just curious to everyone's thoughts..

Sony might introduce 3D television's by next year perhaps.

That would definitely be sweet!

i am hoping here pretty soon, because i want to buy a new tv in 2 years and i am hoping they will be somewhat cost effective by then..

I should really make this into my sigline:

If I want 3D, I'll go outside.

I should really make this into my sigline:

If I want 3D, I'll go outside.

Here's another one:

My GF is 3D enough.

;-)

...If I want 3D, I'll go outside.


I'd buy a 3D set if it didn't require wearing special glasses. There's talk about such technology coming along. But I'm not going to let that postpone my plans to buy a 60 inch LED set next year. It will be years before there's much 3D content.

A home theater isn't just a "present" thing. It is a platform to view the works (films and TV shows of years past). None of those films were shot or intended to be viewed in "3D". This is a passing fad that will die. Its like the Pokemon or Tickle Me Elmo. Everybody is running around talking about 3D now as if the average consumer is going to spend more to wear dorky glasses at home, to only get a limited selection of real 3D contest, while none of their archive will ever be 3D. This time would be better spent obsessing on real thing that improve the home theater state of the art such as display technoligies like OLED which we can all benefit from.

Satellite broadcaster Sky in the UK announced officially that it will launch 3D satellite channel in 2010 (http://corporate.sky.com/media/press_releases/2009/3d_tv.htm): "To watch 3D, customers will also require a new '3D Ready' TV, which are expected to be on sale in the UK next year."

A home theater isn't just a "present" thing. It is a platform to view the works (films and TV shows of years past). None of those films were shot or intended to be viewed in "3D". This is a passing fad that will die. Its like the Pokemon or Tickle Me Elmo. Everybody is running around talking about 3D now as if the average consumer is going to spend more to wear dorky glasses at home, to only get a limited selection of real 3D contest, while none of their archive will ever be 3D. This time would be better spent obsessing on real thing that improve the home theater state of the art such as display technoligies like OLED which we can all benefit from.

judging from the people that saw demo's of the ps3 video games in 3d said it was amazing. I doubt that when video games are 3d that it will be passing..

3D will be prime theme at the 2010 CES which is less than 2 months away.

A home theater isn't just a "present" thing. It is a platform to view the works (films and TV shows of years past). None of those films were shot or intended to be viewed in "3D". This is a passing fad that will die. Its like the Pokemon or Tickle Me Elmo. Everybody is running around talking about 3D now as if the average consumer is going to spend more to wear dorky glasses at home, to only get a limited selection of real 3D contest, while none of their archive will ever be 3D. This time would be better spent obsessing on real thing that improve the home theater state of the art such as display technoligies like OLED which we can all benefit from.

I'd have to sort of agree with this.

World Cup 2010 to be broadcast in 3D

Football fans could be watching World Cup matches next year live and in 3D in plans being drawn up by FIFA
>...
Sony is anticipated to make a related announcement in London on 25 November. A spokesperson confirmed that it is talking with FIFA about the project. The company is also readying a series of Bravia 3D home displays (http://www.tvbeurope.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1950&Itemid=1)for release in 2010.

3D is strategic target for Sony next year (http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/IR/info/strategy/pdf/200911pressE.pdf):

Expand 3D-related product businesses in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2011

• Engage Sony’s group-wide assets from content production to display devices and game to
make available a wide variety of attractive content and hardware, and drive the creation of
new 3D markets.
• Launch 3D-related products for the home, including TV, Blu-ray DiscTM players/recorders
and 3D gaming on PlayStation®3 in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2011.
• Provide solutions for 3D content production, distribution and theatrical projection to lead
the field in broadcast and professional businesses.
• Target revenue from 3D-related products of more than 1 trillion yen (excluding content) in
the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013.

A home theater isn't just a "present" thing. It is a platform to view the works (films and TV shows of years past).
None of those films were shot or intended to be viewed in "3D".

