UK Offer

Introduction

HDTV has moved the television industry on in leaps and bounds over past years with huge developments in the technology being marketed to the viewing public. With the recent launch of 3D Blu-Ray specification DVD’s and SKY TV’s first 3D channel coming out in April, demand for 3D televisions has dramatically increased.
This sharp rise in interest looks set to continue in 2010 and several competing manufacturers look due to be entering the stage with the wares in preparation for the projected surge in 3D TV uptake. The new “jump out of the screen” technology is sure to turn heads and make a fantastic party attraction – with this in mind, the popularity of 3D TV’s looks set to soar in the coming months.

3D TV Manufacturers

Numerous manufacturers in the industry are currently battling to secure the best picture quality and ensure that their sets are ready for the impending rush on sales. Samsung, Sony, LG and Phillips all have HDTV 3D TV’s preparing to come onto the market in the coming months:
- LG is currently looking into the prospect of bringing 3DTV to the UK market.
- Panasonic has already unveiled their own contribution, the 3D Full HD Plasma Home Theater System (3D FHD) at the CES this year but in the UK has not commented further on the matter.
- Phillips are also researching the issue and are “monitoring” the release of 3D TV’s, suggesting that if they take off, they will join the market with their own versions.
- Sharp already sell 3D ‘effect’ LCD screen in the USA although they have no clear plans to move these to the UK.
- Panasonic is making a thoroughly impressive drive to ensure that the viewing public is aware of their own forays into the world of 3D TV. Recently a trial-showing at a shopping centre, complete with fully constructed 3D viewing room on a large plasma screen had audiences reeling from the impressive nature of their demo displays.

3D TV Prices

Samsung has released the UNC9000 Series by which has received a very positive reception, being only 0.3 inches thick and available in screen sizes over 50 inches across!

Unfortunately, such technology comes with a projected hefty price tag, approximately around the £2500 mark. This nifty bit of kit also has the possibility to convert 2D to 3D in real time, complete with a touch screen wi-fi remote. According to the manufacturing giant this year’s copies will also include an in-built 3D processor.

Sony is competing with its own version, the Signature LX900 Series HDTV. This includes full HD 3D technology and output, in addition to built in wi-fi DLNA connectivity and a sleek trim design.

3D Glasses

These TVs will have an output of either 120Hz or 240Hz (half of which enters each eye) in order to create the 3D version of the DVD image. You will also need to be wearing a pair of 3D glasses for this type of viewing; either a pair of passive polarized glasses (as used currently in cinemas), active LCS glasses or Infitec Dolby 3D glasses. This, combined with a 3D film, will create a viewing experience like no other where elements of the film appear to exit the screen and come closer to the viewer and a great dimension of depth leads into the backgrounds of the images, providing an all encompassing visual experience.

Many manufactures are also acknowledging the possibility that existing Blu-Ray and standard DVD systems will need to be replaced to accommodate the new 3D disks. At present, and with a compatible pc and video gaming card, you may be able to play games in 3D. Nvidia has also released G-Force 3D vision, capable of converting almost any pc game to 3D, albeit requiring the use of active shutter battery operated glasses to view this appropriately.
As mentioned, Sky are also considering their own investments into the 3D market, creating their own 3D ready channel, bringing live action sports to their viewers through their set top boxes. The current SKY+ HD box will be capable of transmitting the new 3D channel to your 3D ready TV so you will only need to upgrade if you have the standard SKY or SKY+ box. SKY are currently offering the SKY HD box for free with free setup if you take out a subscription. CLICK HERE for more information on this offer.

The Pro’s and Con’s…

POSITIVES:
- Undoubtedly, there will be a huge improvement in the picture quality and overall viewing experience with the refined versions of the 3D television sets. This is allowing of course, for the initial numerous blips that will no doubt occur and the significant teething problems that any new technology is sure to experience in its infancy.
- Combined with a surround sound style home audio system, this should create a very positive viewing experience, with the possibilities for high quality home cinema activities too. Of course, we are only seeing the very best of what is on offer, with carefully constructed demonstration clips used to maximize the salability of their respective products and technology.
- It’s new, shiny and very much a wanted commodity in the modern technologically developed world. It is, without doubt, a certainty that 3D TV’s look set to progress in their development and sales throughout 2010

NEGATIVES:
- As mentioned, there are high costs associated with these styles of TV. Particularly so if there are limited mediums available on the DVD market. Admittedly the sporting world looks set to adopt the 3D capabilities quite swiftly, Sky TV for example, recently showed a demonstration programme of sporting activities, racing and Usain Bolt in an advertising foray to strum up support for the 3D market. Reviews of the event were highly positive, including praise of the immersive nature of the screen experience.
- The aforementioned technological advances also come at a cost though. There are sure to be consistently problematic teething problems which they will experience. Of course, warranties will abound and products will be upgraded and repaired in due course, however, this may prove to be a rough ride for the customer along the way.
- The glasses are a point of debate amongst reviewers. The passive polarized ones used in cinemas, may very well be looked to initially, however, Panasonic have modeled the use of Shutter Glasses (shutting out the frames in individual eyes in keeping with the projection of the 3D images). Gucci are alleged to be in development of a more aesthetic pair of glasses, however, the point still stands that 3D glasses free technology (despite being about) looks a little further into the future for the time being.
- Screen sizes of the viewing display are also a point of contention. At the Panasonic stand for example, audiences viewed an immersive experience on a 100 inch screen – not perhaps the most common piece of furniture in the modern living room! On a 30 inch set, it is debatable whether the experience would be equally as mind-boggling. Only a true test of the home-style sets would reveal the nature of such experiences.

Conclusion

Overall, the 3D TV revolution looks set to continue in the future, ensuring healthy competition for the leading manufacturers. Positives include the high quality and definition available for those that want it, while the high costs and sketchy glasses technology may turn others away until the teething problems of such equipment is ironed out in good time.

Further Information

SKY HD FREE HD Box & Setup
Sony Bravia 3d TVs
Samsung 3D TVs
LG LD920 3D TV
3DTV UK Facebook Group

You can bet that all the major retailers will jump on the 3D TV band wagon and hope to make some tidy profits including: Comet, Currys, Argos, Dixons, Debenhams, Tesco & Sainsburys.