Podcast Summary: Home Theater Geeks 464: 3D TV is Not Dead
Podcast Information
- Title: All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio)
- Host/Author: TWiT
- Episode: Home Theater Geeks 464: 3D TV is Not Dead
- Release Date: January 9, 2025
- Description: Leo Laporte brings some of the most interesting personalities in technology together to talk about the most important issues. Fun, relaxed, informative, and always entertaining, count on TWiT for the best tech podcasts in the world.
Introduction
In episode 464 of Home Theater Geeks, host Scott Wilkinson addresses a listener’s inquiry about the status and future of 3D television technology. Titled “3D TV is Not Dead,” the episode delves into the resurgence possibilities of 3D TVs and explores viable alternatives for enthusiasts keen on maintaining their 3D entertainment experience.
Listener’s Question: The Fate of 3D TV
The episode kicks off with Scott introducing a question from a dedicated listener, Robba Sandilin from Helsinki, Finland. Robba is a movie collector and film buff who treasures classical 3D movies in his collection. He draws parallels between 3D technology and other significant advancements in cinema, such as early color films, sound innovations, and varied aspect ratios. Robba emphasizes his passion for 3D as being more than just a gimmick, expressing concern over the apparent discontinuation of 3D capabilities in new flat-panel TVs.
Notable Quote:
“3D is just as interesting and important as early color, early sound, and different aspect ratios. Definitely not just a gimmick.”
— Robba Sandilin, [00:28]
Robba outlines his predicament: his LG TV, though supportive of 3D, is aging, and he aspires to upgrade to a larger screen. However, the market seems devoid of new TVs with 3D features, with manufacturers omitting any mention of 3D technology from their websites. While some projectors still offer 3D support, Robba finds that projector setups are not feasible for his current circumstances.
Scott Wilkinson’s Response: Assessing the 3D TV Landscape
Scott acknowledges Robba's enthusiasm and the historical significance of 3D technology in television. However, he delivers the disappointing news that there are no imminent plans to reintroduce 3D capabilities in flat-panel TVs. Reflecting on the cyclical nature of technological trends, Scott notes that features often come and go, and while 3D TV could potentially make a comeback, there is no concrete indication or timeline for such an event.
Notable Quote:
“The bad news is that I know of no plan to bring 3D back to flat panel TVs... It has come and gone several times over the last 50 years, but I have no idea when that might happen.”
— Scott Wilkinson, [00:45]
Despite the bleak outlook for 3D on flat panels, Scott offers an encouraging alternative: Ultra Short Throw (UST) projectors, also known as laser TVs. These devices not only support 3D but also deliver significantly larger screen sizes, addressing both of Robba's primary concerns—maintaining 3D capabilities and upgrading to a bigger display.
Exploring Ultra Short Throw (UST) Projectors
Scott provides a comprehensive explanation of UST projectors, highlighting their advantages over traditional long-throw projectors. Unlike their conventional counterparts, UST projectors are designed to be placed close to the screen or wall, projecting images at a steep angle without the need for a vast room space. This makes them a practical replacement for flat-panel TVs, especially in environments where space is limited.
Notable Quote:
“They are designed to replace a TV, a flat panel TV, and they have much larger screens.”
— Scott Wilkinson, [03:15]
Scott emphasizes the importance of using a special ambient light rejecting (ALR) screen with UST projectors. Unlike simply projecting onto a white wall, ALR screens ensure that light is reflected directly towards the viewer, reducing the impact of surrounding ambient light. This feature allows for high-quality viewing even in well-lit rooms, a significant improvement over standard projectors that often require dim environments.
Notable Quote:
“Ambient light rejecting... means that other lights on in the room or windows in the room, they bring in a lot of extra light. That light hits the screen, it doesn't, most of it does not get reflected back to the viewer.”
— Scott Wilkinson, [04:05]
To illustrate the capabilities of UST projectors, Scott references a graphic (not included in the audio) that compares short throw and ultra short throw projectors in terms of their physical dimensions and the distance required from the wall to produce images of varying sizes. UST projectors boast a wide range, from 80 inches to an impressive 150 inches or more, far surpassing the size limitations of typical flat-panel TVs.
Notable Quote:
“These ultra short throw projectors can go from 80 inches all the way up to 150 inches, which is way more than any flat panel TV.”