The "fad" of 3D movies has risen and fallen since the early 1900s.

You must not be old enough to remember when the "fad" resurfaced in the 80s when movies shown on TV and in theaters
were made using red and cyan anaglyph images to take advantage of binocular vision and parallax.

Writing and directing for that material intentionally took advantage of the fact that 3D would be used.

....while none of their archive will ever be 3D.

There is already an archive of old 3D movies.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3-D_film

...You must not be old enough to remember when the "fad" resurfaced in the 80s ...

I remember seeing 3D movies as a young man. I was born in 1943.

One title I recall was something called "Bwana Lion". Lots of lions jumping onto the audience out of the screen, ditto spears etc. 3D was supposed to take over the movie business. In fact it lasted less than 5 years as I recall.

I have never since felt a longing for more 3D movies, lions or not.

3D is now emerging better and more seriously than in those good ol' times of color glasses. 3D is establishing itself in digital cinemas and 3D digital home systems can be made at reasonable price. 3D movies+games offer good programming palette. Obviously a big obstacle is the need for glasses which makes that 3D will be rather for occasional use and may not suit everybody. But if the 3D hardware price is not significantly higher than 2D, which should be the case, it will find its place in the consumer market. One can guess that the "3D ready" logo will appear on all displays in some time as it does not incur additional cost. Then people will have a choice of buying 3D glasses and transmitter if they wish.

Good point. The key to universal adoption of 3D will be that it is a plug-in to regular 3D-capable sets, not an expensive modification of the sets themselves. This should also open the door more to innovation in the 3D technology independent of the TVs.

http://www.auo.com/auoDEV/pressroom.php?sec=newsReleases&intTempId=1&intNewsId=735&ls=en

I'd only be interested if it can work without the glasses.

I recently saw "Cloudy with a chance of meatballs" at the movie theater using real3D.

The effect is nothing short of amazing! It is light years beyond the old red-green glasses, and even the older 3D IMAX that used polarized glasses. The later's effect often collapsed when you tilted your head, or even sometimes collpased when you sat way off center.

Real3D has none of those problems.

Is it a fad? Maybe. But I saw previews for 5 movies in 3D. And the effects in each were equally amazing!

Any idea when the BluRay spec for 3D will be finiallized?
I guessing that will be in the 1.4a HDMI revision spec.

I was in the local Fry's months ago, and they had a 65" 3D-ready Mitsubishi for $1800. They also had a larger model (83") for about $4400, which had a 3D movie playing on it. It was very impressive. I've seen 3D Imax movies, and this technology seems about as good.

So the answer to the question "when?" is that it has already shipped. It's not coming, it's here.

According to USA Today, the trend in 3D content is not a fad at all. Studios are making exponentially more 3D movies every quarter, and the reason why is because they generate a lot of revenue. Money talks.

I expect all of network prime to be 3D in 5 years, cable to follow shortly after, barring some beta/vhs mexican format standoff. The ability to broadcast is could be had by simply transmitting the difference between the left and right-eye images, which is so small as to not take much bandwidth. It would exist in the transport stream just like another service such as an audio track, and be backwards-compatible to sets that don't yet have the capability. I expect that the technology of interpolated frames will allow 3D to be delivered as 1080p24, which will have the effective displayed rate of 1080p60 in sets capable of 3D, but since L and R eyes have to time-share the image (and each be blanked half the time) it will in essence be "1080p30", having the effective frame rate of 1080i30 and an effective resolution nearing that of 1080p60

3D content & hardware is coming big style (http://www.eetimes.eu/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=222000614&cid=NL_eeteu)in 2010:

Up to 25 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup matches South Africa will be produced in 3D TV.

Sony Corp says its 3D professional cameras will be used in an attempt to deliver 3D images that convey the action and emotion of the World Cup to viewers around the world, and a viewing experience as if they were in the stadium itself.

