Digital Home Thoughts - News & Reviews for the Digital Home

"After a year of hearing about 3DTVs nonstop we finally got some of the main contenders in house to examine, although we'll start by pointing out that this isn't so much of a "3DTV" roundup, since a more apt description of these displays is 3D-capable HDTVs. That's an important distinction to make, since nothing about the 2D performance of these TVs suffers because of their ability to do 3D, and in many cases they cost the exact same price as their comparable 2D-only models from last year. With that said Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, Mitsubishi and LG's finest have had their moment and on the next page we've done our best to compare them in a way that makes sense for the average HDTV buyer who might also want to take in a 3D event or movie from time to time. Right now, there's barely enough 3D content to support more than a couple of hours viewing per week, much less support a full viewing conversion to all-glasses, all the time -- but more about that later. Check out our full impressions after the break."

Engadget have an interesting review of five 3D TV's on their site, with a mix of plasma, DLP, and LCD included. I've yet to decide if 3D TV is as good as the current hype seems to make out. There are the obvious picture quality differences between the TV's to consider when purchasing a 3D TV, but now there are also the performance differences between the 3D glasses to consider, not to mention the fashion element as well. After all, if you're going to be wearing big clunky sunglasses in your home you want to look good while doing so, don't you?

"In its first-ever ranking of 3D performance, Consumer Reports evaluated 14 3D TV models and found that plasma TVs are better at displaying 3D images than LCD sets, primarily because they exhibit less ghosting, or double images that appear even when wearing 3D glasses. Three plasma models from Panasonic exhibited the best 3D picture quality and the least ghosting of all the sets tested."

It comes as no surprise that not all 3D TVs are made the same. If you are one to hop onto the 3D TV bandwagon, it might be worthwhile to consider your purchase. Plasma TVs definitely seem to have the edge, which is a far cry from a year ago, when some thought that the Plasma screen TV was dying. I just find it fascinating. I do not subscribe to the 3D crowd, but I wonder what all the push is about. I still see people using old CRT style televisions. I even see some stores with some old stock they are trying to sell! Why not wait a few years until everyone has your plain old 2D LCD or Plasma TV and then push the 3D TV sales? That sounds like a much better way to maximize profits!