3D TV Glasses & Accessories

3D glasses have come a long way from those flimsy paper cutouts with red and blue cellophane "lenses" that kids used to use to view 3D comics. Nowadays, we have 3D TVs that, when viewed with a set of modern 3D glasses, allow us to enjoy entertainment that seems to literally leap off the screen. 

If you have a 3D TV and enjoy watching entertainment that immerses you in the action, here are some tips on how to choose the best 3D glasses for you. 

What types of 3D glasses are there? 

There are two main types, active and passive, which correspond with the two main types of 3D TV technology. 

Active 3D Glasses 

Active 3D display technology works by sending slightly different images to the left and right eyes, which creates the three-dimensional effect. In order to make sure the correct image is displayed for each eye, the active 3D glasses rapidly open and closed in a shuttering effect. The shuttering is so fast you shouldn't be able to perceive it. 

Since active 3D glasses need to be able to shutter rapidly, they're packed with cutting-edge technology, which includes batteries. This makes them rather hefty, and some find them uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time. 

Passive 3D Glasses 

Passive 3D technology works differently. The TV includes a filter that polarizes the visuals, and the passive 3D glasses feature polarized lenses with each lens polarized in a different direction. This allows the glasses to separate the incoming light, which creates different images for each eye. 

Since the only technology involved in passive 3D glasses is the polarized lenses, this type of eyewear tends to be lighter and more comfortable. However, some people say that this type of 3D makes the visuals look dimmer. 

What else should I keep in mind when choosing 3D glasses? 

Obviously the main thing to look out for is to choose the type of 3D glasses that match your TV's type of 3D technology: active or passive. Also, it's best to choose glasses from the brand that matches your TV, especially when it comes to active 3D glasses. This will help ensure the glasses work properly with your TV. 

If you're setting up a 3D movie or sports party, you should plan ahead and pick up enough glasses for all your guests because each guest will need their own pair. Passive 3D glasses are relatively cheap, while active 3D glasses can cost more due to the built-in technology.