By producing 3D content from the World Cup tournament Sony aims to accelerate the expansion of 3D from professionals to consumers in 2010 and beyond.

From 2010, Sony will be incorporating 3D compatibility into a range of consumer products such as LCD TVs, Blu-ray Disc (BD) recorders and players, VAIO and PlayStation3, to provide a number of ways in which 3D content - from 3D movies to stereoscopic 3D games - can be viewed in the home.

If you have a HTPC with a mid to high end nvidia card you can do 3D on an ordinary TV with the shutter glasses.

3D on an ordinary TV? Isn't 3D currently limited to 120hz LCDs (two images alternating, 60hz each)?

According to Digitimes, December, 4th:

"Wistron is said to have recently received 3D TV orders from Vizio who plans to launch related products in 2010 with a consumer-friendly price..."

The rest of the article can only be read when having a subscription.
Taiwanese-based Wistron is a former Acer company that produces parts and complete systems for Acer and other customers.

Like color, stereo and surround sound, 3D is just a passing fad.

Meanwhile, there is quite an effort in developing of new innovative concepts
for 3D content at least in the UK where 3D HDTV broadcast will definitely start around mid-2010:

BSkyB is researching and developing technologies to turn live sports broadcasts into 3D interactive games (http://www.tvbeurope.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1983&Itemid=1)

I was going back and forth on whether I should buy a new TV now, or wait till next year to see what sort of 3D sets are released. I bought a Panasonic Plasma now, and then we'll see what's around in 4 or 5 years 3D wise.

I don't think it's a passing fad this time around though, since both the media companies and the electronics companies both want to make it happen. And from the reviews coming out now for Avatar, it sounds like someone (James Cameron) has finally done 3D right, and not just used it as a gimmick. So I think it's here to stay, but I wasn't going to let it hold me back on buying that new TV. Maybe I'll regret it in 6 months when 3D sets are coming out in droves and then I find I really want one!

3d Laser TV next year. I think it's projection.

http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/12/hdis-100-inch-laser-driven-3d-hdtv-gets-10k-to-15k-price-tag/

I expect all of network prime to be 3D in 5 years, cable to follow shortly after, barring some beta/vhs mexican format standoff.

The current ATSC standard does not support 3D, nor does the current (and very expenively built-out) HD broadcast infrastructure. Moreover, even in 5 years time, the percentage of total TV households equipped with 3D-capable displays will still be in the single digits. In my opinion, the probability of "all of network prime's being 3D in 5 years" approaches zero.

Right now, broadcasters are *far* more worried about proposals before the FCC that would take away their over-the-air broadcast spectrum and auction it off to cellular providers. 3D is not even on their radar because there is no business model that supports it. They are having a hard enough time amortizing their HD plant and equipment investments.

Broadcasters will be last on the list but movies and games will lead the way.

2007. They've been out for a while. (Samsung and Mitsubishi DLP's)

The current ATSC standard does not support 3D, nor does the current (and very expenively built-out) HD broadcast infrastructure. Moreover, even in 5 years time, the percentage of total TV households equipped with 3D-capable displays will still be in the single digits. In my opinion, the probability of "all of network prime's being 3D in 5 years" approaches zero.

Right now, broadcasters are *far* more worried about proposals before the FCC that would take away their over-the-air broadcast spectrum and auction it off to cellular providers. 3D is not even on their radar because there is no business model that supports it. They are having a hard enough time amortizing their HD plant and equipment investments.

This omits the most important party: Satellite broadcasters can introduce 3D easily whenever they use HD AVC compression, broadcast in 3D will be compatible with it.

In few years time every flat panel display will be compatible with 3D since only a minor upgrade is needed. Then it will be consumer choice to buy the 3D glasses oor not.

The 3D Blue Ray specs is finalized (http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/17/blu-ray-3d-specifications-finalized-your-ps3-is-ready/). Main highlights: full 1080p, 50% overhead in bit budget over 2D, 3D menus.

