The LG 3DTV do not currently support the SENSIO 3D format (see below), however the LG series do have 2D-3D conversion which the Vizio 3DTVs do not. I've seen the LG 2D-3D conversion and it's actually pretty good (at least much better than my Sony). So if 2D-3D is important to you then you may want to consider the LG. Click HERE to see what others on Amazon.com have to say about LG's line of Passive Cinema 3DTVs.

How Big Of A Screen Do I Need?

When it comes to 3D, bigger is definitely better. I would recommend getting the largest screen you can afford that will reasonably fit in the desired space.

3D is all about immersion. You want the screen to capture as much of your field of vision as possible. While the 3D effects on a smaller screen are still impressive, there's nothing quite like the feeling of actually being there.

A larger screen will also allow you to sit further away from the TV, which means both the depth and pop-out effects will be more impressive. (A 3D scene that extends 50% of the way from the TV to the viewer means a 2-foot effect for someone sitting 4-feet away from the TV. That same scene will extend out 4-feet if you sit 8-feet away).

What Is The Difference Between Side-By-Side, Top/Bottom and SENSIO Hi-Fi 3D?

Side-by-Side (SbS) Top Over Bottom (T/B) and SENSIO are simply compression methods which allow 3D images to be broadcast over the existing 2D cable, satellite and internet infrastructure.

SbS and T/B each compress the image (either vertically or horizontally) to allow both the left eye and right eye image to fit on a single frame. The TV then decompresses the images to re-create the 3D picture. The result, unfortunately, is that the 3D image you see on your TV will only be 1/2 the resolution of the original. In a sense, it is like watching SD on a HDTV.

The benefit of SbS and T/B to TV manufacturers is that each methodology is in the public domain and is therefore free to use and incorporate into their 3DTVs.

SENSIO on the other hand, is a patented technology which compresses the original 3D image in such a way that when decompressed by your 3DTV the resulting image is visually identical to the original. Therefore by using SENSIO 3D format you can watch Blu-Ray quality 3D video over cable or internet.

In addition to 3D compression, SENSIO also provides other features to improve the viewer's 3D experience, like SENSIO Autodetect (which automatically detects the 3D format being received) and SENSIO S2D Switch (which allows viewers to view recorded or streaming 3D content in 2D if desired).

Unfortunately, as the the date of this article, Vizio is the only manufacturer currently supporting the SENSIO 3D format. Hopefully by the time you are reading this more and more manufacturers will adopt the format as more and more content becomes available in SENSIO 3D.

http://3d-tv-gaming.blogspot.com.au

3D TV essential guide

• Find out how 3D TV works
• How to watch 3D TV – exactly what will you need?
• Read about the latest 3D-ready TVs
• Details on Sky’s 3D TV and Full HD 3D on Blu-ray

http://www.which.co.uk/technology/tv-and-dvd/guides/3d-tv-essential-guide/

Best 3D TV

Sony, Samsung, Panasonic, Philips, Toshiba, Sharp and LG go head-to-head in our first 3D TV tests. A panel of experienced experts assess ten newly launched 3D TVs.

3D TVs on test

Samsung's svelte 55-inch C8000 LED 3D TV

We've put fifteen 3D TVs through our test lab programme, assessing each for the quality of the 3D picture and comfort of 3D glasses. Click on the links below to read the full 3D reviews.
To see how all these TVs performed in our regular 2D viewing tests, audio assessments, usability and power efficiency tests check our LCD, LED and plasma TV reviews page. New results are added every month
For more information on all things 3D check out our free essential 3DTV guide. For the very latest on glasses-free 3D TVs read our first look report from CES 2011.

Types of 3D TVs on test

Any 3D TV needs to send a different picture to each eye – the ‘type’ is determined by the way it does this. There are two basic types of 3D TV – active shutter and passive displays. All the models on test, except the LG 47LD950, are active shutter models.

