3D TV Reviews Blog

3D kit to hit stores on Friday 11 June

A stack of Sony 3D TVs, Blu-ray decks and home cinema systems, and accessories will be on sale in over 600 UK stores from tomorrow, June 11 2010.

The first Bravia TV available will be the KDL-HX803, with the HX903 and LX903 models coming soon. Additionally, shops will offer the BD-S470 and BD-S570 Blu-ray decks, with the former requiring a firmware update (available from June 12) to enable its 3D-readiness.

Two home cinema systems will also become 3D ready after firmware patches, the?BDV-E370 and E870.

These all follow the PlayStation 3, which became 3D-compatible as of today June 10. And the HX803 TV will be able to run the stereoscopic games released on the PlayStation Network.

As well as being 3D ready for native content, the LED-backlit LCD TV features 3D up conversion – technology that turns 2D video into 3D on the fly.

Of course, the biggest hurdle with 3D equipment will be whether or not there will be content to view. But, as well as the games, Sony will be bundling a 3D Blu-ray copy of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs with selected products and is keen to stress that new movies from Sony Pictures, such as Spider-Man 4, The Green Hornet and Resident Evil: Afterlife, will all be 3D ready after release. Plus 3D Blu-ray versions of Monster House and Open Season are imminent.

Additionally, Sony will be filming 25 matches at the World Cup this Summer, and will be screening 3D promotional trailers for the games in its own-brand retail stores.

Prices are yet to be announced, however, we expect the KDL-HX803 to be around ?1,400 for the 40in version (?1,600 for the 46in). The BD-S470 is about ?190 (so the BD-S570 will be approximately ?250). And the home cinema systems will be ?400-?500.

Sony’s 3D glasses will cost ?90 each and come with 100 hours battery life. And while two pairs will be bundled with the flagship LX903 TV range, they will need to be bought separately, along with a ?33 transmitter, for both the HX803 and HX903 TVs. They do come in child sizes, in pink and blue, though. You know, for the kids. Aaah.

Tags: Home Cinema Sony Bravia 3DTV 3D Sony KDL-HX803

             

Sony Bravia 3D TVs on brink of release – finally originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 13:09:41 +0100

3D kit to hit stores on Friday 11 June A stack of Sony 3D TVs, Blu-ray decks and home cinema systems, and accessories will be on sale in over 600 UK stores from tomorrow, June 11 2010. The first Bravia TV available will be the KDL-HX803, with the HX903 and LX903 models coming soon. Additionally, shops will offer the BD-S470 and BD-S570 Blu-ray decks, with the former requiring a firmware update (available from June 12) to enable its 3D-readiness. Two home cinema systems will also become 3D ready after firmware patches, the?BDV-E370 and E870. These all follow the PlayStation 3, which became 3D-compatible as of today June 10. And the HX803 TV will be able to run the stereoscopic games released on the PlayStation Network. As well as being 3D ready for native content, the LED-backlit LCD TV features 3D up conversion - technology that turns 2D video into 3D on the fly. Of course, the biggest hurdle with 3D equipment will be whether or not there will be content to view. But, as well as the games, Sony will be bundling a 3D Blu-ray copy of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs with selected products and is keen to stress that new movies from Sony Pictures, such as Spider-Man 4, The Green Hornet and Resident Evil: Afterlife, will all be 3D ready after release. Plus 3D Blu-ray versions of Monster House and Open Season are imminent. Additionally, Sony will be filming 25 matches at the World Cup this Summer, and will be screening 3D promotional trailers for the games in its own-brand retail stores. Prices are yet to be announced, however, we expect the KDL-HX803 to be around £1,400 for the 40in version (£1,600 for the 46in). The BD-S470 is about £190 (so the BD-S570 will be approximately £250). And the home cinema systems will be £400-£500. Sony's 3D glasses will cost £90 each and come with 100 hours battery life. And while two pairs will be bundled with the flagship LX903 TV range, they will need to be bought separately, along with a £33 transmitter, for both the HX803 and HX903 TVs. They do come in child sizes, in pink and blue, though. You know, for the kids. Aaah. Sony Bravia 3D TVs on brink of release - finally originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 13:09:41 +0100

Now yours to buy… For half-a-million dollars

There are some spectacular sights in this world; the palace gardens at the Taj Mahal; reunited families after a hostage ordeal; a full Moon when there’s not a cloud in the sky; Kylie Minogue. But none of them are quite so awe-inspiring, for a tech geek, at least, as being towered over by a wall of plasma telly, blasting you with waves of flickering colours and unavoidable radiated heat.

