Last year I was in the market for a new tv and since I like being the cool kid on the block who gets all the new things first, I went 3D. Unfortunately it has been difficult and expensive procuring things to watch. My cable provider Time Warner offers a few things in 3D as well as pay per view selections but they always cost more and a Blu-ray 3D DVD will usually cost $35 to $40. Another appealing aspect to home 3D for me was my love of gaming , at least I don’t have to pay more for 3D capable games. Which is not to say all games are great in 3D, I think to some games it was  just added as an afterthought.

I understand that some people literally get sick from watching 3D and others are reluctant to spend the extra money for 3D enabled sets since it’s yet to prove itself as the future of home viewing. There’s also the glasses that some people are reluctant to wear not to mention it’s an added cost since they are sold separately. But still I love 3D, the immersion in what you are watching is stunning when it’s done right. My 3D adoption didn’t end with the tv either. I bought Nintendo’s 3DS and this past holiday season I got the Playstation 24″ 3D gaming monitor. I guess I’m pretty hardcore when it comes to 3D!

I’ve recently discovered that HBO On-Demand offers a few 3D selections, sure they are mostly kids movies but at least this gives me hope that it’s gaining acceptance. When it comes to the gaming community kudos to Sony for embracing it full on. Many titles for the PS3 are offered in 3D including a few of their HD reboots of titles such as the God Of War Origins Collection and ICO/Shadow Of The Colossus as well as new blockbusters like Uncharted 3 and Resistance 3. Gaming in 3D is something that takes some getting used to especially when it comes to shooters. The added depth is at first hard to adjust for when aiming but once I played for a while it became easier. Super Stardust HD has probably been one of the best 3D game experiences I’ve had as it seems the game was built with 3D from the start. Uncharted 3 is pretty impressive in 3D as well but gaming  seems to strain the eyes slightly more than viewing movies does, I recommend taking breaks to give your eyes a rest.

As for the 3DS, it’s a cool little gadget that offers 3D without the glasses. The only drawback to glasses free 3D is that it doesn’t give you much room to move, if you are not looking directly straight on at the screen you lose the 3D. Not to mention the 3D of the 3DS isn’t jumping out at you quite like the tv experience. Which leads me to believe that glasses free 3D on a tv could possibly be even more restrictive than the glasses. As for the glasses themselves, well they aren’t that bad and have come a long way from the cardboard ones with the blue and red lenses.

My tv is a Toshiba 46″ LED smart tv that has so many features that even if 3D disappears tomorrow, it was still a great investment. I also think the Playstation monitor is worth it for those who want 3D but have limited space or gamers like myself  who depending upon what I’m playing prefer a smaller screen. I’ve recently seen the Playstation monitor on sale for $199.99, a steal considering you get an HDMI cable, one set of glasses and the game Motorstorm Apocalypse. Buyer beware, it is not a tv nor does it have a pc monitor input unless of course your computer has a HDMI output. In order to view television programming you must hook up a digital cable/satellite receiver, a Roku or anything that outputs signals from HDMI or component. Other than that it offers a great picture and rich 3D effects all in a sleek design.

If you are considering 3D for the home, I highly recommend it, just be sure to do your homework to make sure it’s right for you. As well as the tv you will need glasses (a pair for each viewer), and a 3D blu ray player. As I mentioned Time Warner offers some 3D programming so I’m sure your cable/satellite provider does as well. I use Netflix but  haven’t noticed them offering 3D blu rays for rent, so also be prepared to buy most of your content. But if you are considering 3D it truly is a one of a kind experience. Often it makes a movie, I had seen Avatar in the theater in 3D and loved the movie, when I watched it in 2D it really didn’t have the same impact.

I didn’t think it was possible for me to be any more geeky than I already am but as I sat in front of my monitor with 3D glasses and a Turtle Beach headset on while  playing Uncharted 3, I realized I was wrong! So Geeks what’s your take on the whole 3D revolution, unnecessary gimmick or is it here to stay?

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