As hardcore gadget fanatics know, Channel 4 3D week is just a prelude to a brighter, three dimensional future. Because 2010 will be the year, at last, when 3D tech takes over your front room. Which 3D gadgets you’ll be future-proofing your gaff with come the New Year? Read on, and we’ll show you.
Sony 3D TV
The Sony 3D telly was touted back in September. CEO Howard Stringer says it’ll be hitting living rooms the world over next year, and it certainly lady down the gauntlet to Sony’s myriad competitors. Using shutter technology to wirelessly control darkening and lightening of the lenses, the Sony 3D TV squirts a different image to your eyes by syncing up with special glasses. It promises to be a stunner, and when we tried it earlier this year it blew our socks (and specs) off. It’ll make Channel 4 3D week look average by comparison.
Sky 3D
Sky 3D was first mentioned by Murdoch’s men this year. The service, first trumped up back in April, can be broadcast through regular Sky+HD boxes, so all you need is (an admittedly pricey) 3D TV and you’re away. A Sky 3D channel has also been confirmed for 2010, one-upping Channel 4’s 3D week. Expect diving Premier League prima donnas, shark docs and Sky 1 ‘drama’ galore.
Channel 4 3D week: 3D gadgets you can buy today
YouTube 3DYouTube has confirmed it’s tinkering away on 3D clips. The unusual videos surfaced earlier this year, offering different viewing modes and even options for different coloured lenses. Those without lenses can even use the magic eye-style “cross your eyes and rock forwards and back” technique. Keep hold of your Channel 4 3D week specs, they’ll come in handy.
3D Blu-ray
Not just 3D Blu-ray discs, no. A whole new system, which Panasonic says will be rocking front rooms from 2010. Its 3D Blu-ray player, first spotted at CES 2009, processes twice the data of a regular Blu-ray spinner, sending HD pics to each eye for glorious full-resolution 3D viewing. When we gave it a whirl the results were nothing short of mind-blowing.
Acer Aspire 5738DG 3D laptop
This bad boy is already out Stateside, so strictly speaking it’s next year’s tech available now. The 15.6-inch screen requires you to slap on special specs to see video and games in 3D. If Acer’s doing this now, just wait until every PC maker hops on the three dimensional bandwagon next year. Your next PC is bound to be 3D.
