LED, LCD and plasma TV: 3D TV essential guide 3D TV glasses

There are a number of different techniques employed to produce 3D pictures. The basic principles are the same but the methods of displaying and watching differ.

There are two main 3D technologies, Passive 3D and Active 3D. Each has its own pros and cons. 

The big TV makers have adopted both technologies. LG has focussed more on passive 3D, while Panasonic, Samsung and Sony have more active 3D models.

3D TV Best Buys - already know which type of 3D TV you'd like? 

Passive 3D glasses

Passive 3D glasses - light and comfortable to wear

Passive 3D TV

Pros: Inexpensive, lightweight glasses. Passive 3D TVs usually come supplied with several pairs of glasses
Cons: Lower resolution images

Passive 3D TV will be familiar to anyone who has made a trip to see a 3D movie at the cinema of late.

The glasses work simply by allowing each eye to see differently polarised light. The brain combines the two views to form one image.

The main disadvantage is that the 3D image loses some of its original detail - this might be visible especially if you're sitting close to the screen.

Active shutter 3D glasses2

Active 3D glasses - more expensive than passive

Active 3D TV

Pros: Higher resolution images
Cons: Expensive, clunky glasses. Some active 3D TVs don't come with glasses so need to bought separately.

Active 3D TV glasses synchronise with the TV via an infra-red or Bluetooth signal and rapidly blink on and off, playing back images to the right eye and left eye at a rate of 50 frames per second.

Costing from £30, they are far more expensive than passive 3D glasses. 

They also require a power source. Most have a small battery that can be charged via the USB port on the TV.

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