If you have not read the previous blog, Part 1 of 2, you might want to read that first. This is a more in depth identification of the types of 3D televisions available for consumer purchase. Hopefully, this will shed some light on the topic if you are looking to add a 3D TV to your home or business. Just a reminder, there are different ways to trick your brain into viewing images in 3D - active, passive and autostereoscopic.
Active - Active-shutter glasses are actually small LCD screens that alternately dim the left and right "lenses" in succession. Since active-shutter glasses are fairly complicated electronics, they're pricey: A typical pair usually runs about $80-$150, and works only on specific model active 3D TVs made by the same manufacturer. They depend on batteries to keep running and are kind of heavy, especially if you are also wearing prescription glasses as well. On the plus side, this is the way to get the best 3D quality in a dark room. Current active 3D manufacturers include Sony, Samsung, Panasonic, Sharp, Toshiba and Mitsubishi.
Passive - Passive 3D glasses, on the other hand, are sort of like a pair of specially designed polarized sunglasses. Unlike sunglasses, which are designed to block light equally from both eyes, polarized 3D glasses block different kinds of light from each eye, creating the illusion of depth. That means you don't need any kind of expensive, delicate electronics in the glasses themselves, nor do you need a proprietary infrared emitter to sync with the glasses. Since each lens is blocking out light, you're technically viewing only 540p in each eye, though your brain should be perceiving a 1080p image when it puts the two together. The plus for passive 3D is that they run better in direct light, the typical setting of a retail store. Currently in 2011, LG is the primary manufacturer of passive 3D television sets and glasses.
Autostereoscopic - Full 3D TV sets do not require glasses to view the 3D images. Toshiba launched 12” and 20” Full LCD 3D TV sets for commercial launch, with a 1280x720 resolution. Technically speaking, Toshiba has found a way to eliminate blurring, or the vertical wave pattern that plagues other autostereoscopic 3-D technologies. The viewing angle is about 40°, doubling the previous approaches. Toshiba's glasses-free 3D TV does suffer initial limitations such as viewing distance and cost, the 12-inch model will sell for roughly $1400. Toshiba is expected to deliver their glasses-free 3D TV on a global scale by 2015. Until then, active and passive are your best two choices for purchase.
Before You Purchase - Whether active or passive 3D is best for you, if you want the wow factor, bigger really is better. You will be able to view the 3D effects on a 42” or 46” television, but if you want to be blown away by the 3D technology consider a 55” to 70.” Both passive and active 3D televisions can be purchased in bundles containing the television, Blu-Ray player and a few sets of 3D glasses. This bundling can alleviate the mistake of purchasing items that are not compatible. A certain model of 3D glasses will only work with a few models of 3D televisions of the same manufacturer. If your 3D television will be used in a commercial setting, a professional series television really is the way to go. It is quite a bit higher in cost; however, you will receive a guaranteed product that is built to run 24/7 for years to come.