So anyway, I bought a 3DTV a few months back. I used to have an “EDTV”, this wasn’t even 720p, and it was over 5 years old. It’s still in use, but I needed a new TV anyway. I was looking for a plasma that was about 51″ and was 1080p. It just so happens that on Slickdeals there was a 51″ 2011 1080p 3DTV for $800. (PN51D6500) This was my budget, and it had all the features I wanted, I didn’t buy it because it was 3D. At this time I thought all the glasses were $100+ and the 3D BluRay player was going to run me $200 or something so I didn’t bother with trying to get 3D working at all.

So after a few months of using the 2D HD picture, which I was highly satisfied with I found out that glasses were actually $19 for the 2011 Samsung models. I also found that some 3D Bluray players on eBay that are slightly damaged but still work fine are around $60. So 3X $19 glasses = $57 + $60 bluray player = $117 to “upgrade” to 3D. I’m not including the plasma’s cost because I was going to buy that anyway no matter what. Suddenly this doesn’t look like such an expensive proposition.

Some movies have done a rather poor job implementing 3D and others look stunning. For example, Resident Evil Afterlife looks amazing in 3D and actually saves the film itself, making it entertaining enough that you are still enjoying the mind numbing action. In 2D I would’ve probably turned it off after awhile because there was basically no plot and just nonstop action. 3D saved this movie. It seems like it was just a tech demo for 3D rather than a “real” movie.

Thing is, film makers need to get an understanding of all the aspects of 3D and then implement them into “good” movies. That could definitely make it worth it. Some of the IMAX presentations like Under the Sea can be breathtaking, and then other 3D movies forget that they’re even 3D, the movie would be basically the same in 2D.

So the question is, is it worth it?

I would have to say it’s probably worth it IF you already have the TV, might as well spend a little and get the 3D stuff. If you’re upgrading your TV right now it’s probably worth it since the current good TV models are all 3D.

Basically, don’t don’t buy a TV just for 3D. Buy it for the HD display and 2D first and foremost, and if it has 3D, it might be worth picking up the extras to enjoy it. There’s not that much 3D content out there right now worthy of buying an entire setup, so just stick to your current TV.

Fad or Not?

Who knows. I didn’t spend much on it, ($117) so it doesn’t bother me if it sticks around or not. My TV displays the best 2D HD images I’ve ever seen.

It seems like a lot of companies are throwing a ton of money at 3D and really, if they get the hang of it I know movies can be beautiful in 3D, there’s a few gems out there that show the power of 3D. It’s a pretty solid tech, I mean colors aren’t lost and the picture can look great. The main issue right now is crosstalk which I’m sure can and will be resolved in the future for the most part. It’s pretty non-existent as it is. The glasses don’t annoy me but maybe it’s because I wear prescription glasses anyway and wearing 1 more pair really doesn’t bother me.

The only other problem I’ve noticed is slight dizziness from 3D. I used to never get dizzy while watching 3D, however I’ve just barely recovered from vestibular neuritis. So that’s probably the cause.