Many people are excited about the prospect of bringing the 3D experience they had watching Avatar and Alice in Wonderland on the Big Screen into their homes. Manufacturers are sure hoping this is the case. More and more 3D televisions and Blu-ray Players are promising the consumer excellent high-definition 3D quality right from their own living rooms.

But with this excitement, there comes a lot of unanswered questioned. Some maybe cautious about 3D, and this is actually a good approach. This is a relatively new technology and not much is known on how it actually works. Here are a quick few quick facts to get you familiar with 3D technology and what you will need to bring the 3D experience home with you.

3D Display Screen

A 3D screen is needed, whether it be a 3D HDTV, 3D projector, or 3D computer monitor. These devices will have a great processing capacity then your standard 2D models. Your old TV will not be able to play the new 3D Blu-ray movies or display any type of 3D content. You will need to purchase a new 3D capable television. Some manufacturers are selling 3D ‘Ready’ TVs, where a converter box is required. However, Samsung and Panasonic are making 3D HDTVs without a converter box. These 3D Televisions will still have the standard 2D display. These 3D capably TVs are more expensive compared to standard 2D Televisions. Look to pay at least 20% more or higher for 3D HDTVs. Of course there is the added expense of purchasing glasses as well. And glasses will definitely be needed for any 3D content (none will be needed for standard 2D viewing).

You will need 3D Glasses

You will only see a blurred image when watching 3D content on your TV without glasses. This is caused by the 3D TV quickly alternating between two images. 3D glasses are able to process these alternating images by opening and closing shutters on the glasses, one for each eye. Giving us a perception of depth. Glasses are battery operated and wireless. Usually a pair of glasses is included when purchasing a 3D Television, but if you purchasing extra pairs make sure the glasses are compatible with your display screen. Your are better off getting extra glasses from the same manufacturer. Or make sure they are universal 3D glasses that work with every display screen. 3D glasses are priced anywhere from $100 to $150.

3D Source – Blu-ray player
To enjoy the latest movie blockbusters or old classics in 3D, a 3D capable Blu-ray Player will have to be purchased. The only exception are those who own Sony’s PlayStation 3. Sony upgraded the PS3 to be capable of supporting 3D Blu-ray discs and games. 3D capable Blu-ray Players can play 2D Blu-ray discs, as well as DVDs, so only one Blu-ray Player is required. But if you have an older player, you will have to upgrade to a newer model. Other sources for your 3D content can come from your cable box with a superscription to 3D programming.

3D Content
Movies are the big attraction for most of us wanting to experience 3D at home. However, not every movie will be in 3D. Over the past couple of years, more and more 3D blu-ray movies have been released. There are about 50 or more 3D movies currently available, but this number is increasing with each passing week. (Check out the available 3D Blu-ray movies). Even older movies like The Lion King, Star Wars and Titanic are being released in 3D. You can also, get 3D content via TV channels and video games.

ESPN 3D, a sport channel, was launched in 2010 and has broadcasted many programs in 3D. It is common place now to see 3D cameras at most sporting events such as Golf, Tennis, Football, Hockey and Soccer. 3net is another 3D channel, it mainly shows documentaries and Imax programs. Most TV provides will offer special events or pay-per-view/video-on-demand 3D movies, but it will probably be a year or two before we see more 3D TV content. The quality of these 3D broadcast right now, are not are good as Blu-ray. They only use half-resolution 3D format, also referred to as side-by-side. The result is a less high-definition look. This should change over the next couple of years as more 3D content is broadcasted.

As stated before the PlayStation 3 can now play 3D games. You can have the 3D experience while playing your favorite games. Of course 3D will not just be limited to consoles and 3D TVs. There are 3D gaming laptops available. You can also stream 3D content from online services such as Vudu and Samsung Explore 3D.

HDMI Cable
There is some confusion as to what type of HDMI cable is required for 3D. If anyone tells you, you need the new HDMI 1.4 cable, do not believe them. This is simple untrue. Any HDMI high speed cable will work. Consumer Reports states,”any high-speed HDMI cable is sufficient for sending and receiving 3D video streams.” In fact you should not even be able to buy HDMI 1.4 cables. Cable manufacturers are not allowed to market cables called HDMI 1.4. The terms for describing HDMI cables are as follows: HDMI Standard, HDMI High Speed, HDMI Standard with Ethernet, HDMI High Speed with Ethernet, and HDMI Standard Automotive.
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For more information on Blu-ray and Blu-ray Players try this handy comparison guide: bluray players Or check out the latest 3D Laptops, TV’s and Blu-ray Players here: Blu-ray Player Reviews Copyright 2010. This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.