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3D High Definition TV is here!
Nov. 21, 2007 (revised 1/21/08)
Alan Johnson
Click on image for the Texas Instruments' 3D-DLP web page

3D-Ready HDTV's have arrived in all major consumer electronics stores! Models produced by Samsung and Mitsubishi use a new Texas Instruments DLP technology that brings 3D-IMAX cinema to the mass consumer market. After designing, building and testing 3D video systems for years the stereoscopic imaging on these sets is the best that I've ever seen!

The purpose of this article is to show how to test out the 3D on your Samsung or Mitsubishi for only $60 to $80. If your PC has the right kind of video card you don't have to spend hundreds of dollars just to see what 3D looks like on your new set.
In this four page article:
  • Page 1 - Is your HDTV "3D-Ready?"
  • Page 2 -3D glasses and PC requirements
  • Page 3 - What kind of video card and software is needed
  • Page 4 - Hooking up the test

Words Fail ...
Words fail to describe the stunning, mind blowing effect of 3D on these new units, but I will try. UNESCO filmed a 3D travelogue of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. This movie is a nonstop series of scenes in the most real, holographic imaging you can imagine. At one point your TV transforms into a picture window as you gaze out over a spectacular mountain valley. At another point you are sitting inside a castle. Yes, you feel as if you are there! Have you ever watched a 3D movie at an IMAX theater? In my opinion, THIS IS BETTER! Perhaps a story may convey the effect of 3D on these televisions.

A Skeptic's Conversion
Visitors to 3DFlightSim sometimes have the same reaction as my spouse to 3D video demonstrations. They are impressed by the professional uses of these 3D systems but wonder about its appeal in the family room. Yes, it's great for 3D molecular imaging in a chemistry classroom ... so what? And flight simulation? Well, if you are not much into "video games" then 3D is just another gimmick.

Then I installed a Samsung HTL-4675S in our home along with my newly built 3D-HTPC. First off, she loved having the new Samsung regardless of it's 3D capability. But when it came time to put on the 3D glasses there was the same old skepticism: "I don't know ... are people really going to like having to wear these glasses? I don't think I'm going to like this ..."    [3D is turned on]   "OH MY GOSH!!" In a few minutes she was converted into a 3D enthusiast who wants to show the 3D to every visitor. "This is like going from black and white to color television!"

A Mystery
It is a mystery that nobody seems to know about this wonderful new consumer technology. I spoke with numerous salesmen about the 3D-Ready HDTV's sitting right there in their showrooms. Some of the sets even had 3D READY stickers prominently displayed on the models. But no representative had a clue regarding the new 3D READY function. In a way this is a good thing: purchasing a 3D-Ready HDTV is just as easy as buying any high definition TV set. You just have to know which models have this capability. So here is the list:

  • HLT4675S   Samsung 46'' Slim 720p DLP HDTV
  • HLT5075S   Samsung 50" Slim 720p DLP HDTV
  • HLT5675S   Samsung 56" Slim 720p DLP HDTV
  • HLT5076S   Samsung 50" UltraSlim 1080p DLP
  • HLT5087S   Samsung 50" Slim 1080p DLP HDTV
  • HLT5089S   Samsung 50" Slim 1080p DLP HDTV
  • HLT5676S   Samsung 56" UltraSlim 1080p DLP
  • HLT5687S   Samsung 56" Slim 1080p DLP HDTV
  • HLT5689S   Samsung 56" Slim 1080p DLP HDTV
  • HLT6176S   Samsung 61" UltraSlim 1080p DLP
  • HLT6187S   Samsung 61" Slim 1080p DLP HDTV
  • HLT6189S   Samsung 61" Slim 1080p DLP HDTV
  • HLT7288W   Samsung 72" slim depth DLP® HDTV
  • Mitsubishi model WD57833 – Diamond 57" DLP
  • Mitsubishi model WD65833 - Diamond 65” DLP
  • Mitsubishi model WD73833 – Diamond 73” DLP
An Easier Way to ID 3D-Ready Models
At the showroom there is another way to make sure the floor model is a 3D-Ready set. Look at the back of the television and find the connection panel. Look for a round socket that is labeled either "3D SYNC OUT" (Samsung models) or "3D GLASSES" (Mitsubishi models). Televisions with this connector are 3D-Ready. This is the socket for the infrared controller for your wireless 3D shutter glasses.

Personal Computer Needed
You will need to make some additional purchases to watch 3D video on your 3D-Ready TV. Most importantly a PC needs to be connected to the TV for viewing 3D video. But do not think of this as a drawback. Having a PC integrated into your home entertainment center has many advantages in addition to enabling 3D video.

Home theater PC's (HTPC's) are considered a must have by most home theater enthusiasts. You will probably find that having a PC connected to your TV is a great addition whether watching 3D video or not. (More about HTPC's is described later).

 
  • Page 1 - Is your HDTV "3D-Ready?"
  • Page 2 - 3D glasses and PC requirements
  • Page 3 - video card and software requirements
  • Page 4 - Hooking up the test

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