5 Ways To Get 3D Content For Your New 3DTV

Enjoying Your New 3DTV: A Guide to Content Sources

Congratulations on receiving a new 3DTV! Your investment demonstrates an understanding that three-dimensional viewing is a lasting trend in home entertainment.

This article will equip you with the knowledge necessary to locate and enjoy a wide range of 3D content, allowing you to fully showcase your new technology to friends and family.

Where to Find 3D Content

Now that you have a 3DTV, the question arises: where can you actually find content designed for it? The options are more plentiful than many realize.

Several avenues exist for accessing 3D movies and other immersive experiences. Let's explore the most common sources.

3D Blu-ray Discs: A significant portion of 3D content is still available on physical media.
Streaming Services: Many popular platforms now offer a selection of 3D movies and shows.
YouTube: A surprising number of creators are producing 3D videos for free viewing.
3D Channels: Dedicated 3D television channels are available through some cable and satellite providers.

The availability of 3D content varies by region and service provider, so it’s worth investigating what’s accessible in your area.

With a little exploration, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the full potential of your new 3DTV.

PlayStation 3: A Leading Platform for 3D Gaming

While Microsoft’s Xbox has prioritized features like Kinect and media center functionality, Sony has been a key driver in advancing 3D gaming experiences on its PlayStation 3 console.

A comprehensive catalog of 3D-compatible games can be located on Wikipedia; however, several notable titles are available both on Blu-ray disc and via PlayStation Network download.

Featured 3D Games

Uncharted 3
Wipeout HD
Resistance 3
Motorstorm (including 3D Rift and Apocalypse)
Call of Duty: Black Ops – notably, not Modern Warfare 3

These represent just a selection of the high-profile, AAA games currently available. Despite the PlayStation Move sensor not achieving the same level of success as Xbox’s Kinect, Sony is demonstrably leading in the realm of 3D gaming.

The visual impact of titles like Motorstorm in 3D is particularly noteworthy and likely to impress.

(Image courtesy of Kotaku)

Furthermore, a limited selection of 3D movies can be purchased and downloaded through the PSN Video Store, enhancing the console’s multimedia capabilities.

The PlayStation 3 also functions as a 3D photo viewer. It can display images captured by 3D cameras or devices like the Nintendo 3DS, eliminating the need for a direct mini-HDMI connection to the television.

Blu-Ray Movies

Playback of 3D movies on Blu-Ray is now achievable with either a dedicated Blu-Ray player or a gaming console like the Playstation 3.

A comprehensive listing of available 3D Blu-Ray titles can be found at http://www.blu-ray.com/3d/. Generally, films featuring substantial visual effects or computer animation are frequently released in 3D formats.

Important Considerations

It’s crucial to note that the 3D Blu-Ray versions are typically sold as separate purchases.

While they often represent a slight price increase, the added immersive experience of an extra dimension can be well worth the small additional cost.

Expect to find that titles rich in FX or those entirely computer-generated are more likely to have a 3D release available.

Always verify the version you are purchasing to ensure it includes the 3D capability.

Broadcast TV

Currently, within the United Kingdom, Sky 3D represents the sole dedicated television channel broadcasting in 3D. However, access is restricted exclusively to subscribers of the Sky service, a situation many find disappointing.

Individuals utilizing Virgin Media are limited to an on-demand selection of 3D films, often at a cost of £6 for a single-day rental. This pricing structure is frequently cited as a contributing factor to the prevalence of PIRATE MOVIES. Virgin Media’s approach is widely criticized.

In contrast, the United States appears to offer a significantly broader range of options, with the majority of cable networks incorporating 3D broadcasting in some capacity.

DIRECTV provides a 24-hour 3D channel known as 3net, alongside m3D and ESPN 3-D. Furthermore, Comcast launched Xfinity 3D in the previous year, and also carries ESPN in 3D.

A Disparity in Access

British viewers are demonstrably receiving a less favorable offering compared to their counterparts in the US. The limited availability and high costs associated with 3D content in the UK are a source of frustration.

The difference in accessibility highlights a clear gap in the provision of 3D television services between the two countries.

PC Gaming Rig and Tridef/iz3D Drivers

The possibility of utilizing a PC for 3D gaming was briefly discussed previously when answering the common inquiry, "is my computer capable of 3D?". Given you are exploring options for obtaining 3D content for your 3DTV, it’s reasonable to assume you already possess one. Fortunately, the vast majority of contemporary computers feature a graphics card that can support gaming in a 3D format compatible with your television.

What’s required are specialized video drivers from either TriDef or iz3D, a Windows operating system, and, naturally, games to enjoy.

Game Compatibility and Visual Quality

The quality of the 3D experience will vary depending on the specific game. Certain titles are better optimized for 3D presentation than others. Some games may exhibit noticeable visual distortions or improperly positioned elements within the 3D environment.

However, a satisfying experience can generally be achieved. First-person shooter games typically translate well to 3D. Role-playing games, such as Fallout 3, also provide compelling 3D gameplay (focus your gaze on the image below, allowing your eyes to converge for a 3D effect), as do racing simulations.

First-Person Shooters: Generally offer the most immersive 3D experience.
Role-Playing Games: Titles like Fallout 3 can be surprisingly effective in 3D.
Racing Games: Provide an enhanced sense of speed and depth.

It’s important to experiment with different games to discover those that best suit your preferences and hardware.

The drivers from both iz3D and Tridef work by rendering the game twice, once from a slightly different perspective, and then combining these images to create the illusion of depth.

Torrents

While this discussion does not aim to promote or justify the acquisition of copyrighted materials, nor initiate an ethical discussion – it's possible to locate 3D-BluRay films in a similar manner to other movies. These are typically identified using the tags [3D-SBS] or [half-SBS], where SBS denotes side-by-side format.

Keep in mind that for 3D HD 1080p content, the expected file size is generally between 5 to 15 gb per movie download.

It must be explicitly stated that downloading copyrighted content is entirely unlawful; therefore, individuals should exercise their own judgment regarding adherence to copyright regulations. Furthermore, links to torrent websites will not be provided, and requests for such links will not be addressed in the comments.

The availability of 3D content is often overstated. A personal recommendation is to consider a PlayStation, as it provides access to gaming and functions effectively as a BluRay player.

If a PlayStation is beyond your financial reach, connecting a computer and revisiting preferred games in 3D is a viable alternative.

Do you have additional suggestions for sourcing 3D content? Feel free to share your discoveries in the comments section!