The Comprehensive 3D TV Buying Guide

When looking for a new 3D TV, it can be difficult figuring out what it is you need to look for. Many of the features are the same as HD TV with the addition of various 3D features. In this 3D TV Buying Guide you are going to learn what it is you should be looking for and what features you may be able to go without.

What exactly do you need in order to get the full 3D experience? I’m sure you remember the hassle that came along with HD and how it seemed like everything needed to be changed in order to get the picture from SD that you were used to, to the stunning HD we have grown to love. Well, the process is a lot easier than you think.

First of all, you are going to need an HDMI cable if you don’t have one already. For those of you who already have an HD-ready setup, you’re most the way there already. You will need to decide what picture quality you are looking for. 720p works for many people, but if you are a big fan of action-packed, motion-filled programming, you may want to go with 1080p. 720 is how many lines of pixels there are going across your TV screen. 1080 stands for 1080 lines. As you can imagine, the more pixels you have, the clearer your image is going to be. Pixels are the smallest elements of a TV screen. As a whole, they make up the TVs picture. Each pixel displays a certain area of the overall picture you see.

Then there is refresh rate to think about; just like you did with your HD TV. There are 60Hz, 120Hz and even 240Hz. Depending on your viewing preferences; you can decide which option suits your needs. Of course, the more times your screen refreshes, the smoother the picture is going to appear. If you can, view each type in person at a local shop to see how much of a difference it makes for you.

Next up, it’s time to decide on which type of glasses you prefer. There are Active Shutter Glasses, and Polarized (or Passive) Glasses. Active Shutter Glasses are more expensive, and are powered by batteries. TVs that use Active Shutter Glasses have an emitter on them that is linked to your pair. This emitter tells each individual lens when to open or close. At the same time there are two pictures on the left and right of the screen that are positioned in a way giving you the 3D experience (shaking left to right). It’s really all an eye trick. These glasses are great but don’t always come with the TV and can cause $150 a pair.

If you’re looking for a more affordable option, you may want to think about a TV compatible with Polarized Glasses. These are the same types of glasses you use in the movie theatre when viewing a 3D film. These are typically about $2 a pair and are much lighter. If this sounds like the option for you, look for TVs that have Passive, Cinema or Theatre 3D; which are all terms used for this technology.

While there aren’t too many 3D movies and channels out now, this is soon to change. There are also many games in 3D now. For example, if you have a PS3; you will receive a free firmware update allowing all your games to be viewed in 3D on your new 3D TV with Active Shutter Glasses. At this time, Plasma TVs have the best speed and contrast when it comes to 3D; giving you a picture you have to see to believe.