Sony has now the 3D glasses selected (http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/News/Press/200912/09-1218BE/index.html) and the 3D Home site running (http://www.sony.net/united/3D/).

2007. They've been out for a while. (Samsung and Mitsubishi DLP's)

+1
I have had one for over 1.5 years

Anyone who thinks 3D is a "passing fad" should check out Avatar's weekend grosses. Sixty percent came from 3D theaters. Avatar alone may pay for all of that hardware, with future 3D releases being gravy.

With all of the virtual-world gaming and CGI-dominated comic-book-franchise movies making tons of money, it's hard to deny that 3D's time has finally come.

And no self-respecting AVS junkie will allow the 3D-equipt cinema houses to steal a march on his prized "home theater" setup, so 3D BluRay releases and compatible displays will be here before you know it.

Avatar looked incredible.

2010 Panny plasmas will be 3D (but will require glasses, new 3D BD players, and HDMI 1.4 cables).

2010 Panny plasmas will be 3D (but will require glasses, new 3D BD players, and HDMI 1.4 cables).

HDMI 1.4 was rumored to be required earlier, but is not part of the final specs after all.

I believe that 3d is viable when I can get ever station in HD and everyone that has an HD TV subscribes to HD programming or at least gets OTA HD broadcasts and that when everyone who has an HD TV has a Blu-Ray to go with it.

So in like 20 years maybe and only if I don't have to wear glasses

Wait, are you sure about that HDMI 1.4 requirement? The latest news I have seen says that the PS3 will be 3D-compatible. So if you have a PS3 you will be able to upgrade it to 3D capabilities.


My dilemma is whether to go ahead and buy the 63" SamSung 590 like I was planning to or wait until next year when all of these 3D TV's become available. It kinda sucks having to decide whether to buy when you're on the cust of a major new technology like 3D.

At first I thought 3D was just a gimmick, but it seems like it's really going full steam ahead with all of the major manufacturers hopping on board for next year.

I've been around for while and I always thought 3D was a gimmick and difficult to watch, but I hadn't seen any movies using the new techniques until last night when I saw Avatar. Whoa, talking about jaw-dropping, nothing like the old 3D processes. If the level of realism I saw last night can be brought to television, I'm not sure it is a fad.

What I am confused about....is whether you need 3D glasses with these new 3D TV's and 3D blu-ray players...?

If you didn't need the glasses to get the 3D effect then that would be a deal-maker for me.

What I am confused about....is whether you need 3D glasses with these new 3D TV's and 3D blu-ray players...?


Yes, you will.

Wait, are you sure about that HDMI 1.4 requirement? The latest news I have seen says that the PS3 will be 3D-compatible. So if you have a PS3 you will be able to upgrade it to 3D capabilities.


My dilemma is whether to go ahead and buy the 63" SamSung 590 like I was planning to or wait until next year when all of these 3D TV's become available. It kinda sucks having to decide whether to buy when you're on the cust of a major new technology like 3D.

At first I thought 3D was just a gimmick, but it seems like it's really going full steam ahead with all of the major manufacturers hopping on board for next year.

HDMI 1.4 was rumored for a while, but in the end...it was not included in the final specs.

My dilemma is whether to go ahead and buy the 63" SamSung 590 like I was planning to or wait until next year when all of these 3D TV's become available. It kinda sucks having to decide whether to buy when you're on the cust of a major new technology like 3D.


With next year barely a week away, and the CES coming in the second week of next year it is no harm waiting to see the scope of 3D offering.

I believe that 3d is viable when I can get ever station in HD and everyone that has an HD TV subscribes to HD programming or at least gets OTA HD broadcasts and that when everyone who has an HD TV has a Blu-Ray to go with it. So in like 20 years maybe and only if I don't have to wear glasses

3D is not for the trailing-edge conservatives:p. But is coming soon to those surfing on the leading-edge of the technology:D.
Panels and glasses are ready and will be shown at the CES, Blue Ray specs are just finished. Broadcast is scheduled to start in 2010 at least in the UK, Korea and Japan, US should follow. But OTA broadcast is out of question.