• Active shutter 

  You need 3D glasses to watch 3D TV. And they're not cheap
  

Most of the big TV brands are championing active shutter 3D TVs. Active shutter glasses synchronise with the TV via an infra-red signal and rapidly blink on and off, playing back full 1080p images to the right eye and left eye at a rate of 50 frames per second.
The glasses need a power source to switch on and off (either a small battery or via a USB charge) and, as a result, are very expensive. Most new 3D TVs come supplied with a pair (or two) of active LCD shutter glasses, but extra pairs cost around £100. The glasses will work with that specific brand of TV only.
Pros: Full 1080p image for each eye
Cons: Expensive, clunky glasses

• Passive 

Sky's 3D TV service works with polarised 3D specs

 The alternative is a passive shutter display, as seen on LG’s LD920. This has a polarising film over the screen that separates the image into left and right types. The glasses, which are also polarised (like the lightweight type you use in the cinema) filter out the unwanted image and let only the correct image through.
This technology is more akin to that used in cinemas showing 3D films. It was also used in 3D Sky Sports pubs around the UK during the World Cup to show 3D Premier League football games. In fact, the TVs used in the Sky Sports pubs are LD920 models. The retail version is the similar LD950.
As you'll see only half of the image in each eye, 3D content won't be shown in full HD 1080p resolution with passive technology. 2D content will be in full HD, however, providing it comes from an HD source.
Pros: Cheap, lightweight glasses
Cons: Lower-resolution images

3D TV – How we test

Each TV is watched by a panel of three expert viewers, watching nine 3D clips ranging from sport sequences to Blu-ray movie clips and a natural world documentary. To determine the best 3D TV picture, we assessed each TV on the following criteria:

3D picture

• Overall depth
• Resolution and detail
• Dark detail
• Overall brightness
• Smoothness of movement
• Noise level in picture
• Richness and accuracy of colour
• Ghosting issues

Overall 3D viewing experience

• Comfort and fit of 3D glasses
• Ability to reject external light/flicker
• Effect when tilting your head

What 3D material do we watch?

Sky digital launches a new 3D TV service in 2010

We managed to grab some test material from Sky - including football, rugby and tennis clips for motion and panning sequences, concert footage for dark detail and lighting effects and natural world clips to assess colour vibrancy. Sky launched a 3D TV service in 2010.
However, we were limited to just one 3D Blu-ray disc – a copy of ‘Monsters versus aliens’.
For more information on all things 3D check out our free essential 3DTV guide.

Best 3D TVs - 3D Plasma TVs - 3D LCD TVs

3D is the new buzzword in home theater, but what are the best 3D TVs? To get you started in finding the 3D TV that is right for you, check out my current list of Best 3D TVs. Also, keep in mind that in order to watch 3D, you will also need 3D glasses and 3D content provided by a Blu-ray Disc player, or 3D-enabled Cable/Satellite Box, and, of course, 3D Blu-ray movies and TV programs. For more details, also read my articles: 3D Home Theater Basics and 3D TV Pros and Cons

and Cons

1. LG PZ950 Series THX-Certified 3D Plasma TVs

The LG PZ950 Series Plasma TVs are THX Certified for both 2D and 3D performance. These sets are compatible with 3D Blu-ray Discs, cable/satellite, and broadcast. These sets also perform 2D-to-3D conversion, if desired. 3D glasses must be purchased separately. Even if you don't partake in 3D, these sets produce great 1080p 2D images with the excellent motion and black level response that Plasma technology provides. The PX950 series also provides access to internet content, such as Netflix and Vudu, as well as media content stored on your PC or network connected device (DLNA certified). The PZ950 series is available in either a 50-inch (LG 50PZ950 - compare prices) or 60-inch (60PZ950 - compare prices) screen size.

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2. Panansonic TC-P50GT50 3D Network Plasma TV

The Panasonic TC-P50GT50 is a 50-inch Plasma TV that is THX certified for both 2D and 3D. 3D content can be accessed from 3D Blu-ray, TV broadcast, cable, or satellite TV sources, utilizing the active shutter glasses system. To bolster both 2D and 3D performance, the 50-inch TC-P50GT50 also features 1920x1080 (1080p) native pixel resolution, and Panasonic's Infinite Black Pro Panel for improved black level response.
The TC-P50GT50 also has more to offer, such as 4 HDMI inputs, and both an SD Card slot and USB port for accessing audio, video, and still image files stored on SD cards and flash drives. In addition with network media player capabilities, this set can access both PC-based and online streaming audio/video content via wired or wireless internet connection. With the addition of a compatible accessory webcam, you can even make Skype video phone calls. The TC-P50GT50 also utilizes an attractive, thin profile, design, feature-packed TV that may be just right for your home theater system.
Compare Prices
Also available in larger screen sizes, which actually provides a better 3D experience, if you have the space - Compare Prices for the: 55-inch TC-P55GT50, 60-inch TC-P60GT50, and 65-inch TC-P65GT50.

