Things are starting to become clearer – Sony have said that their 3D Bravia TVs will be compatible with the new SKY 3d channels launching from April even though they use shutter technology.
I couldn’t find any more details on this though so I guess we have to assume that there will either be multiple 3D “modes” so you can choose polarisation instead of shutter mode or (more likely) the TV will convert the incoming signals to work with the shutter glasses. If it’s the latter then it means buying more of the expensive glasses if you want anyone else to enjoy the 3d experience with you. Unless the shutter technology produces a far superior experience to the polarised glasses then I have to say that I will be going for the Samsung or LG.
We’ll let you know as soon as we’ve had a chance to see them in action with the SKY service in April.
Polarised Glasses vs Shutters
SKY’s 3D service will effectively send 2 images to you SKY+ HD box which will then be sent, via HDMI, to your 3D capable TV.
Both the Samsung 3D TVs and the LG LD920 3D TV use polarised glasses in the same way as those used at the cinema whereas Sony’s 3D TVs use a special pair of 3D glasses that are connected to the TV and use shutters to rapidly open and close the glass in front of each eye in synchronisation with the TV picture. Sony believe this provides a better 3D experience but the glasses look to be quite expensive so you would need to purchase a pair for everyone who is going to watch the TV when 3D is switched on.
3D on PS3
Now this is where it starts to get a bit “grey” – the PS3 is also capable of producing 3D output BUT will this also be compatible with other 3D TVs or will you need a Sony? Again you have to assume that it will simply produce a “double image” in the same way as the SKY box and will therefore be compatible with all 3D TVs but there’s no confirmation of that.
The Current SKY+ HD Box is 3D Ready!
The great news is that if you already have a SKY+ HD box then you will not need to upgrade it to receive the 3D channels.
If you have not yet taken the Sky+ HD plunge then they have a great offer running at the moment:
Get a FREE Sky+ HD Box with FREE setup plus M&S vouchers.
Then all you need is a 3D TV and you are ready to experience the 3D TV service when it launches.
As soon as we have more news on 3D TV we will let you know.
Join the UK 3DTV group on Facebook to keep up to date with all the latest 3D TV news and offers.
Further Information
Sony LX903
Sony HX903
