Experience the magic of 3D, right in your living room! 3D TV was introduced this year and with the new popularity of 3D movies, could not have come at a better time. With 3D options from every major display manufacturer, your London Drugs Audio/Video experts are on top of the trend to help you find the set that is right for you.
What about 2D TV?
2D TV, or, the TV you watch now, isn’t going to change. The new 3D TV enabled displays will play 2D content in brilliant High Definition. Some of the new 3D displays will actually upconvert 2D content to 3D. The advanced video processors in these models will scan and upconvert the 2D content and display it with simulated depth.
How it works?
Content shot specifically for 3D is shot with special 3D cameras that record images for both the left and the right eye. 3D TV’s have powerful processors that enable these two images to be put together. To ensure that your 3D viewing is smooth and crisp, the 3D LCD TVs offer frame rates of at least 120Hz, or 60Hz per eye. 3D Plasma TVs utilize sub-field drive technology that equates to a minimum of 400Hz to a maximum of over 700Hz.
3D Glasses
In order to view 3D TV, just like at the theatres, you need to wear 3D glasses. These special glasses are timed to your display to separate the pictures on your 3D display so your left eye sees the left eye picture and your right eye sees the right eye picture, giving your program a depth of field. These aren’t like the glasses in the movie theatre though, the manufacturers have designed these glasses to be comfortable for extended periods, as well, since they are specially calibrated to your display, the picture is crisp and bright, the contrast is wide, and the colours are vivid.
In conjunction with these LCD shutter glasses, the TV tells the glasses which eye should see the image being exhibited at the moment, creating a stereoscopic image. (Glasses may be sold separately).
In order to accommodate the larger amounts of picture data required by 3DTV, HDMI 1.4 has been designed and is required. 3D content will require HDMI 1.4 to play your native 3D content from your 3D capable peripheral.
What to expect?
3D TV will be launching shortly, so what can you expect? There will be 3D ready panels and 3D integrated panels.
3D ready panels are 2D HDTV displays, similar to what is on the market today, but are capable of 3D. You will need to add components to take advantage of 3D at a later time. These include the active 3D glasses of course and perhaps a 3D processor or source.
3D integrated panels will get you watching 3D content right out of the box, with almost everything you need. 3D TV’s will include 1 pair of active 3D glasses and transmitter, and the 3DTV, whereas 3D Ready TV’s will require the purchase of 3D glasses and a transmitter, both will require a 3D source such as the latest 3D compatible Blu-ray Disc players.
You may want to add additional sets of active 3D glasses though, to ensure the whole family can join in the 3D magic. You will also need to consider what 3D sources you will need to add, such as a 3D enabled Blu-Ray Disc player, 3D enabled gaming system, or 3D enabled satellite or digital cable box when available.
Posted March 15, 2010