3. Samsung PN51D7000 51-inch 3D Plasma TV

The Samsung PN51D7000 3D Plasma TV enables you to watch 3D Blu-ray Discs from a 3D-enabled Blu-ray Disc player, as well as built-in real-time 2D-to-3D conversion. Although the 2D-to-3D effect is not as precise as it is from content specifically produced in 3D, the conversion process does add depth to 2D images. Of course, you also need to purchase 3D glasses to enjoy the show. On the other hand, even if you don't partake in 3D, the PN51D7000 produces excellent 1080p 2D images with the excellent motion response and black levels that Plasma technology is capable of. Also, the PN51D7000 provides you with access to an abundance of internet content via its "Smart TV" functions and Samsung Apps, including Blockbuster and Netflix. Definitely give this set a look. Also available in larger 59-inch and 64-inch screen sizes: Compare Prices for the PN59D7000 and PN64D7000.

4. Samsung PN51D6500 51-inch 3D Plasma TV

The PN51D6500 offers a a new 51-inch screen size, made possible a new thinner bezel design. The PN51D6500 displays a full high definition native resolution of 1920x1080 (1080p), bolstered by an almost unlimited contrast ratio. The images on this set are excellent. In addition, the PN51D6500 includes, ATSC/QAM tuners, 4 HDMI inputs, and two USB ports for still image and video playback. However, the big bonuses are the ability to display both 2D and 3D images, and also stream content from the internet (via built-in WiFi), including Netflix, Blockbuster, Pandora, and more with Samsung Apps. If you are looking for a large screen flat panel TV with lots of flexibility and great performance (Since this is a Plasma set, it has better black levels and is priced less than most equivalent-sized LCD TVs), consider the Samsung PN51D6500. NOTE: Also available in a larger 59-inch screen size (PN59D6500 - compare prices).

5. Samsung UN55D8000 55-inch 3D LED/LCD TV

The Samsung UN55C8000 55-inch 3D LED/LCD TV enables you to watch 3D Blu-ray Discs from a 3D-enabled Blu-ray Disc player, as well as built-in real-time 2D-to-3D conversion,. Although not as precise as content specifically produced in 3D, the conversion process does add depth to 2D images. Of course, you also need to purchase 3D glasses to enjoy the show. On the other hand, even if you aren't enthusiastic about 3D, the UN55D8000 a top-notch LCD TV with excellent 1080p 2D images supported by Samsung's Clear Motion Rate 960 which combine screen refresh rate (240Hz), image processing, and LED technology to produce detailed smooth motion images. Also, the UN55D8000 provides you with access to lots of internet content via Samsung Apps, including Blockbuster and Netflix, via Ethernet connection. Also available in a smalle 46-inch screen size: (UN46D8000 - Compare Prices).

6. Sony BRAVIA XBR-65HX929 3D Network LCD TV

If you are looking for a great 3D LCD TV, definitely consider the Sony XBR-65HX929. With core features, such as a 65-inch screen, 3D capability, 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution, an almost unlimited contrast ratio bolstered by LED full array backlight technology and 240Hz screen refresh rate (Motion Flow), 3D images look great and the large screen provides a more immersive view that is desired for 3D viewing.
Besides 3D, other features, such as ATSC/QAM tuners, which allow reception of over-the-air HDTV signals and Digital/HD-cable (non-premium channels), USB port for playing audio/video/still images from digital devices or flash drives, and the inclusion of WiFi connectivity with internet streaming from content sources, such as Netflix, YouTube, and Panodra provide the flexibility to make the XBR-65HX929 a complete home entertainment device.
Is 65-inches too big for you? If so, this set is also available in 55 and 46-inch screen sizes (Compare Prices for the Sony Bravia XBR-55HX929) and (Compare Prices for the Sony Bravia XBR-46HX929).

