- What is 3D TV?
3D TV is the next generation of television that will let you view movies, games and more in 3D. Using what is known as the stereoscopic effect, 3D TVs will add the illusion of a third dimension with the help of special 3D glasses. It’ll make you want to reach out and touch everything.
- How does 3D work?
A 3D TV can display two separate images of the same scene on the screen. This effect relies on the fact that your eyes will view images from slightly different angles, so one image will be intended for your left eye and the other for your right.
The objects within those two images will be repeated or skewed slightly to the left (or right) of corresponding objects in the other; and with the aid of 3D glasses, the images will combine in your mind’s eye to create a single image with depth. Without the 3D glasses, they will simply appear blurred or out of focus.
- How is the new 3D technology different from older 3D?
Older 3D technology is known as the anaglyph method, which combines two false-colour images that are superimposed onto a main image. Viewers wore 3D glasses with one red-tinted lens and one cyan-tinted lens to create the effect of depth, but the result is an image that is discoloured and of a lower resolution than the new method.
The new technology offers a vast improvement in 3D viewing with full-colour, high-resolution images. Active liquid crystal glasses work in sync with the refresh rate of your TV, while your display alternately displays a different perspective for each eye.
- Is 3D TV different than 3D at the movie theatre?
The technology used for viewing 3D movies is only slightly different than what is used for 3D TV. At the theatre, you’re given a pair of passive polarized 3D glasses which work to filter and restrict the light that reaches your eye. 3D TV glasses actively block images that are displayed by your TV and alternate based on the TV’s refresh rate.
The other obvious difference between the two is the size of the screens. A 3D TV’s screen displays images that are generally much smaller, so they fill a lower percentage of your field of vision, which requires a much closer sitting distance when compared to a theatre screen.
- Can everyone see 3D?
No. Although it’s rare, some people suffer from a condition known as stereo blindness. These viewers are unable to perceive the depth dimension of 3D. In some cases, stereo blind viewers can watch 3D, but it will appear as 2D to them, while others might experience headaches or eye fatigue.
- Does 3D viewing cause headaches?
Most viewers feel no effect of 3D viewing. However, in some cases, 3D might cause mild disorientation or headaches after extended viewing or when there is abrupt camera movement.
- Does everyone watching 3D content on my 3D TV need to wear the glasses?
Yes. Anyone watching 3D content on your display must wear the glasses to see the 3D effect. If not, images on the screen will appear blurry and essentially unwatchable.
- Will I need to buy a new TV?
Yes. Currently, there are no HDTVs that can be upgraded to support the new 3D format. Slow response times, processing power, and the inability to accept the 120Hz input signal (which is different than the 120Hz or higher refresh rate) are some of the reasons that non-3D TVs will not support 3D.
- Can I use the HDMI cables I already own?
No. To take full advantage of 3D TV, you will need to upgrade to HDMI 1.4 cables.
- Do I need a new Blu-ray player, cable box, game console, or AV receiver?
Yes and no. You will need to replace your existing Blu-ray player with a 3D Blu-ray player. However, the Playstation 3 console is expected to support 3D Blu-ray with an update to the console’s software, but as 3D viewing might require an HDMI 1.4 connection, this has not been confirmed.
Game consoles such as the Xbox 360 or the Wii have not indicated whether they have plans for 3D gaming, as yet, while cable boxes might only require a firmware upgrade. You will need to contact your TV service provider for more information.
Finally, if an HDMI 1.4 connection is required for high-resolution audio, then you might need to purchase an AV receiver that is HDMI 1.4-compatible.
- Will I be able to watch 2D content in 3D?
Many 3D TVs will include a conversion process that will allow 2D programming to be viewed in 3D.
- Can I turn off the 3D feature on my 3D TV?
Yes. You will be able to turn off the 3D feature of these new TVs in order to display current 2D content.
- Which manufacturers will release 3D TVs this year?
Manufacturers expected to release 3D TVs in 2010 include Samsung, Panasonic, Sony, LG, and Toshiba. And as with all new things, other manufacturers will be sure to follow.
- Will 3D TVs come with glasses?
No. Unless otherwise specified, 3D TV glasses will be sold separately.