5 Things You Need to Know Before Buying a 3D TV

Although there were many skeptics who felt 3D TV would never get off the ground, the launch in 2010 of numerous models of 3D TVs and the ever-increasing availability of 3D programming sources has made it abundantly clear that the 3D TV revolution has begun. Television viewing will never be the same.

2010 brought the first wave of 3D TVs to the market, and they have been very well received, even at a time when consumer spending overall is down. Samsung and a handful of other manufacturers are ushering in the age of 3D.

This article is written to help 3D novices get the basic understanding of 3D technology that they will need before seriously considering spending the money to make the move to 3D TV.

5 Things You Need to Know About 3D TV

1. What Exactly is 3D TV? It's a feature on a standard HDTV which gives it the capability to display three-dimensional images from 3D content. Models incorporating this feature, such as the Samsung 750 Class, are already on the market.

2. Can You Watch Regular TV on a 3D TV? Yes you can. 3D TVs can also handle standard 2D programming, just like any other TV. In fact many of them have a feature that will convert a 2D image to 3D. For example, a Samsung 3D TV has a button on the remote that will convert the 2D image to a 3D image. Put on your 3D glasses and you're good to go.

3. Is Special Programming Required? Yes, you need a 3D program source to get the benefit of 3D TV. As mentioned, some TVs can convert a 2D source for viewing as a 3D program.

4. Are 3D Programs Readily Available? Although we are in the infant stages of the technology, because of the huge consumer interest, companies are scrambling to produce more and more 3D programming. Right now, in addition to a growing list of 3D Blu-Ray movies, some 3D programming is available on cable and pay-per-view. Further, new 3D movies and shows are being produced all the time, and there are companies currently developing entire 3D cable networks.

5. What Do I Need Besides the TV? As mentioned, you need a 3D capable, HD TV and a 3D source of programming. In addition, you will need some of those cool 3D glasses. Despite how they may look, they are not just ordinary sun glasses. 3D glasses have a battery built in and have special technology which enables you to view your programming in 3D. Since each company has its own proprietary 3D technology, you must be sure to get the same brand of glasses as your 3D TV, so they'll match up and work together to give you that 3D viewing experience you're looking for.