7. Samsung UN46D7000 46-inch 3D LED/LCD TV

3D is here and Samsung's got it. Not only does the UN46D7000 LED/LCD TV enables you to watch 3D Blu-ray Discs from a 3D-enabled Blu-ray Disc player, but the UN46D7000 also features built-in real-time 2D-to-3D conversion. Although the effect is not as precise as it is from content specifically produced in 3D, the conversion process does add depth to 2D images. Of course, you will need to purchase 3D glasses to enjoy the show. On the other hand, even if you don't partake in the 3D experience, the UN46D7000 produces excellent 1080p 2D images. Also, the UN46D7000 provides you with access to an abundant of internet content via Samsung Apps, including Blockbuster and Netflix, with its built-in network connectivity . NOTE: 3D Glasses requires additional purchase. Also available in larger 55-inch (UN55D7000 - compare prices) and 60-inch (UN60D7000 - compare prices) screen sizes.

8. Sony KDL46EX720 46-inch 3D LED/LCD TV

The Sony KDL46EX720 is a 46-inch 16x9 LCD television that incorporates LED Edge Lighting and a native pixel resolution of 1920x1080 (1080p). This set includes some of the latest technology, such as both 2D and 3D viewing (3D glasses and 3D content required), four HDMI 1.4a inputs, 120Hz screen refresh rate, supplemented by 240Hz processing, and both ATSC and QAM tuners. The ATSC tuner allows reception of the over-the-air HDTV signals and the QAM tuner allows Digital/HD-cable (non-premium channels) reception. In addition, the KDL46EX720 also includes WiFi capabiltiy (accessory adapter required) and internet widgets that provide access to internet-based content, such as Netflix, YouTube, and more. However, getting down to the basics, the KDL46EX720 delivers excellent detail, color consistency, and contrast, and LED Edge Lighting is very energy efficient. Also available in a larger 55-inch screen size (KDL55EX720 - compare prices) and a smaller 40-inch screen size (KDL40EX720 - compare prices).

9. LG 55LW5600 3D LED/LCD TV with Passive Glasses

The LG 55LW5600 is one of a new line of 3D LED/LCD TVs that utilize LG Cinema 3D technology. LG Cinema 3D takes the emphasis away from 3D TVs that require Active Shutter Glasses to 3D TVs that use Passive Polarized Glasses.
Some of the the benefits of passive glasses, include better 3D viewing comfort, increased brightness of 3D images, no need for battery charging or replacement, and the lower prices charged for passive 3D glasses (about $10 each). However, one consideration is that using passive glasses with a 1080p 3D TV, unlike 3D TVs utilizing active shutter glasses, the 3D resolution drops to 540p for 3D images.
However, that being said, the LG 55LW5600 is worth consideration and also offers a host of other great features, including a large 55-inch screen size, real time 3D conversion for 2D sources, 3D to 2D conversion (if desired), 120Hz screen refresh rate, network connectivity via ethernet or WiFi connection, and internet streaming. Also available in a smaller 47-inch screen size (LG 47LW5600 - Compare Prices.

10. Toshiba 46WX800U Cinema Series 3D LCD NetTV with LED Edge Lighting

The Toshiba 46WX800U is one the new breed of TVs that incorporates 3D viewing and network media player capabilities, allowing access to both PC and online-based audio/video content. The 46WX800U also utilizes LED edge-lighting resulting in a thinner design and eco-friendly power consumption. In addition, the 46-inch 46WX800U also features a 1920x1080 (1080p) native pixel resolution, 120H refresh rate and 240hz Clearscan processing, 4 HDMI inputs, and two side mounted USB ports for accessing audio, video, and still image files stored on flash drives. To find out if the Toshiba 46WX800U is the right 3D/Network HDTV for you, check out my Review, Photo Gallery and Video Performance Tests. Also available in 55-inch screen size: (compare prices)

Read Review

11. Samsung UN46C7000 46-inch 3D LED/LCD TV

3D is here and Samsung's got it. Not only does the UN46C7000 LED/LCD TV enable you to watch 3D Blu-ray Discs from a 3D-enabled Blu-ray Disc player, but the UN46C7000 also features built-in real-time 2D-to-3D conversion. Although the effect is not as precise as it is from content specifically produced in 3D, the conversion process does add depth to 2D images. Of course, you will need to purchase 3D glasses to enjoy the show. On the other hand, even if you don't partake in the 3D experience, the UN46C7000 produces excellent 1080p 2D images. Also, the UN46C7000 provides you with access to an abundant of internet content, including Blockbuster and Netflix, with its built-in network connectivity. NOTE: 3D Glasses requires additional purchase.