— Scott Wilkinson, [04:45]
Recommendations: Top UST Projectors with 3D Capabilities
Transitioning from the general benefits of UST projectors, Scott delves into specific models that currently offer 3D support. Drawing on recent reviews by Phil Jones, lead reviewer at projectorreviews.com, Scott highlights several top-performing UST projectors that cater to 3D enthusiasts.
-
Hisense PX3 Pro
- Ranking: Ranked first in three out of four categories in Phil Jones' showdown of eight UST projectors.
- 3D Capability: Confirmed support for 3D.
- Price: MSRP of $3,500.
- Notable Feature: Delivers exceptionally large images, suitable for immersive viewing experiences.
Notable Quote:
“The Hisense PX3 Pro ranked one in three out of the four ways of measuring and second in one of them.”
— Scott Wilkinson, [05:10] -
Hisense PL2
- Ranking: Secured third place in three categories and second in one.
- 3D Capability: Supports 3D.
- Price: MSRP of $2,800, currently on sale for $2,500.
- Notable Feature: Offers a balance between performance and cost, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
Notable Quote:
“The Hisense PL2, generally third in the rankings, it supports 3D. Right now its MSRP is $2,800 bucks and as of this episode it's on sale on the Hisense website for $2,500 bucks.”
— Scott Wilkinson, [06:00] -
4Movie Theater Premium
- Ranking: Tied for second place overall and led in standard dynamic range.
- 3D Capability: Listed as “pending update,” indicating potential future support.
- Price: MSRP of $3,000.
- Notable Feature: Highly praised in reviews, though uncertainty remains regarding the definitive addition of 3D support.
Notable Quote:
“Its support for 3D... says to be coming in a firmware update, its MSRP is $3,000 and like I said before, I'm not sure I'd trust that 3D will definitely be added in a firmware update.”
— Scott Wilkinson, [05:50] -
Nexigo Aurora Pro
- Ranking: Included in the rankings with support for 3D.
- 3D Capability: Supports 3D.
- Price: MSRP of $2,700.
- Notable Feature: A competitive option offering 3D support at a relatively lower price point.
Notable Quote:
“The Nexigo Aurora Pro... it supports 3D and its MSRP is $2,700.”
— Scott Wilkinson, [06:10]
Scott advises prospective buyers to carefully consider the total cost, including the purchase of an appropriate ALR screen, which can cost up to $1,200 for a 100-inch diagonal projection screen. He emphasizes that while UST projectors are a significant investment, they fulfill both the desire for 3D capabilities and the need for larger display sizes.
Notable Quote:
“The total budget for one of these UST projectors plus a 100 inch screen is going to be around $3,700 to $4,700 and ain't cheap. But it gets you exactly what you're looking for.”
— Scott Wilkinson, [06:20]
Conclusion: The Viability of 3D in Modern Home Theaters
Scott wraps up the episode by reaffirming that while 3D support in new flat-panel TVs appears unlikely in the near future, UST projectors present a robust solution for enthusiasts like Robba who wish to continue enjoying 3D content on a larger scale. He encourages listeners to consider the higher upfront costs in exchange for enhanced viewing experiences and the preservation of their cherished 3D movie collections.
Notable Quote:
“You're not going to get 3D on a new flat panel TV... These items will do it, so I hope that helps.”
— Scott Wilkinson, [07:10]
Scott invites listeners to submit further questions to HTG TWiT TV and expresses gratitude for the community's support through Club TWiT, which offers access to all TWiT shows in video format. He concludes with his signature sign-off, encouraging listeners to "geek out" until the next episode.
Key Takeaways:
- 3D TV in Flat Panels: Currently, no plans exist to reintroduce 3D capabilities into new flat-panel TVs.
- UST Projectors as Alternatives: Ultra Short Throw projectors, especially models like the Hisense PX3 Pro and PL2, offer 3D support and significantly larger display sizes.
- Investment Consideration: While UST projectors and appropriate screens represent a substantial investment, they provide a viable pathway for enthusiasts to maintain and enhance their 3D viewing experiences.
- Future Prospects: The cyclical nature of technology suggests that 3D TV could potentially make a comeback, but no definitive timeline or plans are in place.
Listeners interested in preserving and upgrading their home theater setups with 3D capabilities are encouraged to explore UST projectors as a practical and effective solution.