I think the next gen of gaming will be heavy in 3D and immersion like the Wii or XBOX's new tech Nadal (or whatever it's called). For this reason, not for movies, is why I will try to make sure my new set in 2010 is 3D ready. We will see how much this stuff costs at CES in two weeks. I hope AVS Forum does a good deal of coverage on the 3D start up. (I know they will!)

You guys on AVS are the best informed tech heads I've ever seen; that's why I love reading these threads!

I've been around for while and I always thought 3D was a gimmick and difficult to watch, but I hadn't seen any movies using the new techniques until last night when I saw Avatar. Whoa, talking about jaw-dropping, nothing like the old 3D processes. If the level of realism I saw last night can be brought to television, I'm not sure it is a fad.

At least you are honest enough to admit that you were wrong. You see a lot of post around AVS about 3D from folks that hadn't been to a 3D movie in years and equate an experience they had years ago with the newer 3D technology.

At least you are honest enough to admit that you were wrong. You see a lot of post around AVS about 3D from folks that hadn't been to a 3D movie in years and equate an experience they had years ago with the newer 3D technology.

It's still a gimmick, IMO. You have to wear glasses and replace your display and BD player. How many are going to do that? Plus you need significant studio support. This is not going to catch on with the masses for years, if ever (maybe when you don't need glasses).

It's still a gimmick, IMO. You have to wear glasses and replace your display and BD player. How many are going to do that? Plus you need significant studio support. This is not going to catch on with the masses for years, if ever (maybe when you don't need glasses).

Some people already have a compatible display (2007-present Samsung or Mitsubishi DLP's) and a compatible BD player (PS3).

Some people already have a compatible display (2007-present Samsung or Mitsubishi DLP's) and a compatible BD player (PS3).

I may be wrong, but I thought the Panasonic version of 3D was not compatible with others (based on Panny press releases), i.e. format war all over again.

I may be wrong, but I thought the Panasonic version of 3D was not compatible with others (based on Panny press releases), i.e. format war all over again.

There is only one BD 3D spec and it was just recently announced.

The Panny version is only for Panny equipment. The display tech will vary. They all have to work with the same 3D BD specs however.

I may be wrong, but I thought the Panasonic version of 3D was not compatible with others (based on Panny press releases), i.e. format war all over again.

Not as bad. Glasses and transmitters for controlling the 3D switching might be proprietary for each manufacturer. Sony announced it will use RealD system. Panasonic may use another one. But content will be same. In practice this means buying X glasses for X displays. Would be better of course if glasses control is unified but the world is not ideal.

I think I get it. So, each brand may use different technology, requiring different glasses. But there would be only one 3D BluRay version of a movie which would work on any new 3D player with any of the 3D displays, whether Panny or Sony, etc. I still think until they get rid of the need for glasses, this will not catch on widely. I hope they don't focus so much on 3D tech that they don't continue to improve general 2D PQ (I'd rather have Panny match or surpass 9G Kuro PQ than spend all efforts on 3D).

Yeah, but the big question is how much of a premium will manufacturers charge for this 3D technology? I guess CES in Jan will answer that question. I'm not sure I'm willing to pay that much extra for 3D capabilities....but then again I've never experienced it either so I don't know how good it is....


Also, in the old days 3D glasses would give some people headaches. How does this new 3D stuff compare? Any of you that saw Avatar....any problems with headaches? Can you see yourself actually spending a couple of hours of watching 3D content and not getting a huge migrane from it?