12. Sony KDL32EX720 32-inch 3D LCD TV with LED Edge Lighting

Sony brings 3D viewing to smaller screen sizes. The KDL32EX720 is a 32-inch 16x9 LCD television that incorporates LED Edge Lighting and a native pixel resolution of 1920x1080 (1080p). This set includes some of the latest technology, such as both 2D and 3D viewing (3D glasses and 3D content required), four HDMI 1.4a inputs, 120Hz screen refresh rate, supplemented by 240Hz processing, and both ATSC and QAM tuners. The ATSC tuner allows reception of the over-the-air HDTV signals and the QAM tuner allows Digital/HD-cable (non-premium channels) reception. In addition, the KDL32EX720 also includes WiFi capabiltiy (accessory adapter required) and internet widgets that provide access to internet-based content, such as Netflix, YouTube, and more. However, getting down to the basics, the KDL32EX720 delivers excellent detail, color consistency, and contrast, and LED Edge Lighting is very energy efficient.

3D TV Buying Tips

3D TVs are getting a lot of hype, but still have a ways to go to become mainstream. However, with their decreasing price points and performance improvements they are gaining a foothold. However, before you jump into the 3D TV experience, there are some useful tips to take into consideration.

Before You Before You Buy a 3D TV - 3D TV Buying Tips

Find a Place to put your 3D TV

Find a good spot to place your 3D TV. The darker the room, the better, so make sure if you have windows, can still darken the room in the daytime. Also, have adequate viewing space between you and the TV. Allow 8 feet for a 50-inch or 10 feet for a 60-inch 3D TV, but make sure the viewing distance you choose is comfortable for both 2D and 3D viewing. 3D is best viewed on larger screen (if you have the space) as it intended to be an immersive viewing experience, not a "looking through a small window" experience. For more information on the optimal viewing distance for a particular size 3D TV check out Best 3D TV Screen Size and Viewing Distance (Practical Home Theater Guide) and the THX HDTV Setup Guide.

• TV Buying Tips
• 3D Home Theater Basics
• 3D TV Pros and Cons

Make Sure The 3D TV Fits in the Spot You Have Chosen

Many times consumers purchase a TV, get it home just to return it because it just doesn't quite fit in the entertainment center, on the TV stand, or on the wall space. Make sure you measure the required space for your TV and bring those measurements and tape measure to the store with you. Account for at least a 1 to 2-inch leeway on all sides and several inches behind the set, in order to make it easier to install and allow for adequate ventilation as well as extra space for the installation of any audio/video connections, so there is enough room to move the TV so that cables can be easily connected.

• How to Hang an LCD or Plasma TV
• Home Theater Setup Tips

LCD, Plasma, or DLP - Which is Best For 3D TV?

Whether you choose a 3D LCD, Plasma, or DLP TV is your choice. However, there some things to take into considering with each option. DLP is the top choice, if you are looking for biggest screen size for the buck (up to 92-inches), but since they are projection sets, they are bulkier than either LCD or Plasma. Also, if you are susceptible to the "Rainbow Effect" that would also be a consideration.
LCD is most is commonly available TV, even for 3D, but make sure you do some comparison viewing before making a final choice. Some LCD TVs are better at displaying 3D than others. On the other hand, LCDs do better in rooms with ambient light issues.
Plasma is the best choice of the three if you can control ambient light. Plasma has better motion response than LCD and better natural black levels and contrast which can provide a better 3D viewing experience.

