3DTV vs HDTV, Which one should you choose?
In just the last few years two new technologies have arrived on the market, both of which have claimed to revolutionise the way that we watch television. In one corner we have HDTV, the first of these two rivals to appear, and in the other we have 3DTV, hot on the heels of a number of very successful cinema offerings in the third dimension.
Still, choosing between the two is not necessarily an easy process, and HDTVs are a lot cheaper. Rather than focussing purely on the technical specs, it’s important to take the viewability and social factors into account. So what should sway your decision?
HDTV
HDTV is a marked step up from the picture quality of a standard digital television. Using cutting edge technology it presents images that are startlingly real, and also claims to be able to use a wider range of colours than its old counterparts. At present, even the most developed HD television can only show something like 25% of the colours that the human eye can see – although Laser television could change that for those with the cash to spend on it. HD also has the advantage of being cheaper, and you can watch it from just about anywhere in the room without the need for annoying extras like glasses.
A final plus point for HDTV is that there are hundreds of channels and dozens of broadcasters who are offering programmes in HD, so you can pretty much watch anything you want in the highest of high definition.
3DTV
3DTV is a revolution in the viewer experience, although it doesn’t offer images that are genuinely 3D, it gives the appearance of 3 dimensions. At the moment there is an argument raging as to whether it’s a fad or whether it’s here to stay, and the mixed response of broadcasters hasn’t offered any clear solutions: on the one hand you have Sky, which has offered a dedicated 3D channel, on the other hand you have – well, just about everyone else.
That’s not to say that there isn’t material out there; some manufacturers are offering their own channels and there are loads of films available, you just have to look a little harder for it.
Drawbacks
The major drawback with 3D, on a non-techie, practical level which far outweighs the excitement of its technological advances, is that you have to wear the glasses, which some people find uncomfortable and can be a bit of a pain. Also, if you’ve got lots of people coming round to watch a football match or a film, do you have enough glasses? What happens if you lose them? Glasses-less 3D is on the way, but it’s far from perfect and we shouldn’t expect it any time soon.
Of course, ultimately, the choice is yours, but there is one factor that really swings it in favour of 3D: most 3D televisions can be enjoyed in 2D and happen to be HD at the same time. So you get the high quality and screen resolution as standard, with the added bonus of 3D films and gaming - if you’ve remembered your glasses. The drawback is that you pay for this dual capacity, but if you are willing to spend a little more, why face the question at all when you can essentially get two televisions for the price of one?
PS: Did you like this post? If so, be sure to leave a comment below.
Twitter: PlasmaInstalls
Firstly Great Post very informative.I have allot of customers who are also pondering the same question. 3D or HDTV? Great advise with regards to the glasses many people are turned off at the prospect of having to wear glasses to watch the TV and they can be an expensive accessory to replace.
I have also heard reports of excessive viewing is leading some people to experience mild head aches. I also believe that with 3D TV the television dispalys two images at the same time resulting in a loss of definition. If anyone could shed more light on this I feel that would be helpfull. Again a great post I will link to this.
@ TV Framing UK thanks for your comments, i’m glad you liked the post! I’m personally turned off at having to wear glasses. Which kind of TV do you have?
Twitter: PlasmaInstalls
Hi Jakk
I personally run a Plasma TV. I feel that plasma TVs offer the most
natural looking picture and in general provide a much better contrast
ratio.
I also like LED however I find that the picture is too sharp, too
clear not at all how the real world looks through your eyes, its almost
like cartoony if you know what I mean. LCD I often find is the opposite
and some can look washed out like dark is not dark enough and lights are
also not light enough. Its a tough choice and I would imagine that
prices drive most people. I guess it’s a case of what you use your tv
most for. I find Gaming is great on LED and movies great on Plasma. Dont
get me wrong LCD does have it advantages like price and
weight.
What are you running ?
@TV Framing UK
Thanks for the reply! Okay so I like you actually run a Plasma through preference however it is an up to date one packing 1080p HD.
I find LCD suits small displays ( sub 26″ ) and Plasma suits larger (28″ – 42″) displays. LED for me provides the best image when you move in to the +50″ range.
I got a 3DTV because it is futureproof. I opted for LED to join the conversation above, and came from an LCD which as stated had rubbish black reproduction.
Thanks for the views. Yep LED is certainly the most futureproof kind of TV currently. How are you finding it?
Brilliant. I’ve got it flush against the wall etc and have some Bang & Olufsen speakers with it.
Twitter: PlasmaInstalls
Hey Darren Thanks for joining the conversation Sounds like you have a nice system there, glad you are enjoying your TV.
I like your business (went to the link) do you travel anywhere in the UK mate for framing?
Twitter: PlasmaInstalls
Hey Magneto Thanks for showing an intrest in our services we do cover most of the UK, please feel free to visit the site again and contact us from there, I am actively trying not to hijack this post or site purely for self promotion. Thanks again hopefully speak soon.
First off great write up. I’m a long time user of Sky and i’m glad to see you give them a shout out, their packages are great.I have a HDTV and I’m always watching nothing but the HD channels. You could say i’m a bit of a snob now!
Thanks! Glad you like it.
Although I like the prospect of a 3DTV in my room I can’t justify the price unfortunately. For me it is almost certainly a fad.
Is it the glasses that lead you to think this? A lot of people feel the same mate.
I’ve been using a projector for around, oooh, 3 years and it wipes the floor with any TV if i’m honest.
Twitter: PlasmaInstalls
Hi Gamerboi what type of projector do you have.
What would you say is the best brand for a 3DTV then, Sony or Samsung?
Personally? I like the Sony Bravia series, although in terms of better / best, they’re both equally impressive.
Twitter: TechieShane
Personally, I think 3DTV is a bit of a gimmick. Even if the station/media you’re watching is 3D, you still won’t see actual 3D, it’s merely a few objects are on front/behind each other, I don’t think it will catch on, it’s a bit like HD DVD.
I’m one of the few that preferred the term HD DVD :/
Twitter: TechieShane
I did too! It’s just it was fairly beaten by Bluray.
Or it had more backing *cough* Sony
I’ve been looking at 3DTV’s all week in the Currys and Sony centre. I’m not impressed – the picture is imposingly dull and dark and no way worth a grand. At best it was washed out and dark but focused. At worst it was washed out, dark, blurred and cross-talking. Sorry, but as much as I wanted to I can’t come from bright, vibrant 1080p/24 to dull, gloomy 3D 1080p that is very weird on the eyes.
Thanks for the feedback Pete. Currently high street stores here in the UK are constantly showcasing 3DTV and at the moment they are all pretty much as you say (dull, uninspiring, eye tiring).
Hopefully over the next few years there will be an improvement in this technology!
Hmm. Whilst I love 3DTV I have found my electricity bill has risen by £2 per month (extensive 3D usage, soccer etc). I’m therefore watching 2D in HD from now on.
I love my 3D TV. My samsung 3D glasses are pretty comfortable and lightweight, so the comfortability isn’t quite an issue for me. When watching a basketball game, nothing’s more fun than actually feeling like you’re sitting right in the court yourself.
Jack´s last [type] ..Buy PS3