I knew I wasn't crazy about the incompatibility of different 3D technologies. Here's a link mentioning 2 different formats for 3D BD players, translating into a format war.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17781015#post17781015

Well I just hope that whatever happens the 3D equipped Samsung 50B450 plasma I have will work with it. If it doesn't though it won't be too big an issue, I plan on purchasing a bigger tv sometime this year anyway and will just move it to my bedroom. Still it'd be nice.

What I am confused about....is whether you need 3D glasses with these new 3D TV's and 3D blu-ray players...?

If you didn't need the glasses to get the 3D effect then that would be a deal-maker for me.


Yes, yes and yes

The current DLP approach does not provide full resolution (per eye) as it merges the left-right images onto a single platter (e.g. 960 x 540 x 2).


The Panasonic's approach to 3D is my fav as it utilizes Active Shutter-glass and provides full 1920 x 1080 frame per eye. However, shutter glass can be very expensive compared to polarized glasses. But it doesn't cause too many adverse effects.


If you dislike glassless , you'll need wait for the autostereoscopic displays. As far as I'm aware, they are currently in development.

There was a multi-layered LCD, but don't know if it can be purchased by a consumer.

Extracts:

LG aimed to sell 400,000 3D TVs in 2010 and 3.4 million in 2011, the South Korean company said at a news conference

Sony said last month it expected 3D TVs to account for up to 50 percent of its total TV shipments in the financial year to March 2013.

Some analysts were still cautious about the emerging segment, citing lack of 3D content that costs about 50 percent more to make than regular versions.

"3D TV sales and 3D content will go hands in hands. Content providers will be reluctant to boost 3D production before certain number of 3D TVs are sold, and TVs won't sell well unless there's enough content available," said J.M. Hong, an analyst at Kiwoom Securities.

Research firm DisplaySearch forecast the 3D TV market to reach $1.1 billion in 2010 and grow sharply to $15.8 billion by 2015, according to data provided by LG.

http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/12/15/technology/tech-us-lgelectronics-tv-3d.html?scp=1&sq=3d%20tv&st=cse

Well, it's pretty clear that this next year tv manufacturers will be trying to tout 3D technology as the latest "gotta have it" technology just like they touted "1080p" in the past.

What I'm curious about is how much of a premium the manufacturers are gonna try to charge for this. I am assuming 3D technology just requires some sort of additional chipset on the tv, but my guess is they'll try to charge you a lot for it.....

I don't know how much I'd be willing to pay for 3D technology. Maybe 100-150 bucks more than a non-3D tv?....any more than that and I would say fergettabouttit....


How much more would you guys be willing to spend?

Well, it's pretty clear that this next year tv manufacturers will be trying to tout 3D technology as the latest "gotta have it" technology just like they touted "1080p" in the past.
What I'm curious about is how much of a premium the manufacturers are gonna try to charge for this. I am assuming 3D technology just requires some sort of additional chipset on the tv, but my guess is they'll try to charge you a lot for it.....
I don't know how much I'd be willing to pay for 3D technology. Maybe 100-150 bucks more than a non-3D tv?....any more than that and I would say fergettabouttit....
How much more would you guys be willing to spend?

Some detailed aspects of how the technology will be implemented and bundled are not clear yet so it is best to wait 10 days to the CES where the goodies will be shown.

...in March 2010

http://hdguru.com/directv-to-launch-a-3d-channel-hd-guru-exclusive/1201/

3D TV will be available by then?? :confused:

...in March 2010

http://hdguru.com/directv-to-launch-a-3d-channel-hd-guru-exclusive/1201/

3D TV will be available by then?? :confused:

The satellite was expedited by Soviets from Kazakhstan and got to its orbit (http://www.spaceflightnow.com/proton/dtv12/launch/index.html). It is an exceptionally heavy broadcasting satellite weighting 6.5 tons (13 000 pounds). After this most difficult step, launching the 3DTV service in March 2010 should be a piece of cake but keeps fingers crossing :D.