Let’s just say that Panasonic’s 152in 4K 3DTV, shown at CES in January 2010, is a very popular attraction wheeled out for public consumption.

However, it is unlikely that the public will ever own one – well, not the average Joe, anyway, and certainly not any Pocket-linter here. While Panasonic is now accepting orders for, what was once, a prototype, it also wants $500,000 in return. That’s half-a-million bucks. For a television.

Admittedly, the 4096 x 2160 resolution screen is incredible, from our viewing back in Jan, and its 3D-ness certainly benefits from your field of vision being well and truly filled. It could even heat a medium-sized room without the need of radiators. But, come on…?

Mind you, if you’re the sort of person who doesn’t mind dismantling supporting walls just to get the thing into your house – indeed, if you have a house big enough – then you’re probably the sort of person who could splurge $500k with nary a wink.

After all, that’s only roughly the price of a lower league footballer. Although, wouldn’t that be more interesting to hang on a wall?

Read

Tags: Home Cinema Plasma televisions Panasonic 3D 3DTV

Panasonic unleashes its 152in 3D plasma monster originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 09:51:55 +0100

Now yours to buy... For half-a-million dollars There are some spectacular sights in this world; the palace gardens at the Taj Mahal; reunited families after a hostage ordeal; a full Moon when there's not a cloud in the sky; Kylie Minogue. But none of them are quite so awe-inspiring, for a tech geek, at least, as being towered over by a wall of plasma telly, blasting you with waves of flickering colours and unavoidable radiated heat. Let's just say that Panasonic's 152in 4K 3DTV, shown at CES in January 2010, is a very popular attraction wheeled out for public consumption. However, it is unlikely that the public will ever own one - well, not the average Joe, anyway, and certainly not any Pocket-linter here. While Panasonic is now accepting orders for, what was once, a prototype, it also wants $500,000 in return. That's half-a-million bucks. For a television. Admittedly, the 4096 x 2160 resolution screen is incredible, from our viewing back in Jan, and its 3D-ness certainly benefits from your field of vision being well and truly filled. It could even heat a medium-sized room without the need of radiators. But, come on...? Mind you, if you're the sort of person who doesn't mind dismantling supporting walls just to get the thing into your house - indeed, if you have a house big enough - then you're probably the sort of person who could splurge $500k with nary a wink. After all, that's only roughly the price of a lower league footballer. Although, wouldn't that be more interesting to hang on a wall? Read Panasonic unleashes its 152in 3D plasma monster originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 09:51:55 +0100

The 3DTV bandwagon continues to gain momentum

It seems that an extra pixel colour wasn’t enough for Sharp, who has now added an extra dimension to its Quattron LV range. Sharp Quattron 3D has gone on show in Japan and it will be released over there in July.

The LV range consists of four different sized sets – 40-inch, 46-inch, 52-inch and a mahoosive 60-inch version. The TVs are only 39mm thick due to the LED back-lighting.

In order to watch 3D action on one of these Quattrons you’ll also need to splash out (about ?75) for some 3D glasses – the AN-3DG10s which will be available in various different colours.

In our review of the Sharp Aquos Quattron LC-46LE821E we stated that the extra money that you have to fork out for the pleasure of an extra yellow pixel was well worth it. Once we get our hands on a 3D Quattron LV we’ll let you know if the extra money it will cost for the extra dimension is worth it as well.

There’s no confirmed details as to when we’ll see this range hit British shores, but we’re badgering our Sharp contacts to find out for you. Check back later and we’ll hopefully have some details for you.

