3D TV is ‘realistic,’ ‘compelling’

Michelle Clancy | 03-11-2010

US Consumer watchdog publication Consumer Reports has issued its take on 3D TVs, rating 14 television models. Even though it found plasma screens to be superior to LCD versions, its assessment for the category as a whole is…well, up in the air.



The official proclamation is positive: "We can tell you 3D TV is the real deal: realistic, compelling and exciting," wrote Paul Reynolds, electronics editor for the magazine. However, he added a caveat: "It remains to be seen whether 3D TV is just a novelty, or a new product category in the consumer electronics space.”

Generally speaking, plasma screens fared better in the ratings than LCD, because they offered less ghosting, which is the industry lingo for double vision that occurs even with 3D glasses in place. The Panasonic plasma version offered the best experience in that regard, with LG and Samsung plasma screens following. Sony's LCD 3D TV fared best in the LCD category but still offered severe ghosting, if the viewer’s head is tilted even an iota.

Consumer Reports tested the sets for black levels, brightness, ghosting and viewing angles, with ghosting carrying much weight because of its immediate impact on viewing experience.

While the lack of interoperable glasses, expensive TV sets and a dearth of content still hobbles 3D uptake, research firm DisplaySearch forecasts 3.2 million 3D TVs to be shipped this year, representing a mere 2% of flat-panel sales. That will grow to 90 million shipped in 2014, accounting for 41% of flat-screens.