• LCD TV FAQs
• Plasma TV FAQs
• Before You Buy a DLP TV

Active or Passive Glasses

Yes, you will need to wear glasses to watch 3D. However, these are not the cheap paper 3D glasses of yesteryear. There are two types of 3D glasses in use for 3D TVs: Passive Polarized glasses. These type of glasses are inexpensive and anywhere from $5 to $25 each.
Active Shutter glasses have batteries and a transmitter that synchs the glasses with 3D images and are more expensive than passive polarized glasses ($75 to $150).
Depending on which 3D TV you buy, determines whether passive polarized or active shutter glasses will be required. So far, 3D Plasma and DLP TVs use Active Shutter Glasses, while some LCD TVs use Active Shutter and other LCD TVs use Passive Polarized Glasses.
Depending on manufacturer, 1 or 2 pairs of glasses may be provided, or they may be an optional purchase. Also, glasses branded for one manufacturer may not work another 3D-TV. If you and a friend have different brand 3D-TVs, in most cases, you will not be able to borrow each other's 3D glasses. However, XpanD and Monster Cable now make Universal 3D Glasses that can work on most currently available 3D TVs that use the Active Shutter system.

• Why Do I Need To Wear Glasses To Watch 3D?
• What About 3D TV Without Glasses?

3D Source Components and Content - Make Sure You Have Something to Watch in 3D

To watch 3D on your 3D TV, you need 3D content from A 3D-enabled Blu-ray Disc player, HD-Cable, or HD-Satellite Box. 3D Blu-ray Disc players are designed from the ground-up to be compatible will all 3D TVs. The Blu-ray Disc player delivers two simultaneous 1080p signals (one 1080p signal for each eye). On the receiving end, 3D TV is able to receive and process this signal.
By the same token, if receiving 3D content via HD-cable or Satellite, you may need a new 3D-enabled Cable or Satellite box or it may be possible to provide an upgrade to your current box, depending your service provider. For more details, contact your cable or satellite service provider.
Of course, having a 3D TV, 3D Blu-ray Disc player, or 3D Cable/Satellite Box doesn't do you any good without content, which means buying 3D Blu-ray Discs, and subscribing to 3D Cable or Satellite programming.

• What Do I Need In My Home Theater To Watch 3D?
• Can I Watch 2D on a 3D TV?
• Are There Any Unhealthy Side Effects to Watching 3D?

Be Aware of 3D TV Settings

When you buy your 3D TV, take it out of the box, plug everything in and turn it on, you may find that the factory default settings may not get you the best 3D TV viewing results. Optimum 3D TV viewing requires a brighter image with more contrast and detail, as well as faster screen referesh rate. Check your TV's picture settings menu for presets, such as Sports or Standard, rather than Cinema. When viewing 3D, these settings provide a higher level of brightness and contrast. Also, check to see if settings for 120Hz or 240Hz refresh rate or processing. The combinations of these settings will help decrease the amount of ghosting and lag in the 3D image as well as compensate for some of the brightness loss that occurs when viewing through 3D glasses. Changing your TVs settings will not damage your TV, and if you get them too far off, there are Reset options that can return your TV to its default settings. If you are uncomfortable changing your TV's settings, take advantage of any installation or setup services offered by your local dealer.

• Screen Refresh Rate
• 1080i vs 1080p
• How to Adjust A 3D TV For Best 3D Viewing Results

Audio Considerations

Nothing changes with audio with the introduction of 3D into a home theater setup, except how you might make the physical audio connections between a 3D-enabled source component, such as a Blu-ray Disc player and an existing home theater receiver. If you really want to be fully 3D signal compliant across the entire connection chain of your home theater system, you need a 3D compatible home theater receiver that can pass a 3D signal from the Blu-ray Disc player through the receiver and on to the 3D TV. However, if this is not in your budget yet, upgrading to a 3D compatible home theater receiver, would be a low priority, as you can still send the video signal directly from the Blu-ray Disc Player to the TV and the audio from the player to the home theater receiver using a separate connection, but it does add an extra cable connection to your setup, and may limit access to some surround sound formats.

• Will 3D Affect My Surround Sound Set-up?
• Before You Buy a Home Theater Receiver - Part I
• Before You Buy a Home Theater Receiver - Part II

Budget Wisely - Take Advantage of Sales and Special Promotions

Just as with buying any other consumer electronics device, budget wisely. Take into consideration added added costs, such as purchasing 3D Glasses, 3D Blu-ray Disc player, 3D Blu-ray Discs, 3D Home Theater receiver, and any cables you might need to connect it all together. However, you can also save money by keeping close watch on Ad Specials that feature 3D TV "bundles". Some retailers, especially the "big box" stores run periodic specials that feature either discounted price on a 3D TV, or bundles that include a 3D TV, 3D Blu-ray Disc Player, a couple of 3D Blu-ray Disc movies, and may even extra 3D glasses for a discounted package price. In addition, in some cases, the retailer may also bundle in the cost of delivery and basic installation. Buying this way insures that you get everything you need to start watching 3D when you get home.

