How to Find the Best 3D TVs
In order to watch current 3D films at home, you need a corresponding television. We show you how to find the best 3D TVs in this practical tip.
The technology: LCD, LED or plasma
The question of whether it should be an LCD, LED or plasma television is usually at the beginning of the search. It depends on where you want to set up the television and which factors you attach particular importance to. First some general data about LCD technology:
- LCD uses liquid crystals for image display, shines brightly and is more suitable for illuminated rooms.
- LCD TVs are also cheaper to buy, but use more electricity than LED TVs.
- Large screens can have disruptive clouding effects.
- Depending on the viewing angle, the picture will also get worse.
LEDs are used in LED technology.
- LED devices have very low power consumption. The purchase price of modern LED TVs has also dropped sharply.
- LED is also the latest technology and is also used in smart TVs.
- Due to the flat screens, LED TVs are quite light.
- Edge LED can also have clouding effects (please link, article is in the proofreading) on the sides.
Plasma televisions also have certain advantages. Below are the advantages and disadvantages of plasma technology:
- The colors look particularly natural on a plasma TV.
- Unlike LCD and LED screens, plasma televisions are only built from a size of around 42 inches. The purchase price for devices of this size is cheaper for plasma TVs than for LED or LCD devices.
- They use more electricity and are much more expensive to maintain.
- In addition, the monitors are very large and therefore difficult to transport.
Active and passive 3D technology
In addition to LCD, LED or plasma, there is also the question of whether it should be active or passive 3D technology. When 3D is active, the shutter glasses alternately close the left and right eyes. You only look at the television with one eye, so to speak. Passive 3D, on the other hand, relies on polarization: through the glasses, the right eye sees all the even lines on the television, the left eye sees every odd line. Here too, the different techniques have their advantages and disadvantages.
Active 3D TV
Advantages and disadvantages of active 3D:
- When 3D is active, every eye can see the full Full HD resolution of the TV: the image looks sharp even from close up.
- The glasses are heavier because they are battery operated. In addition, these glasses cost a lot to buy. So if you want to bring your family and friends into 3D enjoyment, you have to dig deep into your pocket.
- The image looks a little darker through the glasses. Especially plasma TVs with little luminosity get problems with the brightness.
- The 3D effect depends on the head position. If you tilt your head to the side, you may lose this effect.
Passive 3D TV
Advantages and disadvantages of passive 3D:
- Glasses are inexpensive and are easy on the nose.
- No matter how you look at the TV, the picture does not depend on how you hold your head.
- The eyes are less stressed than with active 3D technology.
- The resolution of the TV is halved. Instead of full HD, you only have a resolution of 1920 by 540 pixels. If you sit closer to the television, the picture will fray a little.
Sony, Philips, Samsung or LG? - These manufacturers offer the best 3D TVs
In terms of price, LCD and plasma televisions are close together. But which manufacturer shows you a good 3D image at a good price? Here is a selection of three 3D TVs:
- Giant plasma for real home cinema: With the Panasonic TX-P50VT50E and a 50-inch screen, you get large 3D in your four walls. Excellent and realistic pictures included, even from an unfavorable viewing angle. Only the electricity consumption is very high.
- Energy-saving LCD TV with LED backlighting and active 3D: The Sony KDL-43W805C not only impresses with its power consumption, but also with very good 2D and 3D images. At a price of around 660 euros, the 43-inch TV is a real bargain - but the right glasses are not included with the TV, so they incur additional costs.
- High-end LED TV with passive 3D: Best picture and leader of the CHIP leaderboard - the LG Electronics 42LW579S.
You can find the best 3D TVs in our CHIP leaderboard.