First reviews of 3D TVs coming in

First 3D showdown pits Samsung vs Panasonic [EngadgetHD]

In anticipation of the coming stream of 3D sets hitting store shelves, Consumer Reports has staged its first head-to-head reviews of 3D televisions from Samsung and Panasonic. Consumer Reports tested the Samsung 46-inch 7000- and 8000-series LCD TVs and Panasonic’s 50-inch VT-20 series plasma, using each company's new Blu-ray players that have built-in capability to play 3D content to test the 3D picture of the televisions.

How did the 3D TVs perform in Consumer Reports tests? Here's what the Consumer Reports blog says about the results:

As we’ve reported, when displaying 3D all three sets delivered impressive three-dimensional effects in full 1080p resolution. All were were able to provide a reasonably bright picture, which is advantageous when using 3D shutter glasses, which can make images appear dim.

Right now, customers who purchase a 3D television have limited options for 3D content. Basically, there are just a handful of 3D Blu-ray titles that utilize the 3D capabilities of one of these TVs. However, there are at least two 3D cable channels currently in the works - ESPN and Discovery Networks are both developing channels with 3D programming. ESPN plans to debut their 3D content at the World Cup this summer, broadcasting some of the games in three dimensions. Discovery's channel is expected to come online in 2011.

Comments

[Chauncey Stapleton]

Michael,

Why did you spotlight the above comment from the Consumer Reports article? The revealing comment regarding the Samsung vs the Panasonic is a few sentences below your selection.

"So what’s our initial reaction to these sets? All the tested sets can produce compelling, realistic three-dimensional images that can duplicate the excitement you’d get in a movie theater. But based on our preliminary tests, we give the Panasonic the edge. In the 3D mode, its lack of crosstalk and great black levels really made three-dimensional images pop. It also didn’t have any issues with backlight cloudiness, and offered a very wide viewing angle. "

Come on Mike. I enjoy your blog but give me some real info.

[guru2121]

the bigger question, I think, is will 3D "channels" consume more bandwidth then HD channels?

[DM]

Guru,

Your question is a bit difficult to answer at this time because not a lot is known about the broadcast technology for 3D. However, there has been some information that has recently come out about 3D broadcasts that may help in understanding how the concept is performed.

Comcast will be producing a 3D broadcast of the Masters golf tournament in a few weeks. Comcast has stated that they will be using “side-by-side” technology for the 3D broadcasts. To better understand what “side-by-side” is, you may want to watch this YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BydcPLqFDjc. It basically halves the vertical resolution of an image, so a 1920x1080 image would then become two 960x1080 images for 3D viewing.

Comcast has also stated that this broadcast will be in 1080i, although it remains to be seen what the final resolution will be and at what frame rate the broadcast will be in. Please note that Comcast will be broadcasting in MPEG-2 and that they will be using all of the 36 MB/s that is available in a QAM channel.

Additionally, Cablevision broadcast a New York Rangers hockey game in 3D earlier this week on the MSG channel. This also used side-by-side technology, but I was unable to find any information about the specifications of the broadcast.

In regards to non-cable television providers that use MPEG-4, they might be able to offer 3D channels at higher resolutions and bitrates. There is also a “top-to-bottom” approach to HD broadcasting that reduces the horizontal resolution by half. If you search around on YouTube, you can find a lot of 3D videos that can be displayed in different manners.