Are 3D TVs worth buying?

I've been looking into the differences between passive and active 3D and it seems active always wins but i'm torn on what to do. I've seen 3D in the cinemas and liked what i seen, then I've seen store setups and OK i've maybe only watched for a minute or so but it's never blown me away. Can the cinema experience really be replicated at home?

For instance if I went and bought a 3D blu ray right now, would there be a big difference between watching on a passive 3D set as opposed to an active one? Which one is gonna give me the best 3D experience? Or....is the 3D experience likely to improve in future or will the technology stay where it is at currently? The films I'm looking at are Disney ones. I suppose I've just noticed people around me buying 3D TVs, I never thought I'd be one to even consider a 3DTV until now and it's kinda making me wish I had bought those films in 3D because then I would still have had a bluray copy to watch currently. Do you think 3D can be a good thing? Are Disney 3D movies on the bluray format worth the investment and do you think that if this is something I am likely to enjoy and invest in, is it worth my while getting rid of some of the blurays and just getting the 3D copies as cheap as I can so that I still have the bluray to enjoy currently? I'm not sure what to do.
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  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 2,889
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    id advise against

    i always get a sore head while watching 3D content
    i regret spending so much on a 3d tv when i never use 3d anymore

    id hold off until they find away to display 3d without having to wear glasses that obviously put strain on your eyes
  • longlivinglongliving Posts: 321
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    It's the stories I like, it's films I can watch time and time again and I've never seen them in 3D. I've read reviews and they all rave about it. So for me it's not so much about buying into the 3D concept and I'm gonna get Sky's 3D channel and buy every 3D film there is. For me it's not only future proofing.........if the format is gonna stay where it is at currently for some time, kind of like how the CD and DVD format have never progressed, they give a certain audio and video quality and stick to that. If 3D right now, is gonna be at that same place in 5 years from now, then maybe I am better buying those films in 3D right now because Disney can always put them back in the vault.

    Having said that, as you said they could bring a 3D tv out which doesn't require glasses that affect your eyes.I was fine in the cinema but I'm not sure if what I experience in the cinema can be replicated at home or not. If someone was to say yes 100% then I'd definately think about it. And also if there is a chance the 3D format can be improved or changed around, maybe if Disney do stick them in their vault for 5 years or so, by the time they bring them back out maybe there will be an increase in PQ, I don't know. For me it's about enjoying certain films and when necassary, over the coming years, should I come across more 3D films that I really like, then I can enjoy that experience at home. But if you look at the formats right now, the CD, the DVD, even the bluray, they've never really progressed.....well I suppose the CD went to Super Audio CD but that never really took off did it.


    I don't see me investing right now, partly because I don't know enough about it. From what I can gather, every TV is different. Some films apparantly appear 'softer' in 3D than their 2D counterparts. Do you think the technology is going to get better?
  • call100call100 Posts: 7,264
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    They are worth buying purely because they do have a very good picture quality in 2D.
    As for 3D itself, They have yet to make a good film in 3D and I suspect that it will remain that way for some time. Even if they do I don't think 3D actually adds anything to a programme or a film..
    The glasses free 3D is not far away, but, until then, I don't think it'll be the must have thing for the majority....Certainly not for me..
  • mikey86ukmikey86uk Posts: 5,657
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    3D is great for some programmes/films

    although i wish i went down the passive route and not the active.

    That being said, i hardly use the 3D feature though!
  • Rich_LRich_L Posts: 6,110
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    Had mine for a month, used 3D twice in that time.

    Didn't buy the telly for its 3D ability.
  • blueisthecolourblueisthecolour Posts: 20,123
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    I saw a guy come out of Sainsburys the other day with some massive random brand 3D tv. It just amazed me that someone would go to the expense of buying 3D yet not actually bother getting a decent make.
  • flashgordon1952flashgordon1952 Posts: 3,799
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    grps3 wrote: »
    id advise against

    i always get a sore head while watching 3D content
    i regret spending so much on a 3d tv when i never use 3d anymore

    id hold off until they find away to display 3d without having to wear glasses that obviously put strain on your eyes
    In my view there should be a clear warning what 3D tv can do to ones eyes if watched for too long periods and also against driveing a car after long exposure to watch 3D tv with those glasses they supply with them.
    The future of tv is certainly not with 3D it will just become a fad and thats that! A short term "fad".
    What will the future be?
    Well its already here the flexi screen TV and will be avaliable at a shop near yu for under a £1000 in about 5 years time floowed by hologram tv in about 20 years tv...
  • mac2708mac2708 Posts: 3,349
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    In my view there should be a clear warning what 3D tv can do to ones eyes if watched for too long periods and also against driveing a car after long exposure to watch 3D tv with those glasses they supply with them.

