The Knowhow
3D TV:
- You need a 3D HD TV in order to view the latest 3D releases
- Special glasses must be worn to see the image properly
- 3D televisions can display ordinary 2D pictures
- The 3D functions only work with specific discs or TV channels, although some 3D TVs can convert 2D images
- 3D televisions that don't need glasses are currently in development. These are expected to be on sale within the next few years, but are likely to be expensive
3D Blu-ray:
- You will need a 3D ready Blu-ray player and 3D HDTV to see the full effect
- Most recent Blu-ray players are 3D ready, and some can be made 3D ready with a firmware update if they contain the right technology needed to play 3D. Check the manufacturer’s website for details
- PS3s are able to play Blu-ray 3D discs, but cannot output full HD sound at the same time as the 3D effect
- Blu-ray 3D movies can play on non-3D ready machines, but only in 2D. Many manufacturers lock the 3D version for these machines and provide a separate ordinary Blu-ray disc
3D DVD:
- At the time of writing, there are no special 3D DVDs that make use of 3D HDTV features
- Due to the limited storage of DVD, it is unlikely this situation will ever change
- Any 3D movies currently available use the old "coloured glasses" technology
- The 3D effect is not as impressive as with Blu-ray 3D, and the image look like it doesn’t have any colour due to the shaded gels in the glasses
Always refer to the manufacturer’s manual for specific details.
