The revolution is now being televised… but will it be 3D?
If I had a pound for every year I’d been told 3D was going to hit the mainstream, I’d have £3. And that’s not to be sniffed at in these troubled times.
Last week George Lucas was the latest big name to throw his weight behind the format, saying the difference between 2D and 3D is like moving from black and white to colour (you should bear in mind he has a 3D film coming out soon. And that 3D film is the Phantom Menace, which nobody in their right mind would want to sit through).
The Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last month was, once again, full of 3D screens, beaming images at us in the all important extra dinension. But it hasn’t been followed up with quite the same degree of excitement as previous years. The technology has improved but the changes have been incremental.
It isn’t quite the 3D revolution – more the 3D siege: we’ll get there eventually, but it’s going to be a long wait. That isn’t to say there aren’t some gems already out there for early adopters, though. Here is a look at some of the best.
LG 42LW550T | £749
3D isn’t cheap. That’s a whole extra dimension you’re asking for and you’re going to have to fork out for it. The LG 42LW550T, though, combines great picture quality from one of the leading 3D companies with an affordable price.
Philips 46PFL9705H | £1,960
Most of the best 3D TVs on the market are plasma screen – Philips bucks the trend with this impressive LCD set. It’s a handsome product packed with extras and has screen resolution to die for.
Panasonic Viera VT20 £1,900
Panasonic is at the forefront when it comes to 3D and the Viera is a solid choice that stays the right side of the psychological £2,000 barrier.
Samsung UE55D8000 | £2,299
This Samsung set is amongst the best looking on the market – ultra thin and unobtrusive, with incredible screen quality (the best colour and contrast you will find today). This is the TV to own.
Toshiba Qosmio X770 £1,200
Toshiba has been leading the way in 3D capable laptops and the Qosmio is a great showcase. If you’re looking for an all-round, versatile 3D platform, this is a good bet.
Alienware M17x R3 | £1,400
If gaming is your reason for wanting 3D, look no further than Dell’s collaboration with Alienware. The ultimate gamers’ PC is now available in three dimensions. It packs in all the power you would expect and combines it with pretty decent quality 3D. Not ideal for family viewing but then, that was never the point.