If you have a 3D TV and you’ve been waiting for Samsung’s fabled 3D streaming service to reach your area, the wait may be coming to an end very soon.  The electronics giant has announced that their home country of Korea will now have access to 3D VOD, the 3D content service formed from a partnership with DreamWorks animation. 

Details are hazy regarding exactly what content will be provided to viewers, but it appears that they will be showing off movie trailers, music vids, and child programming to kick things off.  To sweeten the pot, loads of on-demand media will contain full feature films in due time.  The UK and US markets will have to wait a little longer, but this is likely to give them a chance to work all the kinks out.

To access the streaming 3D channel, check out the 3D app on the Smart TV platform from Samsung.  This is likely just the beginning as we already have been 2D on-demand services go through the roof.  Adding the 3D streaming content just makes sense, and of course, Samsung would be the ones to bring it to us.

Image credit: 3dfocus.co.uk

Home entertainment setups have all stopped to notice the new alpha unit in the industry.  As they sit there, wondering when their time will come and their owners will toss them out into the street and replace them with arguably the most impressive 3D television we’ve seen:  Bang &Olufson’sBeoVision 4-85.

It is the prospect of watching 3D content on an 85-inch screen?  Possibly.  But if that doesn’t get you fired up, maybe you should take note of the motorized stand that will help you optimize your viewing angle.  By utilizing an anti-reflective screen, there’s little doubt that this unit will require you to layer your living room floor with plastic to protect your carpet from visitor drool…ok, not a very enticing prospect but I’d deal with just about anything to have this puppy at my disposal.

We have no idea what the price tag will look like, but rest assured it’ll require more than a bit of junior’s college fund.  Hey, he’ll understand right?  I mean, something like this could change everything.  Picture what your entertainment setup would look like if you had an 85-inch 3D screen that you could set up shop in front of…yeah, I can too, and man…it looks pretty darn good.  Now if I can somehow find a way to fit a couch in my living room…

Image credit: thecoolgadgets.com

Panasonic has opened its arms for all those who want to use its VIERA Connect to come up with new applications for HD and 3D television. If you are an aspiring app developer, don’t miss out on your chance to test your tech skills. Panasonic is calling on third-party developers and media companies to create and innovate new applications for the television. This new portal lets potential developers use Panasonic’s advanced HD multimedia capabilities. Any apps created will be launched using the VIERA Connect and give viewers a whole bunch of apps that run on Panasonic’s Application Execution Engine.

The exciting part of this project is the opportunity for the average programmer to showcase their talent on a huge stage. Once on the portal, users get access to VIERA Connect’s features such as technical information, application program interface, and other assistance directly from Panasonic. Along with 3D apps, developers will be given the chance to create cloud based IPTV services.

Available in over 100 countries, VIERA Connect allows users to access video-on-demand services, games, music, sports, and even health and fitness.  The move to open up this portal is quite a clever move on Panasonic’s part. Not only will they be able to fill their system with thousands of new apps but will at the same time let the VIERA Connect spread out into more households and countries. Great move for Panasonic and for aspiring developers.

Image credit: ethomecinema.co.uk

For the fourth month in a row, the United States 3D television market has seen an increase in its prices. Leading the way is the active shutter sector, which is the better selling and more popular type of 3D TV out there right now. Even with the bulky (and often expensive) set of glasses required to view the active shutter monitors, it has seen the biggest increases in price last month and consequentially sent the price for all flat-panel TV’s higher in June.

One of my biggest fears of 3D television was having to wear the glasses but the active shutter technology offers such a clear and sharp 3D experience that it is well worth it! The alternative to active shutter is passive TV’s that require much less weighty glasses but 3D resolution is compromised in the process.

Interestingly, much of the same technology found in the expensive 2D TV’s is also inside the active shutter TV’s. The glasses required to view an active shutter set bump up the price substantially along with the IR sensor, both of which are sold separately.

