Smaller 3D LED HDTVs For Gaming Coming Soon
Is the future of gaming in 3D? Television manufacturers would have us think so. Unfortunately, today's 3D televisions are not exactly aimed at the modern gamer. They are more adept to those who want a huge entertainment center in a living room. But things could change.
When you imagine a hardcore gamer, you imagine a kid or college student in a small room with a 32 inch television who is blasting away opponents in Call of Duty at 3 AM. But attracting those gamers with the allure of 3D is difficult. Playing 3D gaming on a 55 inch television doesn't sound too appealing, and the 3D effects are not as pronounce on such a large display (or so some people argue). So gamers have been left out cold when it comes to 3D gaming.
But the display manufacturers want to change this. In 2011, all the big brands have plans to produce smaller 3D-enabled televisions aimed specifically for gamers. They are hoping to attract those gamers who don't have enough room to stuff a large screen 3D televisions.
This move makes sense — 3D gaming is on the rise, with the Sony PlayStation 3 being the main facilitator of such a move. Many games are coming out with 3D functionality on the Sony PS3, and those display manufacturers want to capitalize on it.
Panasonic and Sony are two companies who, in particular, are targeting this market. They intend on creating HDTV displays as small as 32 inches in size with full 3D capability. This is a bold move to hopefully make widespread adoption throughout the industry for 3D in sub-40-inch displays.
Both companies are in a race to place these displays in the hands in as many consumers as possible, and they are pulling out all the stops by offering 3D LED TVs for the first time.
Panasonic is hoping that the DT30 series will win consumers over. It is the company's first foray into three-dimensional displays without utilizing plasma technology. There are two models available: a 32-inch TX-L32DT30 and a 37-inch TX-L37DT30. Both of these Viera displays use IPS-alpha LCD display panels, which feature great motion smoothing technology and viewing angels. And these displays utilize edge-lit LED backlighting.
Panasonic is also adding modifications to the material and thickness of the LCD panel itself. This will let the LCD display function at higher speed, and it will also utilize 200Hz MCFI (motion-compensated frame interpolation) with its Motion Picture Pro 5 technology. This will provide even more smooth motion for gamers and reduce artificating while viewing 3D content.
Sony, on the other hand, will only be releasing a 32-inch display: the KDL32EX723. It is targeting towards gamers that want 3D gaming but without the extra room necessary to fit in the larger displays in their rooms. This display also features edge-lit LED backlighting, 200Hz motion (called "Motionflow") and an integrated HD tuner.
Unfortunately, Sony has decided to not launch a 37-inch 3D LED HDTV to respond to Panasonic's 37-inch offering. However, it is easy to imagine that Sony will release one later on in the year, especially if the 32-inch display sells well in the market.
The only question left remaining is whether or not they will sell. This is a good question, because while the promise of 3D gaming is high, the actual content out there is only beginning to take off. High-profile games like Call of Duty support 3D content, but most others do not. And it is a question of how much extra effort it would require game studios to produce 3D gaming content and how receptive gamers would be to the idea of an LED 3D display.
From personal experience, only a handful of the people I know have ever even dabbled in 3D gaming. There are mixed feelings all around, but I, for one, am not too impressed. But this is what the industry wants to make consumers want in the future, and they might just get their way. The Nintendo 3DS (a Nintendo handheld that features a 3D display) is testament to how far the game industry wants 3D gaming to go.
The last question is when can you buy these 3D LED displays. Both companies have releases slated for March to bring the power of 3D to the sub-40-inch television arena. The close release date means that both companies are racing to push these displays out to win over gamers. We will have to wait and see if gamers will buy into it.
