Comcast 3D

Last month my old Rear Projection HDTV finally died.  I purchased this TV about 10 years ago when High Definition was just gaining buzz.  Comcast did not even offer HD at the time but I knew it was coming so invested in the new technology and was ready when it became mainstream.  I think they were making Plasma screens at the time but they were extremely expensive so I went with Rear Projection technology.  It was great TV for 5 or so years until prices started coming down on plasma and LCD and I started having flat screen envy.  But I just couldn't justify a new TV while the old one was still working.  So I was pretty excited when the old RPTV finally died.

I immediately went online and started reviewing the latest technologies and models.  For energy efficiency reasons I decided to go with  LED technology and since my old TV was a Sony (which I was very happy with) I decided that I wanted to stick with Sony.  I decided on the Sony Bravia KDL55HX800.  One of the features of this TV that really was of no interest to me is that it is 3D ready.   I like having the latest technology but 3D technology is of no interest to me because I am one of the estimated 5% - 10% of the the population that is not capable of seeing 3D.  But when I purchased this model Sony was having a special promotion where they would include a PS3, 3D Sync Transmitter and 2 pairs of 3D glasses for a dollar more.  Obviously they are really promoting their 3D technology.  Can't really say no to that promotion so I bit.  While the TV is great I never even really looked into all of the 3D stuff until this past weekend when I noticed while surfing through the Comcast HD channels that they offer a couple 3D channels.

Comcast has a section of their website dedicated to 3D but I will give you the basics below.  In order to view HD content you will need the following.  A HDTV capable of displaying 3D content, active shutter 3D glasses and one of the following 3D Compatible cable boxes:

• Motorola DCX3200, DCX3400 or DCX3416 (I have the DCH3416 which was not on the list on the Comcast website but works)
• Cisco (Scientific Atlanta) RNG150 or RNG200
• Pace RNG110 
• Samsung RNG150

You will also need to call Comcast Sales and Support and ask them to enable 3D access to your account in order to view the 3d channels.  At this point there is no additional charge for viewing the 3D channels but I assume as more channels become available in the future there will be an additional charge added.  Comcast currently has two 3D channels in my area, the first is channel 333 which broadcasts live special events like the Masters, screenshot of that channel's current splash screen below:

The other channel currently being broadcast is ESPN3D (channel 334 in my area).  Tonight during prime time they were broadcasting college basketball but there is still limited content so most of the time there is nothing being broadcast.  I also read a recent press release that Discovery is current developing a 3d Channel that should be launching in 2011 so there is a chance for more 3D channels at some point next year.

According to the Comcast 3D website there is no 3D OnDemand content but I think the website is a bit out of date as I did find some OnDemand 3d Content.  There were about a half-dozen pay movies that you can watch for $4.99.  Another half-dozen short free movies which basically seem to be showcasing the 3D technology.   There were also about a dozen sporting events that you can watch for free.

As I mentioned earlier, I am unable to see 3D content because of eye focus issues but I was curious to see if Comcast was in fact broadcasting 3D content.  So this week I finally called Comcast to enable my 3D access, hooked up my 3D transmitter for my TV and enlisted my 3 year old daughter and wife to demo the 3d content for me.  I had my daughter watch one of the short movies which had a water splashing screen and she thought she was actually getting splashed so I guess that is a thumbs up from her.  I had my wife also watch a couple of the free OnDemand titles, although she was a bit more critical.  While she though the technology was cool she couldn't see herself watching daily programming or even a whole movie with the bulky active shutter3D glasses on.

There has been a lot of press around 3D technology since the release and popularity of Avatar, but also a lot of critics saying that 3Dis just a fad that is going to come and go.  I may be bit biased since I can not see the technology but I don't see 3D ever becoming mainstream or even as popular as High Definition technology.  I think it may take off in certain segments like gaming but the mass population just will not adopt this technology.  The reasons I feel this way are:

• It is estimates that 5% of the population cannot view 3d technology (like me).  It is also reported that up to 25% of people claim headaches or nausea from viewing 3d content
• Lack of Content - There is currently very little 3D content so people are not going to shell out extra $$$ for 3d capable sets if there is little to nothing to watch. 
• 3D Glasses are bulky and expensive

Comcast doesn't seem to be promoting their 3D content very heavily at this point but at least it is taking the initiative/risk and putting some content out there.  Whether 3D actually catches on or not matters very little to me but it will be interesting to see where the technology goes as prices come down and more content becomes available over the next few years.