Gone are the days of blue-and-red paper glasses and blurry, strangely colored images. There has been a revolution in 3D display technology. Spearheaded by the blockbuster movie Avatar, as well as numerous other 3D films, what was once considered a gimmick is now coming to your living room. However, if you’re interested in watching 3D film at home you’ll need to have specific equipment.
Tossing Your Old HDTV
Displaying 3D content requires special display technology which older HDTVs do not have. In order to watch 3D content you will need to purchase a new HDTV which supports 3D.
Companies are currently rushing new, 3D capable HDTVs to the market, using the label “3D-Ready” to indicate that a set can, in fact, display 3D images. However, it should be noted that the different HDTV manufacturers are using different forms of technology to achieve 3D effects. Also, some older sets (prior to 2010) came out with the 3D-Ready label but are, unfortunately, not actually not compatible with the technology now used to generate 3D images.
Buying a new 3D HDTV is expensive. Most models have pricing starting at over $2000. Of course, these prices will come down over time.
Yes, You Still Need Glasses
While the old blue-and-red glasses are a thing of the past, you still need special glasses in order to view 3D images on your HDTV. These special glasses, which look like sunglasses, are required by every form of modern 3D technology.
The glasses aren’t free, either. While most 3D HDTVs will ship with one or two pairs of glasses, you’ll have to buy additional 3D glasses if you want the entire family to be able to watch at the same time. The glasses are usually around $100 a pair. Also, because the 3D technology used by HDTVs isn’t yet standardized, you’ll need to purchase the glasses from your HDTV manufacturer.
A New Blu Ray, Too
Have a Blu Ray player? Chances are that, in order to display 3D, you’ll need to throw it out and buy a new one. 3D images can only be displayed using a new video format called Multiview Video Coding. If your Blu Ray player doesn’t support it, you won’t be able to view 3D movies.
Don’t throw the Blu Ray out before contacting your Blu Ray manufacturer. There is the possibility that a firmware update will provide this support. However, if no firmware update is released you’re out of luck.
Ready for Prime Time?
As you can see, getting ready for 3D HDTV is complex and expensive. Yet it is also very rewarding. Being able to enjoy 3D movies in your home is a unique and awesome experience which all home theater gurus will quickly fall in love with.
Summary
3D movies are coming to a living room near you. But to watch them, you’ll need special equipment. This article covers what consumers need in order to enjoy 3D movies on their HDTV.
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