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3D televisions - what to ask before you buy

If you're confused about whether or not to buy a 3D television, the questions here will help you decide. For more information about other flat screen televisions, see LCD and Plasma televisions and LED and OLED televisions.

Click on a question below for more information.

1. Cost: How much is the 3D television?
2. Features: What features are included with the 3D television?
3. 3D Glasses: How many pairs of 3D glasses come with the 3D television?
4. Comfort: Are the 3D glasses comfortable?
5. Clarity: Are 2D broadcasts clear on a 3D television?
6. System: What 3D television system is best for me?
7. Room lighting: How does the 3D television perform in ambient light?
8. Usage: How much 3D television will you really watch?
9. Health: Are there any health effects from a 3D television?
10. Positioning: Where will I place my 3D television?

1. How much is the 3D television?

3D televisions are expensive. When comparing prices, include not only the cost of the 3D television, but also any extra costs (e.g. a Blu-ray player and the cost of Blu-ray 3D discs, to get the most out of the 3D television).

See also Question 8. How much 3D television will I really watch?

2. What features are included with the 3D television?

Does it come with an Ethernet, Bluetooth and/or, Wi-Fi for ease of connection to other devices?

3. How many pairs of 3D glasses come with the 3D television?

This could be an extra expense. Some 3D televisions require glasses are high tech, while some have glasses that are cheap to replace. Check this cost before buying.

4. Are the 3D glasses comfortable?

Some 3D glasses can feel tiring and/or annoying when worn for extended periods. Try them before you buy.

Also, if you normally wear glasses to watch TV anyway, you'd have to take them off to wear the 3D glasses which may affect your enjoyment of the program.

5. Are 2D broadcasts clear on a 3D television?

3D televisions can also display regular 2D video just like 'normal' flat screen televisions (i.e. plasma, LCD, and LED/OLED screens).

The advantage of 3D televisions is their ability to display video content at an extremely high frame rate. This can enhance the 2D experience because of reduced flicker and smooth video. However, you should find out if you need avanced home theatre technology to benefit from this.

Check the display of 2D TV on the television you are thinking of buying..

Note that watching 3D without the correct glasses can make it flickery, blurry and difficult to watch.

6. What 3D television system is best for me?

There are several ways to create the 3D television image, and different methods of display.

Find out what system is used in the 3D TV you are considering and compare it with other systems before you buy to ensure you choose one that is most 'watchable' for you.

There are broadly two categories for 3D tv: Active and Passive.

• Active 3D televisions use 'shutter glasses' which 'open' and 'close' to provide the 3D effect. Active 3D glasses cause 'flicker', but how noticeable this is will vary, depending on the person watching and on the ambient light (it may be worse under fluorescent lighting).
• Passive 3D televisions use 3D glasses that look like sunglasses. These will be cheaper to replace because they have no electronic component, and some reviews suggest that the passive 3D television is superior to the active.

Watching 3D TV is a really personal experience, so check out a variety of 3D telvisions before buying.

7. How does the 3D television perform in ambient light?

Check whether the 3D television has to be watched in a very dark room to get the best performance.

8. How much 3D television will I really watch?

In Australia, broadcasters appear to have shifted away from the idea of 3D and have removed their 3D transmitters from transmission towers in Australia's capital cities.

Blu-ray movies are available, but of course this means you have to have the Blu-Ray player to watch them.

9. Are there any health effects from a 3D television?

Watching 3D has been associated with a significant increase in headaches, eye strain and problems with vision.

The following is a list of people who have been advised not to watch 3D TV

• the elderly
• pregnant women
• anyone under the influence of alcohol
• epilepsy sufferers
• the sleep deprived
• children under six years old

10. Where will I place my 3D television?

According to one manufacturer, you shouldn't place your 3D TV near 'open stairwells, cables, balconies, or other objects that can be tripped over, run into, knocked down, broken or fallen over'.

This probably applies to any kind of TV (!) but the change in perception that occurs when watching 3D television makes this more important.

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