...in March 2010

http://hdguru.com/directv-to-launch-a-3d-channel-hd-guru-exclusive/1201/

3D TV will be available by then?? :confused:

Many already are and have been since 2007.

Well, it's pretty clear that this next year tv manufacturers will be trying to tout 3D technology as the latest "gotta have it" technology just like they touted "1080p" in the past.
Indeed. It seems like 3D (and 'Avatar') has arrived "just in time" in that respect. How else would the TV manufacturers have forcibly obsolete-d our current displays? ;) (Happily, this feature should be pretty cheap, and possibly even useful.)

What I'm curious about is how much of a premium the manufacturers are gonna try to charge for this. I am assuming 3D technology just requires some sort of additional chipset on the tv, but my guess is they'll try to charge you a lot for it.....
It should be quite cheap for the manufacturers to implement. Approaching free. The only real requirement is that the display be able handle a 120Hz signal. Many displays can already output such a signal, so it's just a matter of bringing the input side of things up to snuff. Hardly rocket science.

Note that this ignores the glasses side of things, and assumes that the TV is using the alternate-image, shutter-glasses style of 3D. I suppose those glasses will cost $50 a pair? (Until Oakley and RayBan get involved at least. Designer 3D glasses will be just as pricey as designer sun glasses.) :)

If you go with a polarized-glasses approach, the TV would probably cost more, but the glasses would be dirt cheap.

I don't know how much I'd be willing to pay for 3D technology. Maybe 100-150 bucks more than a non-3D tv?....any more than that and I would say fergettabouttit....


How much more would you guys be willing to spend?
That sounds about right. I might pay an extra $200. I assume that 3D will be added to only the highest-end sets to start with, so the 3D tax should be fairly unnoticeable. Which is good, because it will probably be unavoidable as well.

The Mitsubishi DLP TV's are all 3D capable, I own the 60737 and I purchased the Nvidia 3D Vision glasses to use with my PC games (I dont think it gets much nerdier than that lol). The TV was not too expensive, the glasses were 200 and it works with pretty much every PC game out there. As for movies...well I will just have to wait for Avatar, but there are some really cool demo videos available online for free on Nvidias website. The coolest video I have seen in 3D so far was of race cars on the Nürburgring in Germany, I have been using that video and Batman Arkham Asylum as my display pieces when people want to check it out to see if its worth it. So far, not one person was unimpressed, and they already confirmed support for the Blu Ray 3D standard (and all the major companies selling movie software like Power DVD have confirmed support for the Nvidia glasses as well), so I'm good to go when Avatar gets released on 3D BD (which sadly wont be arriving at the same time as the regular BD release).

You can check out the Nvidia glasses in person depending on where you are located. They have a list on the Nvidia website, only certain stores will have them on display, probably more now that Avatar was such a big hit.

The Mitsubishi DLP TV's are all 3D capable, I own the 60737 and I purchased the Nvidia 3D Vision glasses to use with my PC games (I dont think it gets much nerdier than that lol). The TV was not too expensive, the glasses were 200 and it works with pretty much every PC game out there. As for movies...well I will just have to wait for Avatar, but there are some really cool demo videos available online for free on Nvidias website. The coolest video I have seen in 3D so far was of race cars on the Nürburgring in Germany, I have been using that video and Batman Arkham Asylum as my display pieces when people want to check it out to see if its worth it. So far, not one person was unimpressed, and they already confirmed support for the Blu Ray 3D standard (and all the major companies selling movie software like Power DVD have confirmed support for the Nvidia glasses as well), so I'm good to go when Avatar gets released on 3D BD (which sadly wont be arriving at the same time as the regular BD release).

You can check out the Nvidia glasses in person depending on where you are located. They have a list on the Nvidia website, only certain stores will have them on display, probably more now that Avatar was such a big hit.

