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. They are starting to unveil 3D televisions and Blu-ray Players, 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.

You will need a new TV
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)

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. They should have the same manufacturer as the TV. In fact a pair of glasses is sometimes included when purchasing a 3D Television. Any extra pairs will have to be purchased separately. 3D glasses are priced anywhere from $100 to $150.

3D capable Blu-ray player is Required
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 to this right now is Sony's PlayStation 3. Sony is providing a firmware upgrade in the summer of 2010. This upgrade will make the PlayStation 3 compatible with 3D Blu-ray discs. 3D capable Blu-ray Players can play 2D Blu-ray discs, as well as DVDs, therefore only one Blu-ray Player is required. The price for 3D Blu-ray Players are not more than regular Blu-ray Player prices. Sony's BDP-S470 (3D Firmware upgrade summer, 2010) has a list price of under $200.00.

3D will not just be for movies
While movies may be the big attraction for some, there are not a lot of 3D movies available. An estimate of about 20 to 25 movies will be release this year in 2010. But with the promise of more to come and being able to see older movies, like Titanic in 3D, it is easy to see the appeal. But there will also be 3D content via TV channels and video games.

A sports channel, ESPN 3D will be launched June of 2010. It is slated to show over 80 events. The 2010 Masters golf tournament will have 3D cameras there to capture all the action. And Sony, Discovery and IMAX are all launching 3D channels in the up coming future. Content, while scarce right now, should be abundant in a year from now.

As stated before the PlayStation 3 is getting a 3D firmware upgrade soon. You be able have the 3D experience while playing your favorite 3D games. Of course 3D will not just be limited to consoles and 3D TVs. There are 3D gaming laptops available, such as the ASUS G51J-3D and the Acer AS5738DG-6165.


HDMI Cables
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.

...
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.