3D Home Cinema & 3D Gaming Buying Guide

So the holiday season is approaching and many of us will be either saving that 13th cheque for next year's resolutions or will be spoiling ourselves with the latest electronic gadget or computer component. I have come across many people that are interested in a 3D-enabled home theatre setup for Christmas but many unanswered questions comes to mind before you decide to even open your wallet... What do I need in my living room (or bedroom) to watch 3D? What 3D products are available and how much does it all cost?

Now there are many websites that has a truckload of information on this particular subject but nobody wants to read an essay full of technical specs and jargon. So let's try to simplify the whole matter.

1. 3D Displays

1.2. A 3D-enabled Projector - We all know that a video projector enlarges media content on a solid surface like a wall or projector screen. But how does it display 3D? Well projectors have the ability to receive two simultaneous video input signals through one or more 3D signal formats, i.e. a 3D signal for each eye and your brain does the rest...very clever indeed.

1.3. A 3D-enabled LCD Monitor - Not as expensive as a 3D TV but has the same basic concept. Nvidia 3D vision* all so great for 3D-enabled video games such as Batman Arkham Asylum, The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings and Portal 2 or 3D supported blu-ray movies (Blu-Ray optical drive needed)

2. A 3D-enabled Blu-ray player

Two things that you should know about 3D Blu-ray players;

2.1. I would suggest buying from your most trusted manufacturers like for example Samsung, Sony, LG, etc and purchasing an out-of-the-box 3D enabled Blu-ray player if you don't already have a Blu-ray player.

2.2 If you already have a Blu-ray player, your in luck, all non-3d Blu-ray players are technically already 3D-enabled, but there's a catch. You will need to update the firmware and also get a HDMI 1.3 cable or 1.4a cable, but either of the two will work. Choose whatever option appeals to you.

3. A pair of 3D Glasses

Never leave home without one; as you will most defiantly need to wear these glasses to watch 3D content. Please don't be confused and assume that I'm taking about the red and blue glasses from the 60's and 70', because they will not work and you will just look silly. The glasses will be a more modern version which comprises of two types; Polarized glasses and Shutter glasses.

Please note: 3D glasses are NOT sunglasses, 3D glasses does not have UV protected lenses, so under no circumstances should you look into direct sunlight when wearing 3D glasses ok?

4. Lastly 3D games or 3D movies

All the hardware mentioned won't do you any good without something to watch in 3D right? Most companies have been on the ball releasing 3D movies and 3D supported video games at the same time as 3D TVs and 3D Blu-ray players are on the selves. By the time your setup is plugged in and 3D ready, so will a library of 3D movies be available for purchase.

I have came across a few products for a full 3D package. Please note this is only a example and simply meant as a guide. Feel free to comment on your own selection.

The third dimension was relatively science fiction a decade ago and nobody would have predicted how rapidly this technology has grown. 3D cinemas have become the norm and so too will 3D home theatres take over your living room. So I leave you with a question... Do you feel 3D is a gimmick that will grow old or will it be embraced as the standard of future media entertainment?

I was recently made aware that Playstation 3 console owners can play 3D PS3 games at no additional charge. A latest free firmware update made it possible for any PS3 system to support full stereoscopic 3D gaming without purchasing additional hardware or add-ons.

Sony was announced a price cut for all Playstation 3 consoles, so local retailers should sell a pS3 console at around the R2500 mark. This makes it more affordable to watch movies or play games in stereoscopic 3D.

A few requirements are needed of course. A 3D-ready HDTV with 720p resolution for higher, a 3D sync transmitter kit, Active shutter 3D glasses compatible with your 3D TV and a higher speed HDMI cable, preferably HDMI 1.4a cable, but a normal HDMI be able to handle a 3D signal.