    Like these?
    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1266351/3D-TV-health-warning-Tuning-cause-confusion-nausea-fits-says-electronics-giant.html

    and from Samsung
    http://www.samsung.com/au/tv/notice.html
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 2,583
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    I am considering one too. Not that I watch much 3d stuff but I saw one that did some jiggery pokery and apparently could convert normal 2d stuff to some sort of 3d. I can't remember the make now but it was only on a small telly. 26 inch I think it was. But was thinking about this for the bedroom porn.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 2,784
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    Yes it's worth getting a 3D capable TV. Most 3D TV can do 2D to 3D but it's usually rubbish to watch, nothing like proper 3D content. How good 3D is depends on the content being viewed.
  • derek500derek500 Posts: 24,887
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    mac2708 wrote: »

    Both of those are about active shutter sets, where the glasses rapidly switch between your left and right eye.

    You don't get the same problems with passive, where you're watching 100% of the time with both eyes, so none of the related problems.
    Korean-based technology firm LG said its shift to passive glasses for its 3D-enabled flat-panel TVs “dramatically improved” its sales last year, due mainly to the comfort level the new glasses brought to viewers’ experience.

    Unlike active-shutter 3D glasses that use an automated “flickering” technology to render the three-dimensional image, passive glasses are polarized in such a way that it mimics the flicker needed to create a 3D image without causing headaches or dizziness on the user’s part.

    LG said the active glasses it used on the first iteration of its 3D TVs launched in 2010 made viewers uncomfortable and queasy enough to hold of on investing in specialized TVs, thereby prompting the change to the passive ones.

    http://www.interaksyon.com/infotech/lg-boosts-3d-tv-sales-after-shift-to-passive-glasses
  • ironjadeironjade Posts: 10,001
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    grps3 wrote: »
    id advise against

    i always get a sore head while watching 3D content
    i regret spending so much on a 3d tv when i never use 3d anymore

    id hold off until they find away to display 3d without having to wear glasses that obviously put strain on your eyes

    Buy two TVs and cross your eyes.:)
  • derek500derek500 Posts: 24,887
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    longliving wrote: »
    I've been looking into the differences between passive and active 3D and it seems active always wins but i'm torn on what to do. I've seen 3D in the cinemas and liked what i seen, then I've seen store setups and OK i've maybe only watched for a minute or so but it's never blown me away. Can the cinema experience really be replicated at home?

    LG Cinema 3D with passive glasses is the way to go. I don't have blu-ray and all my 3D viewing whether films, sport, documentaries, entertainment has been via Sky 3D.

    The 3D quality is superb.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 2,784
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    I too watch most of my 3D content on SKY 3D but it's also worth getting a 3D BD player as there are some excellent 3D movies available to buy. The first film I ever watched in 3D was "Avatar" and i found the visuals stunning. I tend to watch a lot of animated films with my kids i.e Tangled 3D and the like and enjoy doing so. I'm starting to build up my 3D BD collection.

    For those with Xbox360 and/or PS3. Gaming in 3D can be fun and tends to add to the gaming experience and of course the PS3 can be used to view 3D BD's :)
  • derek500derek500 Posts: 24,887
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    I too watch most of my 3D content on SKY 3D but it's also worth getting a 3D BD player as there are some excellent 3D movies available to buy. The first film I ever watched in 3D was "Avatar" and i found the visuals stunning. I tend to watch a lot of animated films with my kids i.e Tangled 3D and the like and enjoy doing so. I'm starting to build up my 3D BD collection.

