For technology aficionados, it is quite tempting to go out and buy the latest and greatest gadgets and devices, and always be the first to have them among friends and family. The decision to embrace new technology is easier when the price-point is lower, but when the user is faced with a significant investment, it is wise to do some homework and ask if they are ready to be among the early adopters. 3D televisions fall into the later category.
How Much Does Owning a 3D TV Cost?
While prices have dropped significantly since the introduction of 3D televisions, they are still in the higher end of the price scale. A very modest model can cost you $700 and it may not be sufficient to meet the needs specific to your home theatre design. A mid-range model will cost you between $1,000 and $2,000, but before you swipe the credit card consider the additional expenses associated with the 3D experience.
Blu-ray Player: A good number of 3D Blu-ray players come with a 2D-to-3D conversion and a 1080p upconversion. This is excellent for almost all movies made before 2000. Your 3D experience will require a Blu-ray integration. If you are going for a 3D TV, just go ahead and include the Blu-ray player. You will happy you’ve got it. Good quality Blu-ray players start at $300.
3D Glasses: There are very few 3D televisions that work correctly without 3D glasses. Expect to pay about $100 per pair of glasses, and make sure you have enough for every member of your family and a few friends. On the topic of 3D glasses, make a note to always keep a supply of sanitizer on hand if you plan for the gear to be a shared resource.
Blue-ray 3D Movies: You will need 3D optimized movies. Buying a 3D TV does not mean that every show you watch will be available in 3D. The technology has not reached that point yet. Most of the movies you already have will not likely be compatible with the 3D experience. Since having a 3D TV is no fun if you can’t watch programs or movies in 3D, count on spending quite a bit of money on this.
HDMI Cables: If you are having a 3D experience installed, your professional installer will recommend HDMI cables capable of transmitting 1080p resolution. Don’t try to economize on these, good cables make a big difference.
At the end of the day, upgrading to a 3D experience is a very personal decision. Many movie buffs are opting to have a 3D television as a supplemental experience to their professionally installed home theatre. This allows the user to have the latest and greatest without compromising their current entertainment delivery.