Passive TV’s have conversely seen a decrease in price probably due to aggressive pricing by LG.  A bit ironic in the sense that passive sets are costlier to make because the screen requires intense treatment in order to be compatible with the glasses.

It will be interesting how the pricing wars for both sides pans out. The active shutter market is supplying the demand while the passive market is aggressively getting their technology out there (perhaps passive aggressively?). Whichever set you decide to purchase, make sure you know the differences between the two, and the benefits and drawbacks to either one.  Remember, this isn’t your Dad’s 3D technology.  Things have changed.  We think it’s time you jumped in the game.

Image credit: squidoo.com

When you picked up a 3D TV, were you blown away by the content that was being tossed around?  Of course you weren’t, but that’s only because everyone was still in love with Blu-ray and HD.  However, we’re finally getting that much needed push in terms of 3D content and Sony’s 3D Experience is probably the video streaming service you’ve been waiting for.  Any Sony unit with the Bravia Internet Video Service will have access to 3D movies, sporting events, and highlights.

The service went live on July 13th, and once you’re at home and set up, you’re ready to rock.  The service doesn’t even wait for your registration…it’s there, waiting for you to turn it on.  For the moment, only six countries will have access, but that number should grow steadily over time.  The UK, US, France, Germany, and Canada are among the lucky nations.

If you read this and immediately rush to your living room to check it out, you’ll find 3D Wimbledon highlights, some movie trailers, and other tidbits.  The expansion will come quickly, as the connectivity is finally at a point that the expansion of such services is worthwhile.  Sony offering up this free service shows their re-commitment to the 3D sets.  Well played, Sony, and we appreciate the effort.  Now, let’s load some 3D flicks on this bad-boy and get to work!

Image credit: cnet.com.au

There’s nothing like a TV line actually giving you options, and Loewe’s new “Individual 3D” line gives owners just that.  Using the Active 3D technology, the design allows you to change the inset color, helping your personalize your unit’s appearance to match the room, the furniture, or even your mood.  To take things a step further, the high-end 3D TV line offers you various mounting and integration options regardless of your living space requirements.  If you want to use a screen life, one of the company’s mounting racks, or hang it, the design facilitates that.

There’s word that the “Individual 3D” line can convert 2D to 3D content, giving the user plenty of content regardless of any market limitation in terms of release.  A built-in 500 GB DVR allows you to store plenty of content and the LED display is poised to be absolutely beautiful.  When you toss in the Loewe Sound Projector 7.1, it seems that this is perfect for a home theatre set up.

With screen sizes ranging from 32 to 55 inches, we fully expect this line to become very popular amongst those that are looking for the ultimate 3D TV.  We don’t have much information in terms of pricing, but the European market will know soon enough.  Alternate markets may have to wait on this one, but we’ll keep you posted as we get more information.

Image credit: flatpanelshd.com

Every once in a while a unit hits the market with “buy me” written all over it.  For your taste, it may be something different, but for me, it’s the Samsung UE40D7000.  Why do I love thee?  Well, it’s simple:  the design is so sleek it looks like a floating 3D HD TV screen in your living room.  I’m pro- floating cars, hence I’m pro- floating 3D TV screens.

The 3D delivery is strong, and the 2D picture is absolutely breathtaking.  Further, we love that Samsung was sure to include the Bluetooth active 3D technology.  I don’t mind the passive 3D, but there’s no denying that active 3D delivers a better visual.  You’ll get a set of specs with your unit…but only one.  That was the only bummer.

The conversion from 2D to 3D content was stellar, and while I can tend to be a tough critic, I was ready to quit my job and take the unit as severance.  Lucky for me, my boss took a half day, leaving me with time to reconsider.  In regards to conversion, I have yet to see a unit deliver 2D/3D conversion like this one.  The D7000 has plenty of connectivity too, which being a tech guy, I absolutely loved.  Streaming content from my laptop was a breeze, and the navigation onboard was easy to use.

