You are in: Freesat's 3D Future?

3D TV

Once 3D becomes more mainstream in the UK, you can expect it to launch on Freesat, and in the meantime you may be able to get some on-demand 3D services through Freesat or Sky Freesat.

So have a read about the future of TV, take a look at 3D TV Products.

What is 3D TV?

If you are watching 3D television, then the same as watching a 3D film in the cinema, you'll see a 3-dimensional image projected from your TV - i.e.; one that gives much more realistic depth perception.

Are 3D TVs much different in looks or hardware?

When turned off, a 3D TV looks like any normal TV. When turned on, one that requires glasses looks a bit blurry (unless you're wearing the glasses), while the latest (and most expensive) ones that don't need glasses you just see the 3D image.

Inside however, a 3D TV has a different processor that allows it to put out multiple images. The glasses allow each eye to see a different image, resulting in the depth perception of 3D, while in TVs that don't need glasses they put the images out over enough angles that your eyes can catch different ones (it's slightly more complex than this, but it's about the best description without going too technical!).

For a more detailed FAQ on 3D TV, please visit our new 3D TV site's FAQ section.

What do I need to experience 3D TV?

You'll need a 3D-Ready TV, some special glasses (if it's a model that requires you to wear glasses, which the majority will do) and a source of 3D (for example, Sky 3D switched to a 3D channel, a 3D Blu Ray player (such as the Playstation 3) playing a 3D Blu Ray, or a games console (as these already put out a 3D image which is then flattened by the current TVs).

Will new cables be required?

To be able to achieve the highest 3D quality (and possibly to even be able to get 3D at all, depending on how the manufacturers enforce it), you'll need HDMI 1.4 cables hooking up your equipment. This is because only the new generation cables will have the capacity to carry the extra images that 3D requires next to the existing ones.

If you're got cables with non-redundancy promises, such as the Monster cables sold in Comet stores (only ones that feature the "Cable For Life" logo), contact the manufacturer, as they should replace your old 1.3 cables with 1.4 ones for free.

Is there much difference?

In one word: Yes. The extra depth perception, when combined with the sharper picture and other improvements that high definition has brought, gives a stunningly realistic picture, which takes ever and ever closer to the virtual reality of the movies!

How do I find out more about 3D TV?

We've launched a new site dedicated to 3D TVs, 3D film releases, Blu Ray 3D movie releases and 3D accessories, with the latest reviews, news and information on all these. So take a look at 3D TV Products for an unbiased resource on the future of TV - 3D!