Answer: Currently, all 3D TV viewing available for consumers has to be done by wearing 3D glasses. However, there are technologies in various stages of development that can enable you to see a 3D image on a TV or other type of video display device without glasses.

3D Without Glasses - Can I Watch 3D TV Without Glasses?

So far, no-glasses 3D viewing is becoming available on some cellphones and portable game devices. In order to view the 3D effect, you have to look at the screen from a specific viewing angle.
However, the no-glasses 3D concept is being demonstrated in a larger screen TV screen form factor as Toshiba, Sony, and LG all showed prototype glasses-free 56-inch 3D TVs at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show.
What makes these TVs groundbreaking is that they sport 4K resolution (four times more than 1080p) for 2D images, and full 1080p for each eye in 3D mode. However, the viewing angle is limited for 3D viewing (about 15 degrees on either side of the center of the screen), which makes them currently impractical for general consumer availability, but the race is on.
With Toshiba, LG, and Sony all onboard with this developing technology, it will be interesting to see which one makes it to store shelves first. In talking to Toshiba reps at CES 2011, they seemed confident that Toshiba will be ready by 2012. However, before no-glasses 3D is viable, it must allow for wider viewing angle and must also be affordable. However, it is no longer a matter of if no-glasses 3D TV is possible, but when it can be made available to consumers.
In another encouraging note, "AutoStereoscopic Displays" (the technical name for no-glasses 3D TVs) being developed for the consumer market, are designed to work with all current 2D and 3D systems now in use (although LG's prototype is currently only capable of displaying 3D). In other words, you will be able to watch TV in either 2D or 3D, and if you own a 3D Blu-ray Disc player, 3D Blu-ray Discs, or 3D compatible home theater receiver, they will be compatible with all no-glasses 3D TVs when such sets are available. This is an absolute requirement if no-glasses 3D TVs are to be acceptable to consumers.
For more details on my impressions of Toshiba's no-glasses 3D TV, including a video clip of no-glasses 3D TV in action, check out my past guest appearance on the AV Rant Podcast.
For technical info on the various technologies used in no-glasses 3D TVs, check out the article 3D TV Without Glasses and How It Works posted by 3DTVGuide.org
You can be sure that as more details become available on no-glasses 3D TVs, this site will bring you the news...

Final Take on 3D TV

I feel that 3D TV is hear to stay, but it will be more of a niche audience for some time, until pricing and content are widely available. You have to remember that all new tech takes awhile to make inroads. Also, manufacturers and content providers need to keep in mind that most consumer just purchased new HDTVs as a result of the recent DTV Transition and asking them to fork out more bucks to upgrade to a 3D TV now is too much to expect, especially in the current economy.
Also, another move in the industry is the possible introduction or Ultra-High Definition TV (also refer to as Quad Resolution, 4K, or 4K x 2K) which creates another TV product category that consumers could be faced with in the next several years, at least for screen sizes 65-inches and larger.
However, before your start to panic, keep in mind that, just as with 3D now, unless TV broadcast bandwidth is increased, a new compression alogrithm is worked out, or a new disc format is created, actual Untra-High Definition content will be almost non-existent for some time, so almost everything you would e viewing on an Ultra-HD TV would simply be upscaled from current 1080p content.
What will happen going forward is that 3D will be just another feature offered on and increasing number of TVs that you can advantage of or not, in same manner as the increasing number of TVs that have internet connectivity and media player functions. When you shop for a TV, just make sure it has the features you want, whether its 3D, internet streaming, media player functionality, easier-to-use onscreen menus, or Ultra-High Definition resolution (when that comes out).
For more on 3D, check out my 3D Home Theater Basics FAQs and my picks for Best 3D Plasma and LCD TVs, as well as another perspective on 3D from About.com's Kids TV and Movies Guide, Carey Bryson: 3D Movies: Will Your Family Enjoy the Home 3D Movie Viewing Experience?