Step 2: 6 Myths about 3D TVs

Myth #1: 3D TVs will increase the price of my new TV dramatically.

Actually, 3D compatibility will just be a new feature of many of the HDTVs entering the market place in 2010. As such, it will not necessarily increase the cost of production of the TVs any more than another feature such as 120Hz rate in LCD TVs would. However, the feature is being included on the higher end models offered by manufacturers which also include a host of other top features such as super thin design, increased black levels, better processing engines, high Hz rate, and others. For this reason, the TVs with 3D compatibility will appear more expensive, but it's not because of the 3D enabled feature.

Mitsubishi has been making
3D TVs since 2007

Myth #2: 3-D TV technology is a new feature for 2010.

Actually Mitsubishi has had 3D enabled DLP televisions on the market since 2007. The feature is not new, but it has been improved.

Myth #3: 3D TV owners must always wear the 3-D glasses.

3D glasses will only need to be worn when viewing 3D programming. 3-D is just another feature of the TV. The TV will operate as a normal 2D TV with all but your 3-D content - sans glasses.

Myth #4: 3D Glasses will not be necessary with the new 3-D TVs.

This is true of a small test sample subset of smaller LCD monitors in the 15" to 20" size range. It's possible to view 3D content when viewing these specialized monitors from directly front and center with little movement. This will not be the case for 3-D TVs available in stores to consumers. They will all need 3-D glasses to be able to view the 3D content.

Myth #5: 3-D Content will always be viewable in full high definition.

"Many of the new LCDs with 3D capability will only be able to display 600 to 800 effective lines of resolution"

Strangely enough with many of the new LCD 3D TVs you will not see full high definition 1080p. Many of the new LCDs with 3D capability will only be able to display 600 to 800 effective lines of resolution. While this is a good resolution it is not close to 1080p. There are exceptions such as a special line of LCDs developed by Sony (LX900 series and HX900) and good ole plasma. Panasonics 3D plasma TVs will show you a full HD picture.

Myth #6: All 3-D Glasses are the same and the glasses come with the TVs.

Unfortunately 3-D glasses in most cases must be purchased seperately. They will cost around $50 to $100. There are anaglyph 3-D glasses with different colored lenses, linear polarized, and circular polarized glasses. There are also 3-D shutter glasses. The TV manual that comes with your 3-D TV will let you know what type of glasses you will need.