Buying a 3D future proof HDTV

dalituba

It’s about time for me to send my old first-Gen HDTV to the farm and buy a new TV. I keep my TVs for quite awhile before replacing, so it’s important I choose well.

While I have a cursory knowledge of TV technology and can choose a good unit in general, 3D is one emerging technology I know next to nothing about. There was a lot of noise about 3D a month back during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), but some of it was conflicting or over my head.

I’d like for the TV I get to be able to use this technology as it becomes more mainstream, particularly as it relates to videogames. I know there are enormous units out there running a couple grand that tout every bell and whistle imaginable, including 3D, but I’m looking for a smaller system (40 inches) in the $1000 range (if possible).

What are the features I need to look for that will give me the best chance to be able to play 3D games? (I think I’ve heard something about refresh rate?). The one limitation I have is that I prefer LCD displays.

Thanks in advance for your assembled expertise

Mr_Grinch

I think you'll have to about double your budget for a 3d compatible set I'm afraid.

Have a delve in to the TV Thread sticky, there's a fair bit of info hiding in there.

dalituba

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. I had looked all over for a thread about this, but never glanced up to see the sticky titles.

Mr_Grinch

I'm actually quite looking forward to 3d. They've recently adopted a standard, which the current 120hz tvs don't REALLY adhere too, which is why it's not just enough to get a native 120hz tv, you'll want one that supports 3d fully.

I'm looking at the new-ish Sony range.

Scrublet

I just found this link, I think it's pretty neat if you're into buying this tech:

http://www.3dmovielist.com/3dhdtvs.html

I already know for a fact that those Panasonics are expensive as fuck. Probably ditto for the Sonys. I think the Vizios are supposed to be reasonably priced.