My simple advice to everyone:   If you like 3D movies that are coming out like "Avatar", then don't buy a new TV or Blu-Ray right now (unless it's a PS3).   This summer, you will start to see all of the big TV manufacturers release new flat screens that are 3D capable.   Some of the 3D TV's use the same "passive" polarized glasses that you get when you go to the theater and the effect is almost exactly the same.   Other manufactures (Sony, Samsung, etc) use "active" glasses that are synchronized to the 3D set and (IMO) the 3D effect from these sets is stunning and much better than the theater as well as easier on the eyes.   The active glasses are obviously more expensive.

The other downside to 3D is that it's going to require upgrades.   The additional memory and HDMI bandwith requirements are going to mean that most current Blu-Ray players (including the one I just got last week) and quite possible most AV receivers will need to be upgraded as well.

There was a ton of other cool stuff as well (Gibson's self-tuning "Dusk Tiger" Les Paul guitar for example) but the 3D really stole the show.

-JB

A co-worker and I were just talking about this. It makes sense that it's a natural progression in TV technology. I bet all those demo booths were pretty cool to see the new stuff first hand.

--AJ

They had a program on NPR dedicated to this. They said that this will be the time that 3D is getting a real push to take off mainstream. Unlike the many times through the decades before. Remember Friday the 13th Part 3 in 3D?

Posted By REEFer Madness on 01/11/2010 03:03 PM
They had a program on NPR dedicated to this. They said that this will be the time that 3D is getting a real push to take off mainstream. Unlike the many times through the decades before. Remember Friday the 13th Part 3 in 3D?

I heard that too, it was a great program.

Posted By Waverz on 01/11/2010 04:06 PM

Posted By REEFer Madness on 01/11/2010 03:03 PM
They had a program on NPR dedicated to this. They said that this will be the time that 3D is getting a real push to take off mainstream. Unlike the many times through the decades before. Remember Friday the 13th Part 3 in 3D?

I heard that too, it was a great program.

Most of their programs are.   I'm kicking myself for not seeing a Prarie Home Companion in Des Moines last year.

I know some tv shows did an episode of 3D last year.   But you'll have to remember that porn is a big factor when it comes to new technology like this.   If they don't run with it, it'll struggle.

what is it with technology and always mentioning porn. not that it bothers me one bit but just kinda funny.

why not just wait till next year when tehy come out with 4D? one may ask, what's the 4th dimension?.,.....they will inject FUN directly into you! Don't ask me how, it's jsut what I've heard...

-Strong

Posted By nick on 01/11/2010 08:37 PM
what is it with technology and always mentioning porn. not that it bothers me one bit but just kinda funny.

It's a big money  maker.   The ambiguity of buying porn on the internet really helped out the internet back in the 90's.

In 2006: Pornography Time Statistics
Every second - $3,075.64 is being spent on pornography
Every second - 28,258 Internet users are viewing pornography
Every second - 372 Internet users are typing adult search terms into search engines
Every 39 minutes: a new pornographic video is being created in the United States

Now when it comes to a new meduim of technology,  VHS, laser disc, DVD, Virtual Reality, Internet and what not.   If it's not user friendly toward the customers of porn, it doesn't generally fair well.

Wow...I think you just earned the title of resident porn expert! Way to go Andrew! haha :-)

--AJ

While the porn argument is definitely valid, I think this coming of 3D will finally be successful for other reasons..

1) The quality of the 3D is finally where it should be. I've seen random 3D movies over the last 30 years or so and only recently has the quality really gotten to the point where it's more than just a novelty.
2) Convergence of technology. The lines between the TV, the computer and the gaming console are blurring rapidly. Instead of 3D showing up in some random movie on late night TV where those crappy red/green glasses are required, it now has the opportunity to be everywhere.
3) Content. With great movies like Avatar and UP available and many more soon to be release (not to mention a 3D game support in the 360 and PS3) there's going to be a lot of compelling content available in 3D.

I think the big thing now is that the 3D "standards" need to work themselves out and there needs to be some clarification as to what is going to be required and how devices from different manufacturers are going to be able to interact. There's going to be a lot of confusion out there in the coming year related to this technology. Even Sony couldn't give me a straight answer as to whether or not my ES receiver would be 3D compatible.

-JB

Hopefully they don't pull an XBox 360 and push it out too fast and just aggrivate the consumers. If the reps at Sony couldn't give you a straight answer, I'd hate to hear what best buy employees would say.

Best Buy: "It's the best thing out on the market, that's why it costs so much"
You: "Well, I have heard that there are a lot of issues with this"
Best Buy: "I am sure tehy would not sell something defective, I would bet those issues are single occurances"

Point: Never buy something new on the shelf. It is likely unproven in the field (from my job experience as a Reliability Engineer, first revs always have a lot of changes coming even as they leave the factory) and they will always cost 5-10x that they will in 3-5 years.

Take Away: Find a rich friend and enjoy his!

-Strong