It looked like my wife and I had just installed everything in our ‘state of the art living room home entertainment center’ (as I like to call it). We had just finished downloading and installing the firmware updates that would allow our Blu-ray player’s HDMI output to connect to the rest of the system. We had just made our peace with long Blu-ray load times. We had fought and won the battle to place our surround sound speakers behind the sofa and our subwoofer next to the flower pot. We had just made ourselves a nice sandwich with all the fixings (ham and swiss with lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise for me, a classic Reuben for her). The lights were low, the kids were out of the house, and it was Blu-ray time.
And then, like a phone call from her pesky aunt on Long Island, came the shocking news: there’s a new Blu-ray format! Oh, for the love of – close the sandwich! Turn off the lights! We are obsolete! You better start blocking the TV off the wall.
Yes, Blu-ray 3D is here, and there’s no amount of “But I just bought X and Y!” will change that. The 3D beat was already strong, but once it became clear that James Cameron’s story about gigantic blue Native Americans from another galaxy would make more money than Uruguay’s gross national product, it became a rock-solid inevitability. And, of course, there are armies of young people used to seeing Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers in glorious 3D in the theater there. Deny them that same experience at home and they’ll text you to death.
Perhaps the most important question to ask before upgrading is, “How dumb are those sunglasses, anyway?” Remember the sleepiest kid in elementary school? The one who picked his nose until he bled and then swallowed it all? Do you remember his glasses? Now multiply the stupidity 10 times. 3D glasses are that dumb. The only other battery-powered glasses you’re likely to see are clip-ons with wipers on the front. But it is simply an unavoidable liability, the price we must pay for being on the edge of technology. Have you read any 3D TV reviews? Everyone mentions the glasses because they are impossible to ignore. And yet, if you watch LeBron James hit a game-winning shot in 3D from the comfort of your couch, you’ll be up against them. Trust me.
Another question to ponder: “Is 3D for me?” Good question. Testing has shown that while the vast majority thoroughly enjoy 3D television, some only want the experience occasionally. But more importantly, 3D developers have found that young people love it, while older people find the colors too rich and immersive. Young people who love something is the same as something progressing in the economy. Sorry, veterans.
Regardless, chances are if you’ve made it this far in the article, most of you want the 3D home theater experience. Also, if you’ve made it this far, you’re probably saying “Okay, okay, you sold me…but do I really have the money?” Read any 3D TV review and it’s hard not to ignore the price of the next big thing in technology. The ‘next big thing in technology’ is often expensive, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to afford. So yes, you have to buy a new TV. But what if I told you that you can watch Monsters and Aliens in 3D in your underwear? “I’m listening.” you say. And that soon you will be able to play 3D video games and view 3D photos on your TV? “Done and done!” you scream, you reach for your credit card.
Can we put up with it, just settle down with our regular old Blu-ray and wait until the next format comes to town? Sadly not. It’s time to put down the sandwich, ship the old TV to your aunt on Long Island, and start shopping. Because, as difficult as it sounds, after 3D, the next new format could be a long way off.