3D TVs: Technology for 2011

12-23-2010 08:49 BJT

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2010 might have been the year 3D TV sets hit the market, but 2011 promises to be the year of mass acceptance. With more content becoming available and prices dropping, will the novelty of owning a 3D set convince consumers to wear those funny glasses?

Watching TV in three dimensions through a pair of glasses. Is this the future of TV?

Retailers are already stocking 3D sets alongside their more familiar LED screens.

But we're not talking about the retro red and green glasses of the past.

The new generation of 3D in the home is flat screen, sharp and in high definition.

Retailers are confident consumers are catching the 3D fever.

But consumers' reluctance to wear 3D glasses is a concern they know all too well. That's why they are already looking at glasses-free technology, which is already on the horizon.

John Kempner, Television Buyer in John Lewis, said, "There's no doubt that the next big break through will be when 3D is possible on a big screen TV without glasses."

One broadcaster backing 3D is Sky, who launched a full 3D channel on October 1, 2010. The channel shows live sports, films and documentaries in 3D.

Since April 2010 the broadcaster has been showing live Premier League football games at selected pubs across the UK.

However, even Sky recognizes the programs viewers choose to watch in 3D will be different from those they watch in 2D.

Getting into the 3D game early has been a steep learning curve for all broadcasters and film makers.

Many of the traditional filming techniques do not work in 3D and the camera crews have had to reinvent ways to shoot live sports.

What's more, when sports are shown in 3D, they need an entirely separate team of editors and producers.

Even in the dark of the outside broadcasting truck during golf's Ryder Cup, the editors have to wear 3D shades as they direct the live action.

But just as the VCR fought it out with Beta-max in the 80's, competing 3D formats are currently divided by their own schism. Now, consumers will have to decide whether to choose an active or passive 3D set.

Active glasses are powered and work by alternatively open and closing the left and right image in sync with the TV picture and offers a true HD experience. However, the glasses are more expensive, often upwards of $100 a pair.

Passive glasses, like the ones handed out in cinemas are cheaper and easier to produce, however, the viewing quality is slightly diminished.

Even retailers can't predict which format will prove the most popular in 2011 and continue to stock both.

In any case, 3D technology is set to continue going from strength to strength in 2011.