Kevin's Watch

I demoed the 54" Panasonic plasma 3D today. It was a little disappointing. There was nothing wrong with the 3D presentation itself. It looked like a plasma version of what you can see at the theaters today. But the glasses dimmed the picture, and any stray light from the sides was very distracting. I kept putting my hands around my face to shield myself from other light sources, and that helped. Maybe if you were watching in a completely dark room, it would be better. But I don't see the point in paying the extra money. 2D material looked a lot better on it--smoother and clearer. This set has some of the most amazing black levels I've ever seen, and very crisp picture and vibrant colors.

The TV cost $3000, came with one pair of glasses, and each additional pair cost $150. The extra for 3D is just not worth it in my opinion.

Anyone else thinking about taking the plunge?

Nope. Haven't even given it serious consideration as I can't imagine having a superbowl party where it's "bring-your-own-glasses". Just doesn't seem like the technology is developed enough yet, and I'm typically an early adopter.

I won't purchase a 3D tv, as I honestly believe it's a fad.

Loremaster wrote:I won't purchase a 3D tv, as I honestly believe it's a fad.

Agreed.

A fad? Does that mean you all think they won't produce much content for it? That's a legitimate reason to be concerned. I wouldn't want to sink all that money and then have nothing to watch. However, with the growing number of 3D theaters and movies, it certainly doesn't look like a fad. A gimmick, yes, but not a fad. More like a growing trend.

The TV does produce a stunning 2D picture, as well as (in my opinion) decent 3D. So for the case of the football party mentioned above, you aren't limited to guests who have the glasses. You could just watch in 2D when you have guests, and save the 3D for yourself.

I personally think this is going to be as big as Blu-ray and HDTV. The movie industry wouldn't be spending all this money on 3D movies if people weren't interested. And that's even without the home theater market being tapped. I think that 3D gaming alone is going to cement this trend. People have already moved from 2D games to simulated "3D," so why not go for the real thing?

Anyway, I wanted to like this. I just thought it didn't look clear enough.

Zarathustra wrote:I think that 3D gaming alone is going to cement this trend. People have already moved from 2D games to simulated "3D," so why not go for the real thing?

I can agree with that, at least for those who invest in gaming computers.

As far as the $150 glasses for it go, I already have a pair of prescription safety goggles to wear during karate-do training so I can see when I train. If they develop the technology for prescription 3-D glasses, so those of us who do wear glasses and who won't consider contacts don't need to try putting a second set of frames over our regular glasses, I would probably consider investing in a pair to be able to watch such a thing.

But the price will have to come way down before I would even consider it.