Because 3D TV is relatively new to the market, there are many buyers who are unfamiliar with 3D technology and want to know what 3D TV problems to look out for so that they can make an informed choice. So here is a quick guide to what are the common problems with 3D TV to help you in the decision making process.

Problems with 3D TV Glasses

The most common issues that consumers have with 3D TV relates to the 3D glasses that must be worn. There are two broad categories of 3D TV – active 3D TV and passive 3D TV. Many of the problems associated with the glasses are with the active 3D TV variety, (at the moment the majority of 3D TVs are active 3D). Currently, the only passive 3D TVs available are LG 3D LED TVs, which because they operate using passive 3D TV techniques don’t suffer from the issues associated with active 3D glasses.

Problems with active 3D TV glasses include –

• Uncomfortable heavy designs.
• Active shutter 3D glasses are expensive between $50 and $150.
• Active 3D TVs do not typically come with many pairs of 3D glasses. Typically only 2 pairs are included and additional pairs must be purchased.

If defence of  3D TV manufacturers, they have been quick to recognise the problems with 3D TV glasses and are starting to release cheaper, lighter, more comfortable designs.

When buying a 3D TV it is highly recommended that you try out as many pairs of 3D TV glasses as possible. Check them out at your local TV show-room, wear them for as long as possible to get a good idea of how comfortable they are going to be. Make sure you know how many pairs are included with the various models of 3D TV that you are considering buying and how much additional pairs will cost you on top of the price you will pay for the TV. Don’t forget to try out passive 3D TV glasses as well. Ask for a demo of an LG 3D LED TV, the 3D TV problems that they eliminate might be big enough of a factor to sway you towards buying a passive 3D TV rather than active 3D.

3D TV Problems With Picture Quality

Brightness
Because the 3D process requires the use of 3D glasses to separate and filter out the left and right sided images, an unwanted problem of 3D TV is introduced where by the brightness of the picture is reduced. This unwanted effect is more apparent with active shutter 3D glasses than with polarized 3D glasses. This is because at anyone time either the left or right shutter is closed. Because 3D LED TVs have improved contrast ratios, the increase in brightness counteracts this problem to some extent, however there is still typically a noticeable reduction in brightness when viewing in 3D. The problem is also more apparent in bright viewing conditions than in dark. So when considering your purchase take this particular 3D TV problem into consideration and if possible test the TV both with and without 3D glasses in 3D and 2D mode to see if it is a big problem with a particular model.

3D Ghosting
This particular 3D TV problem manifests it self when the response time of the 3D TVs display is not fast enough to handle fast moving images. Because the 3D process involves separating the left and right sided images the available frame rate is split between left and right. This has been dealt with by increasing the refresh rates. But if the TVs response time is insufficient the frames cannot be refreshed effectively and so the left and right images overlap. This causes a ghosting effect where the left and right sided images are seen for a fraction of a second by the ‘wrong’ eye. Again this is a 3D TV problem that can be identified in the TV store, ask to view some high paced action in 3D and see if you can detect 3D ghosting. The problem is more likely with LCD and LED TV 3D TVs rather than plasmas which typically have faster response times.

Viewing Distance and Angle
3D TVs work best when seated directly in front of the TV with your eyes at the same height as the center of the display. When you deviate from the ideal viewing position the 3D effects can be reduced and other problems with 3D TV pictures can be introduced.

With active 3D TVs, if you view from a wider angle the picture will deteriorate and the 3D effects will become less effective. With passive 3D TV if you vary the vertical angle which you view from, an effect called ‘banding’ can occur (this is when the viewer sees horizontal lines displayed). This is something you should take in to consideration and plan where your viewers will be seated. If you have a big family and potentially large audience, then you can’t all be seated directly in front of the TV at the same time. If you are going to wall mount the 3D TV, then your viewing position may mean you looking up at the TV at an angle etc.

Take this into consideration when testing any TV in a TV showroom. Try viewing 3D images from different angles and distances to identify any potential 3D TV problems.

Viewing 3D TV is hard work
Finally, owners of 3D TVs have reported that viewing 3D can be nauseous and cause headaches or eyestrain. Opinions on this subject vary greatly. Age, eyesight, concentration levels and viewing times all play a part in this, so it varies from one person to the next. However viewing 3D TV is definitely harder work that viewing regular 2D TV. Passive 3D TVs are commonly regarded as being easier to watch than active 3D TVs because the reported 3D TV eye problems are a result of active 3D glasses which passive 3D TVs do not use.

Without doubt the best thing that you can do is sample as many 3D TV models as you can with your own eyes. Chances are that you probably already know someone with a 3D TV. If you haven’t already done so, ask them if you can watch a 3D movie with them sometime and test if you have any problems with 3D TV for yourself.