Samsung’s online suite remains one of the better you’ll find on the market, so if you get a chance to demo one of these, be sure to take a look around.  That was the final straw for me.  All in all, this is a quality unit with a sleek design.  The visuals were incredible regardless of whether it was 2D or 3D content.  Conversions were great, connectivity is great.  I’m great.  Hopefully you’re great.

I’m feeling the love, so I’m going to wrap this thing up before I start calling kids I picked on in elementary school...

Image credit: globaldigi.tv

3D HD TVs are still relatively young, but that’s not deterring companies from diving into the deep end of the pool.  The new swimmer?  Yep, it’s Westinghouse.  They’re bringing a 47-inch, passive 1080p 3D TV to the party, and while many may wonder about their election for passive technology, it makes sense when you’re just getting involved.  The W47S2TCD comes with 4 pairs of 3D glasses, increasing the value that many are seeking. 

This isn’t the only model that Westinghouse is offering up, either.  They have a 46-inch WC-4625T that will offer content from Netflix and Vudu.  Three other models are rolling out, but let’s discuss that 47-incher a bit more.  Westinghouse is using something called DayBright, which enhances the backlighting of the unit.  All in all, this isn’t a bad starter for Westinghouse or a consumer new to the 3D element.

The W47S2TCD will be hitting shelves in discount retail stores, so expect this to become a reasonable seller.  Costco, Best Buy, and Target will all be carrying the unit.  The suggested price tag comes in at $1199, so while we aren’t talking about rock-bottom pricing here, it’s a reasonable cost for the size and performance of the unit.

Image credit: engadget.com

Samsung doesn’t idly release products these days, and the PS51D6900 is one of the best values you can find currently on the 3D TV market.  The 51-inch active shutter 3D unit looks great even when turned off, so when considering the aesthetic design, there’s nothing but good things in that department.  You won’t be quite as impressed as you were with the D7000 or 8000 from Samsung in terms of appearance, but all in all, nothing about this design will leave you wishing you had gone a different direction.

The Smart TV platform that Samsung utilizes is of course part of the package, and with the recent news that they’re now offering up 3D content (with full-feature expansion in the works), you won’t be purchasing a television like this in vain.  Right out of the box you’ll be able to scope out 3D content, so the streaming platform offers a nice added bonus.

Priced just under $2200, there’s no doubt that this is the perfect solution to anyone looking to dive into the 3D arena without spending a fortune.  Further, this unit only fuels the fire in terms of prices dropping across the industry, and with news that glasses-free 3D sets are already hitting shelves overseas, this could be the price break we’ve all been waiting for.  Bottom line:  The PS51D6900 is a great unit at a great price.  Well done, Samsung!

Image credit: priceinspector.co.uk

So, have you been following any of the drama regarding active and passive 3D technology?  We’ve heard both sides trade jabs, call each other names, and even schedule steel cage matches to the death…however, all of that may be a think of the past if Dimenco has anything to say about it.  The company is comprised of former Phillips engineers, so expect some great things from the organization.  If this is a sign of things to come, we may have a new kid on the block in terms of “big dogs” in the 3D TV industry.

There are questions regarding the effectiveness of such technology, however.  Sure, we’ve seen the 3DS work well with the dual-screen design, but the use of a single, large screen without 3D glasses?  This we gotta see…but, if you want to be the first to get one of these, it’s going to cost you.  The BDL5231-3D2R will cost you around $20,000 USD, so it’s likely going to be a novelty until more affordable units hit the market.

This isn’t the first glasses-free 3D TV we’ve heard about, as Toshiba already has a unit on Japanese shelves.  Samsung claims to have one in the works, but maintains that the technology simply isn’t there yet and doesn’t want to release an inferior product.  But, with so many complaining about the glasses involved in 3D, this trend could change everything.

Image credit: newtechlover.com