3D TV Buying Guide

Introduction


3D imaging is an entertainment technique that has recently been flooding the electronics market. Nintendo has the Nintendo 3DS, Playstation 3D TV is all abuzz, and no-glasses TVs are just about to hit the consumer market in countries like Japan. In addition, movies are regularly coming out in 3D on DVD/Blu-Ray and in theaters. Major theme parks like Disney World and Disney Land have a multitude of 3D themed rides and features. Like it or not, 3D is now a part of everyday technology for a lot of people. However, choosing to traverse the land of 3D TVs can be a be a bit overwhelming. There are multiple manufacturers, models, sizes, display types, and a wide variation in prices. If you are one of the many who want to bring the expensive theater 3D feeling to your own living room, then here are some tips to consider while you shop.

 

 

Types

 

Being such a new technology means that there are still different options out there for the 3D experience. Here’s a basic explanation of the most common techniques used.

  • Active Shutter Technology - This method requires a television that has a refresh rate higher than 120 Hz. It can display images in high definition with little modification required to current technology. The viewer is required to wear battery powered 3D glasses which block alternate images displayed at high speed by the TV. They work by using built in shutters in the glasses to display alternate frames to each eye at an ultra high speed. The speed in which these alternate frames are delivered creates the 3D effect, and the shutter glasses interact with the TV by using either an internal or external synchronisation transmitter.
  • Passive 3D Technology - This is the newer technology of 3D TVs available. This 3D technology forms one picture with the 3D effect by combining the image presented to the left eye with the image to the right. Then using polarized lenses, the passive 3D glasses then filter the correct image to the relevant eye.

 

Important Features to Consider

 

With new technology comes new features and problems to consider. Here are just a few of the things you’ll want to keep in mind while shopping for a 3D TV

  • Comfort - Many active 3D glasses are uncomfortable, cumbersome, and heavy — up to 2.2 ounces (62 grams) in the case of Sony’s active glasses, compared to 0.5 ounces (14 grams) for the average passive glasses. So you’ll want to keep in mind length and frequency of use when looking for 3D TVs.
  • Viewing angles - Active glasses and TV sets also provide incredibly poor viewing angles: unless you are sitting within a few degrees of center and with almost zero horizontal (head) tilt, the contrast, brightness, and image quality plummet. Passive glasses (and TVs), in comparison, are excellent with any head tilt angle, and with most realistic (greater than 30-degrees-from-center) viewing angles.
  • Price - Replacement glasses can be pricey, and Active 3D TVs use glasses that are much more expensive than Passive glasses - up to a hundred times more expensive in the case of some models.
  • Power usage - Active 3D glasses need batteries as a power source whereas the passive glasses do not.
  • Side effects - Active 3D glasses have been known to cause headaches and nausea for some people due to alternately showing images to left and right eyes. Headaches and eye strain are less likely to be experienced due to the reduced flicker from passive models.
  • Resolution - Active technology images are displayed at full HD resolution. Passive 3D TV work at half the resolution of active, though this does not necessarily mean that there are significant picture quality differences.
  • Compatibility - Some active glasses only work with the manufacturers set they're sold with, though there are some universal glasses available. So if your neighbor has a 3D TV and you have a 3D TV, you may not be able to bring your own personal glasses over if you and your neighbor have different brands unless you buy the specific universal glasses instead. However, passive 3D glasses are completely universal.

 

See our list of top 3D TVs for specific recommendations.