Read

Related links:

• Review – Sharp Aquos Quattron LC-46LE821E

Tags: Home Cinema TVs Televisions 3DTV Sharp 3D

Sharp goes 3D with its Quattron TVs originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 17:01:39 +0100

The 3DTV bandwagon continues to gain momentum It seems that an extra pixel colour wasn't enough for Sharp, who has now added an extra dimension to its Quattron LV range. Sharp Quattron 3D has gone on show in Japan and it will be released over there in July. The LV range consists of four different sized sets - 40-inch, 46-inch, 52-inch and a mahoosive 60-inch version. The TVs are only 39mm thick due to the LED back-lighting. In order to watch 3D action on one of these Quattrons you'll also need to splash out (about ?75) for some 3D glasses - the AN-3DG10s which will be available in various different colours. In our review of the Sharp Aquos Quattron LC-46LE821E we stated that the extra money that you have to fork out for the pleasure of an extra yellow pixel was well worth it. Once we get our hands on a 3D Quattron LV we'll let you know if the extra money it will cost for the extra dimension is worth it as well. There's no confirmed details as to when we'll see this range hit British shores, but we're badgering our Sharp contacts to find out for you. Check back later and we'll hopefully have some details for you. Read Related links:

• Review - Sharp Aquos Quattron LC-46LE821E

Sharp goes 3D with its Quattron TVs originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 17:01:39 +0100

Short-throw business projector hides 3D readiness in its bowels

It may be primarily aimed at the business user, but the Viewsonic PJD5352 DLP projector is capable of displaying 3D images from a variety of sources, as long as it’s paired with active 3D DLP Link glasses.

Natively 4:3, this isn’t really a home cinema product, nor does it come with a HDMI socket, but its 1024 x 768 XGA resolution (1280 x 1024 compressed) and 3000:1 dynamic contrast allows it to show HD video content fed through one of its D-sub (VGA) ports. And its 120Hz refresh rate makes it compatible with any 3D material, to boot.

It also sports an extremely short-throw lens, so a 60-inch image can be displayed from as little as 1 metre away. And, as it only weighs 4kg, it can be handily carried from work to home and back again.

The best news is that it is, for a hi-def projector, cheap as chips (DLP chips?), costing ?600. Obviously the 3D specs will set you back another ?50-?100, but it could be the least expensive way yet to join the 3D revolution.

Related links:

• For further information – find out more on Viewsonic’s projectors here

Tags: Home Cinema 3D 3D Ready Viewsonic Viewsonic PJD5352 Projectors DLP

       

Viewsonic £600 projector is 3D ready originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 06 May 2010 16:45:16 +0100

Short-throw business projector hides 3D readiness in its bowels It may be primarily aimed at the business user, but the Viewsonic PJD5352 DLP projector is capable of displaying 3D images from a variety of sources, as long as it's paired with active 3D DLP Link glasses. Natively 4:3, this isn't really a home cinema product, nor does it come with a HDMI socket, but its 1024 x 768 XGA resolution (1280 x 1024 compressed) and 3000:1 dynamic contrast allows it to show HD video content fed through one of its D-sub (VGA) ports. And its 120Hz refresh rate makes it compatible with any 3D material, to boot. It also sports an extremely short-throw lens, so a 60-inch image can be displayed from as little as 1 metre away. And, as it only weighs 4kg, it can be handily carried from work to home and back again. The best news is that it is, for a hi-def projector, cheap as chips (DLP chips?), costing £600. Obviously the 3D specs will set you back another £50-£100, but it could be the least expensive way yet to join the 3D revolution. Viewsonic £600 projector is 3D ready originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 06 May 2010 16:45:16 +0100

Report suggests that only one in eight will actually watch 3D telly

We’re in the midst of a 3DTV revolution. The problem is though, it seems that only one in eight 3DTV owners will actually watch 3D programming this year. A poor showing from the early adopters or simply the result of a lack of broadcasts?

A report by Informa Telecoms & Media indicates that by the end of 2010 there will be 845,000 households globally with a 3D television, but only 101,000 (less than 12%) will be watching 3D material.

The report also suggests that by the time 2016 arrives, there will be 70 million 3DTV households worldwide. But even then, less than a third will be watching 3D television on a regular basis.

Informa says that “this summer’s World Cup will provide an ideal platform for 3D programming” and that “FIFA and Sony have already announced that they will be showing 25 matches in 3D”. Trouble is there’s naff all chance of getting in on this 3D action in the UK as the BBC and ITV aren’t ready to go 3D yet. We’ll have to settle for Blu-ray highlights once the tournament is finished.

Maybe the 3DTV revolution isn’t concerned with TV shows. Maybe it’s all about 3D Blu-rays and 3D gaming.

Are you one of the early 3D adopters? What 3D plans have you got for the year ahead? Drop us a line below.

