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IT WAS ABOUT 10 minutes into the James Cameron blockbuster Avatar that I recanted my opinion that 3D was a cheap gimmick and roughly 30 minutes after installing the LG LX9500 television that I made a similar about-turn in my opinion about having 3D in my sitting room. This isn’t mere novelty – it’s spectacular. And while 3D has its niggles, I’m convinced few people will regret having it once it becomes standard on all TVs.
The LX9500 is one of the new TVs from the Korean manufacturer that makes 3D possible for consumers in their homes. The 47” LED LCD display is magnificent – and should be at its price. But it isn’t perfect. First, you have to view 3D footage using the included glasses that incorporate active-shutter technology. That’s different from the polarisation method of creating 3D images used by digital projectors in film theatres – and more expensive.
The LX9500 comes with two pairs of glasses and additional pairs can be bought for R1 000 each. Though they have to be charged, their batteries go on for ages. And they’re comfortable. My wife wears glasses ordinarily and the ones provided have been cleverly designed to fit over regular spectacles. They’re perfectly comfortable, she says. Rival manufacturer Toshiba predicts that by year-end 2010 it will have 3D TV that won’t require glasses, but it remains to be seen if that can match current models for quality.
Though the LX9500 can also be used for normal HD viewing, once in 3D mode the visuals will look blurry to anyone not wearing glasses. Just to be clear: we’re talking about rich, deep, high definition 3D visuals here. Not the terrible effects created by those cardboard, blue-and-red-lens glasses from the Eighties.
The big question is whether you should be rushing out to buy a 3D TV just yet – and the answer is no. It’s expensive and the effects are just not worth the money. Rather wait until it becomes a standard feature on TVs as HD is now. But having this beautiful set on my wall isn’t something I’m going to complain about. But if money isn’t a concern then it will certainly impress your friends.
ReviewVERDICT: 3D proves its worth for early adopters.
COMPLEXITY: Considerably trickier than your current TV.
Also consider: Samsung 46” 3D LED TV.
PRICE: R42 000.
VALUE RATING: 4/10