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3D TVs Buyers Guide
The 3D TV revolution has begun. Millions of people have already experienced digital 3D presentations at the cinema and it was this technology that allowed James Cameron's Avatar to become the highest grossing movie of all time. By mid-2010 the first 3D technology designed for the home had begun to arrive and early adopters started to dive into the world of 3D television.
At the moment there are only a handful of manufacturers producing 3D TVs which makes it relatively easy to work out which 3D TV is the right one for you. However, specifications and capabilities can vary as wildly as they do in the wider HDTV market, so it is important to get a basic understand of what each firm offers as well as taking a look at the technology so that you can make an informed decision.
How 3D TV works
The majority of 3D TVs produced for the consumer market require that you wear active shutter glasses to get the full effect of the stereoscopic image. Different manufacturers use slightly different techniques, but in short there is one image for the left eye and one for the right, the offsetting of which produces the illusion that the on-screen objects are popping out at you. With active shutter glasses synchronised to a 3D TV set, the left and right eye will be sequentially blocked imperceptibly so that each frame is delivered to the correct eye.
While it is difficult to express this in layman's terms, in essence anyone looking into 3D TV needs to appreciate that for everyone to enjoy the experience, each viewer will require a pair of active shutter glasses which are endorsed by the manufacturer of the TV you choose. Some firms bundle on or two sets of glasses in with a new TV but for a family of four to watch it will probably be necessary to invest in further pairs of glasses.
Here is a quick overview of the major manufacturers currently producing 3D TVs.
Screen size and display type
As with the HDTV market, you can buy 3D TVs in a range of different sizes. For the moment, most are above 40 inches, with top of the range TVs stretching to 65 inches across the diagonal. With the smaller 40 inch displays it is possible to find LED backlighting technology supporting LCD screens for a slimline build and bright picture. The larger TVs are invariably Plasma models and as such are bulkier and heavier but can give you acres of screen real estate to enjoy.
Panasonic
Panasonic has a range of 3D TVs, with screen sizes of between 42 inches at the lower end of the scale and 65 inches at the very top. All of these televisions support full HD 1080p resolution whilst in 3D or 2D modes and as such are great for watching non-3D content from Blu Ray, HD TV broadcasts or standard definition DVD. One good reason to opt for a Panasonic 3D TV is that an exclusive deal means Avatar 3D is only available when bundled with this firm's 3D technology, although this is a limited time offer and will not be an incentive forever.
LG
With full HD 3D TVs ranging in size between 42 inches and 60 inches, LG has a competitive line-up. One of the benefits of its 3D TV range is that they offer complete LED backlighting across the entirety of the screen. This means you get superior brightness combined with a seriously thin design and lower power consumption.
Sony
With base line 3D TVs starting at 40 inches and 60 inch screens sitting at the top of the tree, Sony has a suitably wide selection. Sony has always been a manufacturer chosen by those who are serious about picture quality and do not mind paying that little bit more to get class-leading performance.
Samsung
With screen sizes between 40 inches and 63 inches it is certainly worth considering a Samsung screen when looking at 3D TVs. Bundle deals from this manufacturer can include a 3D Blu Ray copy of Monsters vs. Aliens, but as with Panasonic's Avatar deal this is not an unlimited offer.
When buying a 3D TV it is also necessary to look at just what type of additional equipment you will require to start enjoying 3D movies and shows. 3D Blu Ray players are often available as part of a first time buyer's bundle although if you already have a Blu Ray player it might be worth checking to see whether it is compatible with 3D playback after a software update. Owners of the Sony PlayStation 3 are also able to enjoy 3D movies thanks to an update, as well as access 3D gaming with compatible titles, so check to see if your equipment has this capability.
In addition to 3D Blu Rays, there are now 3D broadcasts available via Sky. Subscribers to the top pay monthly satellite package will have access to the new 3D channel which offers movies, live sports and documentaries. BT Vision also has 3D content available via the Vision + set top box, although this is limited to movies which can be rented for a one-off fee.
3D TV is being heavily promoted and hyped, which means there is bound to be growing interest. For the time being, the price of buying a new screen which sports this technology may deter many potential buyers, although as time passes this will reduce. If you have a desire to get into the 3D market early then there are a good number of options. Since the current manufacturers have solid reputations, you cannot go far wrong.
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