Read

Tags: Home Cinema 3D 3DTV Sony TV

Slow uptake for 3D TV programming originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 06 May 2010 13:00:01 +0100

Report suggests that only one in eight will actually watch 3D telly We're in the midst of a 3DTV revolution. The problem is though, it seems that only one in eight 3DTV owners will actually watch 3D programming this year. A poor showing from the early adopters or simply the result of a lack of broadcasts? A report by Informa Telecoms & Media indicates that by the end of 2010 there will be 845,000 households globally with a 3D television, but only 101,000 (less than 12%) will be watching 3D material. The report also suggests that by the time 2016 arrives, there will be 70 million 3DTV households worldwide. But even then, less than a third will be watching 3D television on a regular basis. Informa says that "this summer's World Cup will provide an ideal platform for 3D programming" and that "FIFA and Sony have already announced that they will be showing 25 matches in 3D". Trouble is there's naff all chance of getting in on this 3D action in the UK as the BBC and ITV aren't ready to go 3D yet. We'll have to settle for Blu-ray highlights once the tournament is finished. Maybe the 3DTV revolution isn't concerned with TV shows. Maybe it's all about 3D Blu-rays and 3D gaming. Are you one of the early 3D adopters? What 3D plans have you got for the year ahead? Drop us a line below. Read Slow uptake for 3D TV programming originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 06 May 2010 13:00:01 +0100

First two in the range feature HDMI v1.4a socketry

Denon has announced the first two AV receivers in its 2010 range, both of which comply with 3D standards.

Although existing AV receivers and amplifiers, with HDMI v1.3 connectivity, are compatible with 3D video signals, they can’t carry the 3D Blu-ray flags TVs require for automatic switching (the codes that tell the TV to engage 3D mode). It is possible to switch modes manually, using the TV’s remote, so owners of regular amps needn’t worry, but to be completely 3D ready, every HDMI socket in the chain needs to be v1.4.

The two new Denon AVRs are the first from the company to feature 3D passthrough and HDMI v1.4a sockets – four in/one out on both the AVR-1611 and AVR-1911. Indeed, they share many features, such as Audyssey Dynamic Volume, a real-time level adjustment tool that helps bring obtuse advertisements down a notch or two, Audyssey MultEQ and Auto Setup, making calibration a doddle, and a newly designed universal remote control with the self-explanatory Glo-key.

They also both support Dolby Pro Logic IIz, allowing for extra front-channels on a 7.1 speaker setup, rather than discrete rears.

The major differences are that the higher-spec’ed 1911 also has onboard 1080p video upscaling from all sources, direct play functionality for iPod and iPhone (via USB). It also features seven channels of amplification at 125W per channel, the 1611 has five channels at 110W pc.

Prices will be around ?350 for the AVR-1611, and ?450 for the AVR-1911, and both black-finished, UK-tuned receivers will be available from July.

Tags: Home Cinema Denon AVR-1611 AVR-1911 AV receivers HDMI 3D 3D Ready

       

New AV receivers from Denon are 3D ready originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 11:39:58 +0100

First two in the range feature HDMI v1.4a socketry Denon has announced the first two AV receivers in its 2010 range, both of which comply with 3D standards. Although existing AV receivers and amplifiers, with HDMI v1.3 connectivity, are compatible with 3D video signals, they can't carry the 3D Blu-ray flags TVs require for automatic switching (the codes that tell the TV to engage 3D mode). It is possible to switch modes manually, using the TV's remote, so owners of regular amps needn't worry, but to be completely 3D ready, every HDMI socket in the chain needs to be v1.4. The two new Denon AVRs are the first from the company to feature 3D passthrough and HDMI v1.4a sockets - four in/one out on both the AVR-1611 and AVR-1911. Indeed, they share many features, such as Audyssey Dynamic Volume, a real-time level adjustment tool that helps bring obtuse advertisements down a notch or two, Audyssey MultEQ and Auto Setup, making calibration a doddle, and a newly designed universal remote control with the self-explanatory Glo-key. They also both support Dolby Pro Logic IIz, allowing for extra front-channels on a 7.1 speaker setup, rather than discrete rears. The major differences are that the higher-spec'ed 1911 also has onboard 1080p video upscaling from all sources, direct play functionality for iPod and iPhone (via USB). It also features seven channels of amplification at 125W per channel, the 1611 has five channels at 110W pc. Prices will be around ?350 for the AVR-1611, and ?450 for the AVR-1911, and both black-finished, UK-tuned receivers will be available from July. New AV receivers from Denon are 3D ready originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 11:39:58 +0100

70in autostereoscopic display wows Japanese crowds

Japanese company Newsight unveiled a range of autostereoscopic screens at the recent Finetech Japan 2010 expo in Tokyo.

