Can we watch 3D movies on television?

Do you need a 3D television to watch 3D movies and programmes?

• Do you need a 3D television to watch 3D movies and programmes? I keep hearing every year that 3D televisions are going to be the next big thing technology wise but each year no 3D ...show more

• Answer:

  Tony R has come closest to answering you but he's gone a bit to complicated. There will be "3D capable" televisons on sale probably this year and certainly next year. They will cost about 15% more than an ordinary HD set of the same size. These new tvs will have field scanning rates of at least 200Hz (it's 50Hz for an 'ordinary' tv). Slower scan rates would make you seasick. In practice the polarised light system will not give you great 3D results beacuse the tv screens and scanning systems cannot generate accurate polarised light. Also, if you moved your head or sat off-centre you would loose the 3D affect. Of course it is a cheap system so Sky will transmit some sports this year to see how the public like it. They will probably charge a lot of 'subscription' fee for the privavidge too. The shuttered specs system pioneered by Sony and Panasonic is technically the best but requires special dynamic glasses.