Consumer electronics manufacturers, movie studios, TV networks and cable providers see 3D as the next wave of home entertainment, and are all scrambling to fill what they think will be a big demand. Let’s take a look (pun intended).

The 3D effect depends on presenting a slightly different image to each eye. In normal walk-around life your eyes do this automatically, with each eye viewing your surroundings from a slightly different angle. Your brain processes these images into a single image that is the 3D world; 3D TV works by presenting your left and right eyes with separate images.

The way this left-and-right image separation is accomplished for 3D TV has resulted in several competing technologies that are not compatible with each other, and various manufacturers and organizations are working to settle on a common format.

To check out 3D TV, you’ll need a 3D TV set and a source of 3D TV programming. Local TV stores are able to provide these for your viewing. Two basic non-compatible formats are available now, and both require the viewer to wear special glasses.

In one format, "shutter glasses" automatically block the view from the left eye or right eye so that it’s in sync with the alternating left or right eye image displayed. This format requires wearing glasses that cost $100+ and use batteries that need periodic recharging. Without glasses you’ll see a blurry, distorted picture.

The other format requires viewing the 3D TV through glasses fitted with polarizing lenses. The polarization of the images allows the left eye to see the image for the left eye and the right eye to see that for the right eye. Both images are displayed simultaneously, but the polarization takes care of blocking out the non-corresponding image. Without the glasses, the image looks blurry and distorted, and tilting your head while viewing defeats the polarization blocking effect and results in a seeing blurry image.

There are other prototype and experimental techniques for 3D TV that do not require glasses, but it may be years before these are available. The 3D TV sets currently available are HD and will display the usual TV and standard DVD content. The LED type of 3D TV currently sold cannot use polarizing glasses and requires the shutter glasses. The format using polarizing lenses requires a rear-projection 3D TV such as the DLP (digital light pump) type of display. Samsung, Panasonic and Sony have 3D TV sets on the market, and other manufacturers are promising delivery later this year or next. Expect to pay a premium for 3D TV.

The current source for 3D TV programs is 3D Blu-ray movies. Currently only a few titles are available, but more are promised. Some current Blu-ray players can be upgraded to 3D, but mostly expect to buy a new player. Cable TV providers need to upgrade their systems, and you’ll need to upgrade your set top box to receive 3D TV when available. ESPN and Discovery Channel promise 3D programming, and additional networks plan to climb onboard.

Is 3D TV for you? Our approach is a "wait-and-see." If you think you’d like 3D TV, visit your local TV store, watch a demonstration, and then decide.