The displays, which include a 70in version, use the company’s parallax barrier technology to allow viewers to see 3D images without the need for passive or active glasses. According to DigiTimes, it subdivides the LCD image into repeating segments that, when viewed, resemble 3D moving images. The barrier is added to commercial-grade LCD displays in a precision assembly process, thus creating “naked-eye” 3D screens.

It is claimed that the 70in version is also the biggest display to feature autostereoscopic technology in the World.

However, there’s no word on whether you would be able to watch conventional 2D video as well, or that, like with other such “non-glasses” 3DTV technologies Pocket-lint has seen from companies such as Philips, whether you need to remain in a small sweetspot (right in front of the panel) to get the effect. Exciting times though.

Tags: Home Cinema 3DTV Autostereoscopic TV Japan

Newsight unveils World’s largest “naked-eye” 3DTV originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:36:45 +0100

70in autostereoscopic display wows Japanese crowds Japanese company Newsight unveiled a range of autostereoscopic screens at the recent Finetech Japan 2010 expo in Tokyo. The displays, which include a 70in version, use the company's parallax barrier technology to allow viewers to see 3D images without the need for passive or active glasses. According to DigiTimes, it subdivides the LCD image into repeating segments that, when viewed, resemble 3D moving images. The barrier is added to commercial-grade LCD displays in a precision assembly process, thus creating "naked-eye" 3D screens. It is claimed that the 70in version is also the biggest display to feature autostereoscopic technology in the World. However, there's no word on whether you would be able to watch conventional 2D video as well, or that, like with other such "non-glasses" 3DTV technologies Pocket-lint has seen from companies such as Philips, whether you need to remain in a small sweetspot (right in front of the panel) to get the effect. Exciting times though. Newsight unveils World's largest "naked-eye" 3DTV originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:36:45 +0100

AV giant continues its 3D roll-out

Having only previously been available in the US, the Panasonic VT20 3D plasma is to be sold in Japanese electronic outlets from this weekend.

However, unlike in the States and, shortly, UK, the manufacturer will be offering a 54-inch version of the 3DTV, as well as a 50-inch. Both of them come with a single pair of active shuttered-lens glasses as standard, which is expected to be the case when the TVs arrive in the UK too.

Pricing in Japan can often be radically different to UK, but the 54-iinch VT20 will cost 530,000 yen (approximately ?3700) while the 50 incher will be 430,000 yen (approximately ?3000). And, as Home Cinema Choice reveals, they will be available in all of the major and obvious stores, Yodobashi Camera, Yamada Denki and Bic Camera.

HCC has also revealed that the Japanese TV market is expected to go 3DTV crazy in June when Sky Perfect TV broadcasts selected World Cup matches live in 3D HD. Unfortunately, there are no plans to follow suit in the UK. Instead, it is likely that a 3D Blu-ray of highlights will be available after the event.

Read

Tags: Home Cinema Panasonic 3DTV 3D Japan

Panasonic 3DTVs go on sale in Japan originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 10:51:40 +0100

AV giant continues its 3D roll-out Having only previously been available in the US, the Panasonic VT20 3D plasma is to be sold in Japanese electronic outlets from this weekend. However, unlike in the States and, shortly, UK, the manufacturer will be offering a 54-inch version of the 3DTV, as well as a 50-inch. Both of them come with a single pair of active shuttered-lens glasses as standard, which is expected to be the case when the TVs arrive in the UK too. Pricing in Japan can often be radically different to UK, but the 54-iinch VT20 will cost 530,000 yen (approximately £3,700) while the 50 incher will be 430,000 yen (approximately £3,000). And, as Home Cinema Choice reveals, they will be available in all of the major and obvious stores, Yodobashi Camera, Yamada Denki and Bic Camera. HCC has also revealed that the Japanese TV market is expected to go 3DTV crazy in June when Sky Perfect TV broadcasts selected World Cup matches live in 3D HD. Unfortunately, there are no plans to follow suit in the UK. Instead, it is likely that a 3D Blu-ray of highlights will be available after the event. Read Panasonic 3DTVs go on sale in Japan originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 10:51:40 +0100