BD players & 3D compatability

[bluenose]

will todays BD players be able to play 3D discs or will they need a firmware update? Seem to remember reading that they could be updated or was that just PS3? Just curious before I start dipping a toe in the world of home-cinema.

 

[simonlewis]

New 3D BP will be the only ones able to view 3D & no older BP will not play 3D via a firmware update, except you are right in thinking that the PS3 will be able to play 3D via a firmware update.

 

[Anonymous]

thats how i understand it , but i wonder , the ps3s hdmi out is 1,3 spec , given that the 3d kit will be using 1.4 spec hdmi , how come the ps3 will be able to pass the data over 1.3 ?

 

[bigboss]

I've checked a few websites online. Aparently. it's possible to get 3D pictures via HDMI 1.3 cables. For a 3D picture, two images have to be shown nearly simultaneously. Since HDMI 1.3 can't handle two 1080p pictures at that speed, you'll get two 1080i pictures. Since cable boxes normally show a 1080i image, they'll be stepped down to 540i to handle 3D. With HDMI 1.3 cable boxes, you'll have the choice between HD and 3D, but not both.

 

[Anonymous]

yes , but if someone wants to use their ps3 to watch a 3d bluray on a tv using the active system , then how can the info be sent , both image and sound ,i mean , if it can be sent , what need for 1.4 spec ports and cables then ? why not use 1.3 across the board ?

 

[bigboss]

maxflinn:what need for 1.4 spec ports and cables then ? why not use 1.3 across the board ?

Because you can't get 3D 1080p images via HDMI 1.3.......I think it's more relevant for blu-ray players as Sky HD box has only HDMI 1.3 port & displays 1080i images in any case.

 

[Anonymous]

but thats my point , how can a ps3 , with the relevant 3d firmware update , display a 3d bluray image over 1.3 spec hdmi ? if 1.4 is the standard ..

 

[bigboss]

Hmmm.......you have a point. Maybe PS3 cannot show full 1080p in 3D.

Sometimes I really feel that manufacturers are taking us for a ride to get us to spend more on new AV equipment. With all this confusion around 3D format, it simply may never take off in a big way as manufacturers anticipate.

 

[Anonymous]

i agree , if the ps3 can show 3d bluray , in both passive and active format , over 1.3 , then the 1.4 standard does look like its been applied for the wrong reasons , i guess we wont know for a while ...

maybe pic data can move fast enough over 1.3 and an optical out takes care of sound ?

if it cant display the active format , for whatever reason , then there will be a lot of discontented ps3 owners that will have to buy an lg if they want 3d bluray from their beloved ps3 ..