Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Should We Buy a 3D TV?

3D TV is finally here and companies and TV stations have already started producing films and programs for broadcasting in this exciting new technology. The release of the 3D TV technology, however, is not yet widely known amongst all. Just as we are digesting the release of high definition TV, television manufacturers invade the shelves with a new technology: 3D is riding on the success of films like "Avatar". Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, LG and Philips have had 3D TV models released that are capable of broadcasting images in 3D TV. Sharp and Toshiba will launch later in the year. 3D TVs are expected to represent 10-15% of sales this year.

There are many questions that need to be answered and many people are still wandering if 3D TV is worth investing in. From the initial impressions, 3D TV looks to give some stunning results. But the programs remain rare and programs for the platform are not yet widely available. So should we rush to buy 3D TV? Lets learn a bit more and address some of the common questions.

Is the 3D technology really developed?

Yes, because it has been around for years. For the case of understanding in simple terms, 3D images are filmed by two different cameras, one for the right eye and one for the left eye. During their broadcasting on screen, the brain assembles the two pieces of information together into one to form complete 3D images. When watching 3D TV, the viewer really develops a feeling of being immersed in the action.

Should the viewer use 3D glasses?

For the time being, yes. All manufacturers are supplying 3D glasses that are meant to be used to watch the TV. But the spectacles are heavy and moreover inconsistent from one brand to another. Toshiba, Sharp and Hitachi showed prototypes of 3D screens without glasses, but have not yet announced a release date.

What programs can we watch in 3D?

For the moment, there is not much. The UK satellite TV supplier Sky has started broadcasting some channels for 3D, but this is relatively small in the scheme of things. The channel broadcasted key football games throughout the world cup and continues to add more programming for 3D but we will need to wait a little longer before the mainstream channels are broadcasted in 3D.

Can we keep our old DVDs and video games?

Yes. 3D TVs are also capable of broadcasting images in 2D, so you don't have to worry whether they will accept your current collection of movies and games. Conversely, to watch the new Blu-ray topography, you need to buy a suitable reader, because the first generation devices do not read them. Same thing applies to consoles. The first 3D video games are not expected before the end of the year and only Sony has so far announced an update of its PS3 console this summer to allow users to play 3D games.

Should we fear adverse effects on health?

As going to the cinema, it is not unusual to experience fatigue, and even a headache when watching 3D. The brain is having to reconstruct the stereoscopic images and it can be stressful in the long run, especially if the scenes are very choppy. Also note that 5-10% of people suffer from "stereo blindness": they do not perceive the depth of images, even when wearing 3D glasses. In other words, they will not see the difference between a conventional TV and a 3D screen. It is therefore advisable to test the process in-store before purchase

If you are thinking of buying a 3D TV then make sure to check out all the latest advice on this site http://www.total3d.co.uk/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sonia_Smith

Buying a TV - 4 Tips

Television sets have come down a lot in price over the last few years, and it seems that they are sold almost everywhere, from supermarkets to department stores and specialist electrical goods retailers. Paying extra does not always guarantee you a better product though, and here we look at the key features to look for when buying your next television set.

Digital or Analogue

Make sure that the television set you choose receives digital broadcasts, as analogue broadcasts are being phased out. Although every television set in an electrical store will be 'digital ready', older analogue sets may be being sold at reduced prices in some discount outlets. Do not be tempted into purchasing one, otherwise it will be useless to you in the near future.

Television Size

Bigger is not always better! Although many of us love the idea of purchasing a brand new 48-inch plasma TV, a little more thought should go into the practicalities of this. Consider the following:

o How big is the room that you plan to put the TV in? A large set will not only look out of place in a small room, it may also make for uncomfortable viewing if you are sitting close up to it.

o How much space do you have? Measure the available space before making your purchase, and allow at least two inches on either side for cables, ventilation and easy removal.

Picture Quality

Picture quality is of paramount importance. This is affected by many things, such as the flatness of the screen and progressive scan capabilities, but the best test is to simply see the television in operation before you purchase it. This is easy in an electrical store, but not always possible in a supermarket.

Audio Capabilities

As well as the picture, focus on the sound. This is especially important if you plan to connect the TV to your stereo and home theatre system. Check that there is a suitable amount of AV input and output sockets, and where these are positioned. Make sure that they are easy to access and will fit in with your existing setup.

The above points are the main ones to consider, but do not forget to check the following:

o Does the TV come with a remote control?
o Does it come with a warranty?
o Will it fit in your car?! (or does the store deliver?)

UK author who is meeting a need for reviews and price comparison websites for UK LCD TVs by publishing several sites including Panasonic TX P37X10 and Panasonic TX P42X10

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Emerson

Buying a TV - When is the Best Time?

With so many television brands flooding the market, it is difficult to make the right choice to buy your desired television. Moreover, new models are making it to the market everyday. In fact, each year in the late summer and the early fall, new TV models make their way to the stores.

The best time to buy LCD and Plasma TVs

The general rule is that prices of LCD and Plasma TVs start dropping as their sizes keep increasing. Most of the viewers buy plasma or big-screen TV in the time of Super Bowl. However, according to consumer analysts, buyers should wait for sometime after a new model hits the market before buying. You should wait for six to twelve months before you buy HDTV or LCD TV, after a particular model has been launched because most Japanese manufacturers end their fiscal year in the month of March and the new models are launched after March. A few months after the launch, the price drops in the market. If you can wait for a year to buy a particular model then you are guaranteed to get the best technology for dirt-cheap rates.

Which are the cheapest TVs

The good old-fashioned CRTs are the cheapest TVs available. They come in all sizes and in all budgets. Standard picture tube TVs are becoming smarter in their looks everyday and if you were watching the TV from six feet distance then you would spot no difference between CRT and HD TV. Moreover, you get all sorts of discounts and buy back offers on these TVs throughout the year.

Do I really need 1080p

The fad for all TV sets this year is 1080p. However, most of these sets are taking a 1080i signal and then up converting it to 1080p but the connection of the sets do not originally support 1080p/60 input. Though this year, sets with 1080p/60 input are coming out, it is better that you do all the background work before going for your best future proof TV.

It appears quite impractical to upgrade your HDTV for the best picture in coming 2 to 8 years. However, if you are willing to buy a TV now then go for the sets, which have 1080p/60 inputs because buying a television is an investment.

UK author who is meeting a need for reviews and price comparison websites for UK LCD TVs by publishing several sites including Toshiba 32AV615DB and Toshiba 32AV635DB

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Emerson