To Buy or Not to Buy That's the 3D HDTV Question

The new generation 3D HDTV is the newbie on the block. The jury is still out on this new HDTV product. Just for the record a three dimensional television set is a TV that enables home viewers to enjoy video content using a stereo for the eyes effect. In 3D, 2 unique images of the identical scene are used, 1 image per eye.

While wearing the 3D TV eyeglasses, the images are combined and it produces a single image. This technology creates the 3rd dimension optical illusion that is displayed on your TV. Now you need to know that everyone may not be able to see this 3D effect. They experience something identified as stereo blindness. However it's uncommon and to be truthful very few people have this issue.

You can be sure that 2011 will see 3D TV rise to the next level because big business is betting that consumers will jump on this new High Def product. Led by the sports industry (can you see the potential there) ESPN is banking on a 3D fan following. To be fair watching sports in 3D is something different.

The home will be the spot where you'll be watching this and although we can currently watch high-definition TV sports with clarity and detail, the 3D experience pulls you into the event so that you feel like a part of the game. You can even see the motion picture industry getting into the act. They are churning out a new crop of 3D movies for our consumption.

Here are a few things about 3D technology you should know. It's impossible to view both 2D and 3D at the same time. 3D TVs are not the same its dependent upon it inherent technology. Sounds like we have the earlier Plasma versus LCD controversy again. Yep plasma television fans believe that 3D is significantly better suited to their technology and they could possibly be right. Only time will tell. Manufacturers of plasma sets hope that the better 3D HDTV viewing experience will create increased future HDTV sales.

On of the most respected high tech big businesses, IBM, believes that the future of holographic technology will evolve from 3D TV. This innovative holographic technology may eventually be shrunk down for use on our mobile phones and moreover has telepresence (video conferencing) uses. IBM envisions that our computer interaction will change as a result of this 3D technology. So here's the question. Is 3D here to stay or just a passing fad? Is this something people would actually buy for their home? Three things about 3D TV that may surprise you.

1. Yes there are health risks associated with watching 3D TV. I know it's hard to believe but it's true. Not hard to imagine that you may get headaches or eye-strain after several viewing hours. There's a strong similarity to virtual reality gaming, This can cause confusion and nausea. I know this may be true because virtual reality games have that effect on me. It's more common than you think. Of course who knows what the long-term effects from watching extended 3D TV may be?

2. Time to lose the glasses! 3D glasses are awkward at best and can mess up the 3D HDTV experience at worst. They are way too expensive and not all 3D TV glasses have the same quality. If you lose them you'll really blow a gasket. Does anybody really want to wear them? They need to go!

3. Can't we get rid of those expensive glasses! They are uncomfortable at best and can ruin the viewing experience at worst. You have to realize that all 3D TV glasses are not the same quality. You also have to watch where you put them. Ever lose a remote? Do we really have to wear them? They make us look like nerds.

I gave you a couple of extras but those are the big three. Well I really can't stop being a critic. Here's one more thing. There is definitely a lack of 3D HDTV product so if you purchase one of these televisions you won't have too much to watch. I'll wait for more 3D innovation like getting rid of those 3D glasses. I personally will take a wait and see where this technology is going.

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