Should I go ahead and buy a 3D Television? This is becoming an increasingly common question from clients and friends, so I figured I'd give you my thoughts. The short answer is Not Yet?
3D TV is still a young technology. Although the technology is impressive, I think there are several reasons why now you should wait:
1. Technology - TV manufacturers are still searching for the best method to display 3D content. Think VHS vs. BETAMAX. Currently manufacturers are using active-shutter technology, but at least one manufacturer is developing a system using polarized glasses. Toshiba is developing "Glasses-Free" 3D, but that is still several years away.
2. Cost - To view 3D TV in your home, you need a 3D TV, a 3D BluRay player, and the glasses. A 50" 1080p Samsung 3D TV, a Samsung 3D BluRay Player and four sets of glasses will run you approximately $2250.00 + tax ON SALE. That's about double what a comparable 50" HDTV and 2D BluRay player would cost. When Philips introduced the first 42" Flat Panel Plasma TV is 1997, the retail price was $14,999.00, now the cheapest 42" Plasma you can buy (under $600.00) will blow the doors off the original Philips. So waiting will definitely save you money.
3. The Glasses - Currently, TV manufacturers are using Active-Shutter technology in the glasses, which means the glasses have an infrared link to the TV and lighten and darker to produce the 3D image. This means the glasses are expensive. You can't use the Glasses you snagged from the IMAX theater. 3D TVs come with no 3D Glasses, some with 1 pair, some with 2 pairs of glasses, but you have to buy any additional pairs (at $120 to $250 a pair). So a family of 4 could be out another $1000.00 just in glasses. The glasses are not interchangeable between brands. There is some work going on to develop universal active shutter glasses, but it's not there yet (See point number 1).
4. Nausea and Headaches - The American Association of Optometrists found via an online survey, that as many as a quarter of people report eyestrain, blurred vision, dizziness, headaches or nausea after viewing 3D content. So that means, for a family of 4, one of you isn't going to like 3D. I have found that for most people, it takes 20 to 30 minutes of watching 3D before the problems start, so watching a 5 minute demo at Best Buy, doesn't mean you'll be fine through an entire movie. Sharp's 3D glasses do have a feature where you can turn their glasses from 3D to 2D to combat this problem, but now you're watching 2D TV AND having to wear the glasses.
5. Content - There are currently about 50 3D titles available in the US. Some are animated movies, some are documentaries (IMAX), some are live action filmed in 3D, and some are live action converted to 3D in post production. Many of these titles are available exclusively with a Manufacturers product, Monsters vs. Aliens with SAMSUNG, Avatar with PANASONIC, etc. The list of content will increase, but honestly it is increasing slowly.
All of these problems will be addressed by manufacturers and studios, and the prices will keep coming down. If your current TV is still in good shape, I wouldn't rush out and get a new one just for 3D. If you are ready to buy a new TV, I'd still buy a 2D Model. Come on, the Cowboys in 1080p on a 63" HDTV is still pretty awesome!! If you still can't hold off and you just have to have a 3D TV, do a bunch of research , make sure all your pieces are going to work together, and Go For It!! The more people who buy the current systems, the faster the prices will drop for the rest of us.
The Difference between LED TV and LCD TV
LED TV is a bit of a misnomer as it gives the impression that it is a completely different technology than LCD TVs.
LED televisions are really just LCD televisions that use LED lights for back lighting instead of the flourescent CFL lighting traditionally used for LCDs. Both employ the liquid crystal diode (LCD) technology front panel containing the “twisting crystals” which define LCD technology.
LED TVs can be thinner and lighter because the light source and accompanying power supplies are thinner and lighter. Some (not all) LED TVs produce a brighter picture and can produce better blacks (contrast ratio) than LCD TVs.
Currently, LED TVs are significantly more expensive than a comparable LCD TV.
So the question is: Is it Worth the Extra Cost?
The extra brightness might be needed in a room with a lot of natural light, but controlling the excess light with curtains or blinds is better and cheaper.
The better blacks are nice but most people wouldn't be unpleased with the black levels in most LCD TVs.
They are thinner and lighter. I love the lightness of the new LED TVs, but that's because I hang a lot of TVs, I can hang a 55" LED TV by myself. But for most people, you're going to hang the TV one time, $400-$500 to save 10 to 25 pounds that you're going to pick up one time seems a little steep. Yes they are thinner, if the TV is going to be in a location where you are constantly looking at the side of the TV, this might be a vaild concern. If thickness is important to you, make sure you pick the correct mount. An LED TV on the wrong mount sticks out further the a LCD TV on the proper mount.
So, what the answer? If I was in the market for a new TV, I'd probably save some money and stick with an LCD for now.
P.S. Honestly, I think I'd buy a Plasma, but that's another discussion.
