3D TV - The Facts

Released: 24 February 2010 By: Stephen Scott
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3D TV will debut in Australia in April when Samsung introduces their 3D compatible LED, LCD and Plasma television range and their first 3D Blu-Ray Player.

Just a pesky rumour in 2009, 3D TV is the buzz-phrase of 2010, with leading manufacturers showcasing their models at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January.

The first 3D ready televisions being released are Samsung’s LED7000, LED8000 & LED9000 series, Plasma 7000 series and above, and 750 Series LCD TVs – each of which features a 3D auto-conversion chip that can render 2D content into 3D in real time.

Other manufacturers releasing 3D TVs this year include Sharp (60” Aquos), Panasonic (Viera in July), Sony (LX900 Bravia in July), LG Electronics & Toshiba.

Prices for all models have yet to be released, but aren’t expected to be much higher than similar LED, LCD and Plasmas already on the market.

All manufacturers who have announced 3D TV releases so far are utilising active shutter 3D glasses. Active shutter glasses alternately shut off the left and right eye, synchronised perfectly with the 3D TV’s projected images using infra-red or RF signals. Again, prices are yet to be released, but active shutter 3D glasses are expected to cost between $200 and $400 a pair, and possibly a pair may be included with each 3D TV.

3D Games, Blu-Ray & TV Channels

Gamers have been able to enjoy 3D games for a number of years – most of which from a 2D converted state. The first 3D game is (no surprise here) Avatar: The Game for PS3. Expect a flood of new titles over the coming months.

Sony have stated that owners of a PS3 will be able to play 3D Blu-Ray discs with full 1080p resolution thanks to a software update to be released this year. However the majority of manufacturers say that HDMI 1.4 is required for Full HD 3D – something that the PS3 (and most electronic equipment released pre-2010) doesn’t have.

Other 3D Blu-Ray Players are just starting to be announced, with Samsung again the first to reveal a model: the BD-C6900 Blu-Ray Disc Player.

3D movies have already been announced for 3D Blu-Ray, including Monsters Vs Aliens, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Disney's A Christmas Carol and (of course) Avatar. **UPDATE 17 March 2010 - Avatar will not be released in 3D in 2010. A single disc edition will be released in April, with a multi-disc set planned for November 2010. It appears Mr Cameron is waiting for the home 3D market to develop before releasing the disc that will cause the home 3D market to develop!**

At this point only Foxtel has announced broadcasting in 3D… but they state that this won’t be happening until 2011. However both ESPN and Discovery have announced they’ll be launching 3D channels this year, and as they are on the Foxtel roster, then PayTV subscribers may have access this year.

3D Projectors

Sharp have developed six 3D-ready projectors using DLP Link for the presentation market – like the 3D TVs they utilise active shutter 3D glasses. These models are already being released in the USA, with global release dates to be advised. Hopefully home projectors will be just around the corner.

Further reading:
Samsung Tipped To Be First With 3D TV & 3D Blu Ray Movie – Smarthouse – 23 Feb, 2010
Samsung builds 3D TV home system, thinnest LED TV ever - Computerworld – 6 Jan, 2010
Revolution in 3D set to transform television – Sydney Morning Herald – 24 Feb, 2010
Wired Explains: How 3-D Television Works – Wired – 6 Oct, 2009
How 3D TV works: Part 1 – With Glasses – Think Digit – 20 Oct, 2009
Samsung 3D Home Entertainment media release

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