3D Ready and Full HD 3D explained

With the introduction of 3DTVs, two new terms have also been introduced; 3D Ready and Full HD 3D. Here’s an explanation of the two new terms and what you can expect if you’re shopping for a 3DTV. 

3D Ready and Full HD 3D
The two new terms relating to 3DTVs might give you associations to the"HD Ready" and"HD ready 1080p" terms that were used a few years back. But the new 3D terms are actually different, and here’s why.


3D Ready logo

3D Ready basically tells you that a TV is “ready for 3D”. In this context it means"prepared" for external 3D equipment that you have to buy separately. To enjoy 3D movies and 3D games you have to purchase 3D glasses and a 3D transmitter (that has to be connected to the TV) separately.
Full HD 3D means that 3D transmitter is built into the TV. This way you can avoid a separate 3D transmitter and have it integrated in the TV cabinet. However, Full HD 3D does not necessarily mean that the 3D glasses are included. They can be, but it’s not a guarantee. 

 
 Full HD 3D logo
 
So, basically the difference is the 3D equipment and whether or not it’s integrated in the TV. It’s important to note that the actual 3D picture quality in theory is the same.

Different 3D formats
To support 3D a flat panel TV needs to support 200/240 Hz picture refresh (not the same as frame interpolation 200/240 Hz technologies) and feature a HDMI 1.4 input. This is a part of the 3D Ready certification. On the other hand you can’t be sure that all 3D formats will be supported but 3D Blu-ray playback is always possible.

Looking for 3DTV? Read our 3DTV reviews in the review section here.