Should you buy a 3DTV now?
In this post-Avatar era, gadgeteers have been bathed in the promising brilliance of the latest 3D televisions. You may well ask, is 3DTV for real, is it a fad? Should I pay the premium for a 3DTV or is it better to buy a standard HDTV? While we’ve been impressed by the 3D TVs we’ve seen, we’re not convinced you shouldn’t go for standard HDTV until prices drop and more programming is available.
Here are some reasons why we think it might feel good to stop using a 3D TV for now and buy a standard HD TV instead.
1. Very little content and 3D sets are expensive
3DTV may be over the top. Yes, we’re all caught up in the post-Avatar 3D craze right now, but, with only a few worthwhile 3D movies to talk about, very little TV programming, and no major video games slated for immediate release, we wonder if now it is. time to invest in 3DTV? 3DTV is pretty good to be sure, but it lacks content and is more expensive than an equivalent HDTV. Keep in mind that the premium you pay to be an early adopter of a 3D TV could very well pay for another HDTV for your home, although we suspect 3D TV prices will drop over time.
2.LED-backlit LCD TV
LED-backlit LCDs are becoming the standard in HDTVs. Using LEDs as a backlight, rather than fluorescent (CCFL), the new LCD HDTVs produce a bright picture with excellent viewing angles while saving energy and space. Yes, most newer 3D TVs also use LED backlights, but the influx of new stock could motivate stores to pull current LED-backlit LCD TVs off the shelves at attractive prices.
3. High refresh rate and internet connectivity
Until 3D TVs become a best buy, we believe you can future-proof your HDTV with features like high refresh rates and Internet connectivity. Internet connectivity will revolutionize your entertainment routine and can be found on many non-3D televisions. Thanks to services like Hulu, Netflix, Pandora, YouTube, and Boxee, the Internet is becoming the go-to source for all types of media. It’s accessible on demand, on multiple platforms, and often completely free. Manufacturers now include broadband, wired and wireless, in many televisions so you can stream your favorite TV shows, YouTube channels, music and movies, right in your living room.
4. 3D glasses could be surprising
At around $ 150 a pair, 3D glasses aren’t cheap. The latest 3D glasses are not the simple disposable glasses of yesteryear. These new specifications are high-tech wireless devices that work in conjunction with your 3DTV to physically block light as it travels to your eye. Expect to shell out up to $ 600 per game for a family of 4. To make matters worse, all parents know this equation: Kids + Delicate x Expensive = Problem.
5. Other purchases may be required with your 3DTV.
Speaking of expensive peripherals like 3D glasses, if you buy a 3D TV and want to watch Full HD (1080p) 3D content, you won’t be able to use your current DVD or Blu-Ray player. You will need a special 3D ready Blu Ray device in order to view Full HD 3D content. Admittedly, you will be able to watch “Half HD” 3D on many “transportation” media such as standard cable or satellite and standard DVD players and you may not even notice the difference, but if you want the best 3D TV quality, you will be looking at a new Blu-ray player and a new AVR (receiver).
Conclusion about 3DTV now
We think sound bargains can be found on standard HDTVs. Sure, you can’t invite a group of friends to watch Avatar in 3D again, but again, could you afford it anyway? We say, if you don’t want to pay the premium to have the first 3D TV on your block, pick the HDTV that offers the best picture quality in its price range and make sure it has features like high refresh rate and internet connectivity.
3D “ready” HDTV might be the best option
If you want to hedge your bet, you can always look for an HDTV that can be made to display 3D content when it’s ready. A “3D ready” HDTV will have a high refresh rate (120Hz or higher), HDMI 1.4 to connect to a 3D ready Blu-ray player or receiver, a USB connection for a 3D glasses interface box, and the TV will have the necessary processing power or 3D “engine” to decode and display 3D content. The problem at this point is that we are not sure how you can identify a true 3D-ready HDTV and for what level of 3D (Full or Half HD) it is actually “ready” for (comments welcome). All we can say is to be on the lookout for more information and be careful not to believe the marketing hype or the sales pitch. And, of course, you will need to buy enough glasses to equip all the “spectators” in your household.
Looking for a good HDTV instead?
In case you’re not interested in being the first person in your circle of friends to own a 3D TV, but still want a good quality HDTV, here are some good HDTVs for watching sports, good TVs from HD for the bedroom, some good HDTVs on a budget. and even some energy-efficient and eco-friendly HDTVs.
Retrevo can help you find the right HDTV
As always, we have many more reviews on the latest HDTVs to help you make the best decision. You can also check out our collection of electronics manuals and reviews for digital cameras and laptops.