Tag Archives: 3D HDTV

Television has become such an integrated part of our everyday lives that we have learned to depend on it greatly.  That’s why when a newer version comes out it is refreshing and exciting just thinking about it.

The newest sensation is the buzz behind the 3D HDTV explosion that started earlier this year.  This concept has brought a whole new level of entertainment to our homes and has introduced us to a new way to view programming.

So, what exactly is 3D in reference to high definition television?  Viewing something in 3D, or three-dimensional, means that the images appear to move off of the screen.  There are currently entire cable channels devoted to broadcasting in 3D, as well as many shows and movies being made in this format.

Many Blu-ray movies are made in 3D so the market was bound to shift in that direction as far as manufacturing TVs that can handle the capability.  By offering this feature on a HDTV, you are offering to display a 3D program from a 3D format. 

But having a 3D HDTV model does not limit your viewing.  If you purchase a 3D television you will still be able to watch 2D programming.  It is as simple as switching the set over from one format to the other.

When viewing 3D images it is necessary to have a special pair of glasses.  They work by alternately blocking one eye at a time and going from black to clear.  Then the other eye is switched from black to clear.

At the same time the programming is switching from left and right in sync with the glasses and your eyes, at two slightly different angles.  Both your eyes and the images on the screen are switching at such a rapid speed that your eyes do not realize it and it appears that both images are appearing at the same time.  To the eyes the image appears to be in 3D.

A 3D HDTV that has this capability is usually a higher-end model, such as plasma models, and has significant other features, too.  They will typically have a much better quality picture with fantastic color and resolution, even when you are not utilizing the 3D feature.

Of course, if you have one of these sets then you will have to spring for 3D glasses.  There is simply no way around it.  But when you shop for a pair you have to make sure that they are the same brand as your TV.  This is because manufacturers are proprietary so each brand will not be compatible with other brands. 

For those who wear prescription eyewear having the 3D glasses will not interfere with your viewing since they are designed to fit comfortably over prescription glasses.  You do, however, want to try several pair on to make sure of their fit and how comfortable they are before purchasing.

On thing to remember with these glasses is that they have a separate screen on each side so you must be careful when cleaning them.  The most common way to clean eyewear is to pinch them between fingers and rub on each side simultaneously.

Cleaning 3D glasses in this manner will only damage them and render them useless.  The proper way is to clean one side at a time with a microfiber cloth without spraying cleaner directly on the glasses themselves.

Technology has brought the wonderful world of 3D imagery to our homes so that we can enjoy its capability more and more.  With these advancements taking place on a continuous basis, who knows where it will lead?