Quite simply, 3D is the biggest thing to happen to the world of television since the introduction of high definition. If you've spent the recent times marvelling at the game-changing detail and samurai sharpness of HDTV, just think how eye-poppingly brilliant those pictures will look in three dimensions rather than two. Movies and games become far more immersive in 3D, drawing you further into the action and drama than ever before. Exciting stuff indeed, particularly as you don't have to wait long for this futuristic tech to be here - because it's launching this year, and it's here to stay.
What's on offer?
The first wave of 3D televisions will serve up stereoscopic 3D movies and TV shows, direct into your living room. What does that mean? Well, if you've seen Avatar in 3D, you'll already have a good idea what to expect - instead of a dead flat picture, there's a discernible depth to the image that draws you into the screen, adding (quite literally) an extra dimension to whatever you're watching. Forget the pop-up book-style effect you get from the old school "red and green glasses" 3D - this is far clearer, far more nuanced and easy on the eyes (no brain strain here). And it maintains the original vivid colours, whereas the old style leaves everything looking washed out.
Some of these upcoming TVs come packing smart 3D processors, able to take 2D content and convert it to 3D. While this won't be as effective or accurate as 3D Blu-ray movies (where the 3D programming is performed by engineers), it'll ensure your old DVDs, Blu-rays and anything you watch on TV aren't left out of the 3D revolution.
And don't forget that 3D TVs are also HDTVs, so the picture quality will be as retina-slicingly razor-sharp as anything in 2D.
What you'll need to get up and running
3D won't work on standard HDTVs, so your first requirement is a new 3D ready TV. Sony, Samsung, LG and Panasonic are all offering "stereoscopic" 3D HDTVs this year, which create a 3D image by alternately displaying two different pictures, one after the other, very rapidly. Wear a special set of glasses (don't worry, the lenses are clear rather than red and green) and each of your eyes gets a different image, fooling your brain into thinking you're seeing a 3D picture.
You'll also need a source - Blu-ray is all set to be the "standard" way to watch 3D movies and TV shows, with a range of fresh players and all-in-one home cinema packages geared up with the necessary tech from the get-go. A handful of existing Blu-ray players - including the Sony PS3 - can even be upgraded to 3D readiness via a software update, so you might not have to buy new hardware at all.
What's coming?
Blu-ray is set to become the main way to watch 3D movies and TV shows, but eventually there'll be other ways to get 3D onto your TV.
For starters, there's broadcast 3D TV incoming: Sky is launching a 3D channel this year, which will be available via the broadcaster's Sky+HD box and standard satellite dish. Expect Virgin Media and other rival TV providers to hop aboard the 3D wagon in the not too distant future.
Video games are also going 3D. Sony has already demo'd 3D gaming at the IFA and CES tech shows, using only its PS3 console and a Sony 3D LCD television. And it's glorious - you've never played a racing game until you've played it in 3D. The PS3 will need a software update to provide these 3D thrills and spills, and games developers will need to be on board too - but given the fact that most new games are already set in three dimensional environments, this shouldn't prove too tricky, meaning the road ahead for 3D looks better than ever.
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