3D TV

What is the opinion of those on here about the new 3D-TVs that have been released recently. I went to Best Buy a few weeks ago when they were first advertised and looked at the Panasonic and Samsung versions. Each TV was showing a Blu-ray disc (the Panasonic was live-action; the Samsung was the movie "Monsters and Aliens"). Looking at the screen initially, you can see the "double-exposure" of the red and blue image. Then you put on a pair of battery-powered glasses and the image appears.

A couple of things about it. First, the image goes 3D away from you (towards the background), not towards you as the print and TV advertising would have you believe. Second, there must be a calibration needed to watch this TV, because the picture of the Samsung was terrible and was giving me a headache after a couple of minutes. In addition, the fact that you need to wear glasses to watch the TV means that an additional cost for more glasses if you have more than 2 people watching. Plus, other than the Masters golf tournament, the only 3D programming not made for Blu-ray will be ESPN 3D, which will debut in June for the World Cup.

I'd like to know others opinions of the technology, if you've seen it in action, and if, like me, you don't believe it will become viable to purchase until the price is about 1/2 the current price and the number of 3D programming providers has increased.
nsafun05's Avatar
I like the newer 3D movies, but I'm not convinced that 3D television is going to be anything other than a gimmick . I say this based on the fact that more and more people are watching TV on their computers so that they can watch what they want when they want.
swarmyone's Avatar
I thought it was rather gimmicky and stupid. I don't see it taking off at all. Besides, who wants to sit around wearing stupid glasses that make you look like Geek Squad?
I think that in time it may become a more viable option, like Blu-ray vs. DVD, but i will wait for the price and technology to make sense to me. Right now there are to many questions and not enough programming to back it up, not to mention the price.
Maybe I'm missing something here...but can't any tv show 3D programming? I seem to remember some superbowl commercials done in 3D, and stores were handing out free glasses to watch them with.

Are these tv's supposed to be better?

I think the glasses are the deal killer for most people...its the reason it never took off at the theater.
dirty dog's Avatar
A total waste of time and your money. To me technology is a little out of control and I know I am sounding like the Unibomber LOL. But enough already, jesus this new phone every 3 months shit is driving me crazy, i would love to watch tv for more than 10 minutes and not see 30 freaking phone commercials, I mean seriously how much do you freaking need a phone to do.. Now its going to be TV's. For christ sakes stop the insanity. Okay I am off to my 4' X 6' cabine in the woods.
phd_IT's Avatar
The current 3D technology is only a stepping stone, but a catch 22 with pricing and research. The more people that invest in the current 3D technology, the more money that will go to drive down research and mfg. I have been a to a few trade shows (over 3 years ago) and viewed saw a 3D computer monitor that did NOT need glasses and had great viewing angles. I am not sure why this has never caught on but it seems to be the logical end game for 3D video. The glasses stage will probably be only a stepping stone to a device that can show 3D without glasses. I am going to hold on to my LED 55" for a while and just enjoy the bright clean picture.

B
An article I read related to the Masters in 3D had a quote from an enginner from Comcast, who said that it would be 10 years before the technology would be available to watch 3D without glasses.

http://sports.excite.com/news/04072010/v6265.html
Cheaper2buyit's Avatar
give it year or let me know when porn comes in 3-d
john_galt's Avatar
Do you want to be watching in 3D with your porn when the money shot happens?
ROTFLMAO! Great line John
dirty dog's Avatar
"Do you want to be watching in 3D with your porn when the money shot happens?"

Dont have your mouth open
KCJoe's Avatar
  • KCJoe
  • 04-09-2010, 04:58 PM
I bought a new TV that is 3D ready. Don't know where to go from there to experience it. Got a blueray player and the picture is unbelievable. Decided to go with a 73" DLP. My cost per square inch is way below that of a LED or LCD.
I bought a new TV that is 3D ready. Don't know where to go from there to experience it. Got a blueray player and the picture is unbelievable. Decided to go with a 73" DLP. My cost per square inch is way below that of a LED or LCD. Originally Posted by KCJoe
Looks like DirecTV and Comcast are both showing the Masters in 3D. Other than that, you'll have to wait for June for the debut of ESPN 3D.