Are you sure you're good to go? (I'm really asking, no sarcasm here)

Because I think Avatar 3D bluray will use RealD 3D, and RealD 3D, like seen in the theater, uses 3D passive (cheap) glasses. It seems to be a different kind of 3D from your Nvidia 3D vision kit

In europe HDMI 1.4 is 3D-proof.

CES 2010 Las Vegas

"This year is likely to be dominated once again by 3D TV. It was the big story at the 2009 show, but the key difference this time around is that the likes of Sony and Panasonic will be showing off the 3D television sets that ordinary consumers will be able to buy later in the year."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/ces/6874694/CES-2010-preview.html

They are coming big (http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/NEWKHSITE/data/html_dir/2010/01/04/201001040047.asp)....

They are already here. Additional ones are coming.

3D is probably years away from being mainstream... I don't mean 5 years. Sure you'll have a handful of people who will want to start producing movies in 3D. But there's so many Directors who will be completely against the concept of 3D. For them it would ruin the way they direct. If anything 3D could become a new medium... but the chances of it completely replacing the 2D images is a longggg way off.

Look at photos,
Did film and video replace photographs? No, they become a whole new medium. 3D will be exact same way, it will be another way to view something... but as a replacement to 2D video as we know it? Very doubtful.

Did film and video replace photographs? No, they become a whole new medium. 3D will be exact same way, it will be another way to view something... but as a replacement to 2D video as we know it? Very doubtful.
I don't think the comparison is quite fair. Photographs are flat and static: one image, that's it. 3D video is essentially like 2D video, except that it adds real depth. It enhances the experience of it, makes it more true to life, because in real life we see everything in 3D. That's assuming that the same story is filmed in 2D and then again in 3D. Of course if you add material that was not in the 2D version to exploit the 3D effect, then it becomes a different story.

Vizio just announced a 72 inch 3D ready LED-backlit LCD TV today for $3500. So 3D IS COMING!

Vizio just announced a 72 inch 3D ready LED-backlit LCD TV today for $3500. So 3D IS COMING!

Once again...3D displays have been here since 2007.

Once again...3D displays have been here since 2007.
But these 3D TVs that will make their appearance at the CES in Las Vegas on Thursday are like a new breed. That's why people (me included) are excited.

Exactly! esp. with this size, this price and this feature set!

But these 3D TVs that will make their appearance at the CES in Las Vegas on Thursday are like a new breed. That's why people (me included) are excited.

The current ATSC standard does not support 3D, nor does the current (and very expenively built-out) HD broadcast infrastructure. Moreover, even in 5 years time, the percentage of total TV households equipped with 3D-capable displays will still be in the single digits. In my opinion, the probability of "all of network prime's being 3D in 5 years" approaches zero.

Right now, broadcasters are *far* more worried about proposals before the FCC that would take away their over-the-air broadcast spectrum and auction it off to cellular providers. 3D is not even on their radar because there is no business model that supports it. They are having a hard enough time amortizing their HD plant and equipment investments.

Based on the public resistance to simply turning off analog last year I would say their usable operating spectrum is politically safe. Although, the broadcasters (big 4) are making the same mistakes the newspapers made. A business model dependent on a monopoly in distribution of content will no longer survive. You will have to actually compete with content and quality. So if they choose not to or cannot turn a profit with needed capital expenditures I do expect they will soon be replaced. I use OTA in combination with online content on a HTPC. Most people that see my setup are amazed at the range of content and features WITHOUT the $1200+ yr cable bill.

I just watched avatar without alternating glasses, and the picture was still pretty spectacular. I've seen red and green 3d programs over 10 years ago on OTA tv. Why do you need a special 3d tv if they can do it with simple red and green picture?

I just watched avatar without alternating glasses, and the picture was still pretty spectacular. I've seen red and green 3d programs over 10 years ago on OTA tv. Why do you need a special 3d tv if they can do it with simple red and green picture?

Do you seriously imply that the red and green 3D effect is as good as the one you see in 3D theaters (for Avatar or other recent movies)?