    But they all come to Sky 3D in time, first as PPV which I don't do, or free, the same day they're on Sky Movies Premiere.

    I've never been a great one for watching things multiple times and I learnt my lesson the hard way, having a cupboard full of DVDs I paid good money for, but rarely watched more than once.

    I wish I could turn the clock back.
  • call100call100 Posts: 7,264
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    I too watch most of my 3D content on SKY 3D but it's also worth getting a 3D BD player as there are some excellent 3D movies available to buy. The first film I ever watched in 3D was "Avatar" and i found the visuals stunning. I tend to watch a lot of animated films with my kids i.e Tangled 3D and the like and enjoy doing so. I'm starting to build up my 3D BD collection.

    For those with Xbox360 and/or PS3. Gaming in 3D can be fun and tends to add to the gaming experience and of course the PS3 can be used to view 3D BD's :)

    I know it's subjective, but, even so, that's stretching it a bit...;)
  • iangradiangrad Posts: 813
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    A point worth noting is that on most makers range is that if you want at least a medium spec TV the 3D or at least 3D capable by buying glasses is now pretty much a standard feature in 42" sizes and upward . Just like teletext and stereo sound became standard all the years ago and "smart" is rapidly becoming standard as well . Interestingly even on really low cost TV's 3D is standard , there was a Cello 42" for just £329 in a local supermarket -- someone looking at it said it was so cheap because it was last years LG's screen ? is that true ?
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 2,784
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    call100 wrote: »
    I know it's subjective, but, even so, that's stretching it a bit...;)

    fair enough :)
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 4
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    i've had a 3d tv now for around 6 months and love it. I prefer to use the 3d mode when watching a film but sometimes i do watch regular channel in 3d. I have great personal reviews here - http://www.squidoo.com/cheap-3d-tv2
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 4
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    if it's a cheaper tv you are looking for which still gives you that excellent 3d effect, i have a great page of info here http://www.squidoo.com/cheap-3d-tv2
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 18
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    Whether 3D is worth it or not is all on you. You seem to be very interested in 3D, which means even if you didn't love any 3D TVs at stores, you will eventually love it at home. As for the passive vs active dilemma, I personally don't see much difference in quality itself. People say active has better quality but nah it's not much different. But for me, passive gives me a way better 3D experience because active is way too uncomfortable. if you're really serious about 3D experience at home, try the LG's 3D cinema TV like derek mentioned up there. you might see something different :)
  • drw1963drw1963 Posts: 383
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    Apparently, there's 3D TV's available without the need for glasses.

    Need proof? here it is:

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2111132/The-TV-revolution-Britains-glasses-free-3D-television-goes-sale--eye-popping-price-7-000.html

    The only problem is you need £7000 to get it.

    Rip-off Britain strikes again.
  • Iqbal_MIqbal_M Posts: 4,079
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    drw1963 wrote: »
    Apparently, there's 3D TV's available without the need for glasses.

    Need proof? here it is:

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2111132/The-TV-revolution-Britains-glasses-free-3D-television-goes-sale--eye-popping-price-7-000.html

    The only problem is you need £7000 to get it.

    Rip-off Britain strikes again.

    That TV has not got good reviews though:-
    http://www.trustedreviews.com/toshiba-55zl2-glasses-free-3d-tv_TV_review
  • battlezonebattlezone Posts: 1,838
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    derek500 wrote: »
    But they all come to Sky 3D in time, first as PPV which I don't do, or free, the same day they're on Sky Movies Premiere.

    I've never been a great one for watching things multiple times and I learnt my lesson the hard way, having a cupboard full of DVDs I paid good money for, but rarely watched more than once.

    I wish I could turn the clock back.

    Yes, same here. We have 500+ DVD's collecting dust from years ago.
    Iqbal_M wrote: »

    I agree, however it is the 1st generation of this type. Like everything it will get better as technology moves on.
  • fastest fingerfastest finger Posts: 12,862
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    battlezone wrote: »
    I agree, however it is the 1st generation of this type. Like everything it will get better as technology moves on.

    The new glasses-free tech developed by Phillips/Dolby is said to be superb, much better than the Toshiba effort.
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