What Is a 3D Media Player?

A three-dimensional (3D) media player is a device that can be connected to a television or other monitor to play 3D movies and similar media through them. Movies and images displayed from a 3D media player can include content on a disc, such as a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) or Blu-ray® disc. There are some devices that can be used to play media streamed from an Internet connection, or transferred onto an internal storage drive from other devices. A 3D media player can also be a software program used on a computer to play this content, or to transfer two-dimensional (2D) images into a 3D format.

The purpose of a 3D media player is to transfer images and video onto a television or other type of display that appear more immersive. This often requires special glasses or other types of hardware that allow a viewer to see these images appropriately. One of the most common ways in which a 3D media player functions is as a playback device for media such as DVDs and Blu-rays®. These discs contain data that is specially developed to be viewed in 3D, which can be played through the device and a display designed to work with it.


A 3D media player can also send a similar signal to a television or display that is stored on the device itself. These players have internal hard drives, much like a computer, that can be used to host data for playback. An external device can be connected to the 3D media player, such as a portable memory stick, from which data is then transferred. Many of these devices also have the ability to stream 3D media directly from an Internet connection or similar network, either wirelessly or through a cable connection.

There are also software programs that can run on a computer and function as a 3D media player, though other types of hardware are often needed for them. A display or monitor that can show these images is usually required to function with this type of player, and a viewer may also need to wear special glasses for these devices. This type of 3D media player can play movies and display images that are encoded to function in 3D, while some other media programs cannot do so. Software may also be able to convert standard 2D images into a special format, allowing the picture to be more realistically and dynamically viewed on a computer.

What Is a 3D Blu-Ray Player?

A three-dimensional (3D) Blu-ray™ player is an electronic device that can play Blu-ray discs™ that are specially made to allow for a 3D signal to be sent by them. These devices are typically used with a High-Definition Television (HDTV) that is also designed to properly display 3D images. When a 3D movie is played on this type of setup, then viewers can wear special glasses that allow them to see the images on the HDTV as though projected into the room. A 3D Blu-ray™ player also typically includes other features, such as the ability to play standard movies and inclusion of streaming media services.

The primary function of a 3D Blu-ray™ player that sets it apart from many similar devices is the ability to play 3D movies. Blu-rays™ are a type of digital data storage disc, somewhat similar to other formats such as Compact Discs (CDs) and Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs), but with much greater storage capacity. This improved storage and advances in entertainment technology have made it possible for 3D Blu-ray discs™ to be made that contain data for 3D picture playback.


Use of a 3D Blu-ray™ player largely relies upon a 3D HDTV, however, as the signal sent by the player needs to be received and displayed properly. An HDTV has higher quality image resolution than traditional televisions, and 3D HDTVs are able to play signals for 3D television viewing. This requires the use of special glasses that allow the wearer to view the image in 3D. Different films and shows can use this technology in various ways, though it typically appears as though some or all of an image is coming out from the screen toward the viewer.

While a 3D Blu-ray™ player is intended for use with 3D Blu-ray discs™, it can also play other types of media storage. CDs and DVDs can usually play through these devices, and many of them can improve the picture quality of a DVD to be closer to the resolution and definition of a newer media. A 3D Blu-ray™ player can also be used to view movies on standard Blu-rays™.

There are also a number of additional features that are sometimes included with a 3D Blu-ray™ player, such as the ability to receive and play streaming media. These devices can be used with various services and connected to an Internet signal to then relay audio or video through the entertainment system to which they are connected. This allows a viewer to watch movies that are playing from a source over the Internet, or to listen to online music broadcasting stations.

What Is a 3D DVD Player?

A 3D Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) player is an electronic device that plays DVDs encoded with 3D capabilities. Consumers normally purchase a 3D television and glasses along with the player for full 3D sound and images. In addition, many manufacturers are adding more features to these players, such as Internet connectivity and wireless computer networking.

The 3D DVD player is normally designed to play 3D DVDs, but it also has the capability of playing older DVD formats. Manufacturers saw the need to keep the technology backward compatible for more versatility in the home. The player attaches to the 3D television through a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) cable; this cable connection allows the 3D signals to enter the television for producing crisp visuals and high quality sound.

All 3D DVD player models are Blu-ray™ technology based. Blu-ray™ is known for its more than 2 million pixels, as opposed to older DVD technologies with under 500,000 pixels. The resulting image on the 3D television is extremely clear and crisp, allowing the images to seem true to life. The reduced pixel counts common to older DVD players would produce a blurry image on the television screen, making them unsuitable for 3D technology.


Some 3D DVD player models actually upconvert older DVDs to look and sound like they were produced in high definition (HD). These players cannot change a 2D DVD into a 3D DVD, but the resulting image and sound are enhanced for high quality viewing. Home movies saved on recordable DVDs can be played on the 3D DVD player, as well as homemade compact discs (CDs).

Many extra features are available for each 3D DVD player in the marketplace as a way for manufacturers to highlight their models' benefits. One key added feature is Internet connectivity. Consumers with movie streaming accounts can access their favorite movies through the Internet; a simple download to the 3D DVD player will instantly provide a movie to the household. Although not currently available, some movie streaming companies may be able to allow 3D movie access in the future.

Videos and movies stored on a home personal computer can be accessed through the 3D DVD player's wireless networking capabilities, or Wi-Fi. Vacation photos and movies can be viewed on the large screen television by simply accessing the files through the 3D DVD player. Family and friends can enjoy the slide or video show from the comfort of the living room sofa.

What Is 3D HDTV?

Combining both high definition video and the capacity to show three-dimensional (3D) images, 3D high definition television (HDTV) is a new technology for watching movies and other video content. A 3D HDTV system uses a Blu-ray® or streaming media player to send a specially encoded signal to special HDTV sets that work with liquid crystal diode (LCD) shutter-based, active glasses or polarized "passive" glasses to actually display the signal. This technology can display remarkable images, but as of December of 2011, has received lukewarm response from the consuming public.

3D HDTV sets start out as regular HDTVs. They can display a 1,920 by 1,080 pixel image, also referred to as 1080p resolution, and typically have large flat screens. One distinguishing feature, which typically makes them excellent 2D sets, is that they must offer refresh rates of at least 120, but usually 240 hertz, leading to better reproduction of movement in both 2D and 3D images.

Active 3D HDTV sets have an additional feature that 2D sets lack. They have a special device that emits an infra-red signal to the active shutter glasses that viewers wear. These glasses quickly darken over each eye — usually 30 times per second — synchronized with the screen. The screen shows the image for the left eye, then switches to the right eye, and then back. Since the glasses prevent both eyes from seeing the screen at the same time, the viewer's brain fills in the blank areas and ends up seeing a 3D image.


Passive 3D sets work a little differently. These sets have a polarizing filter over the screen, where alternating lines emit light at a different polarizing angle. They display the image for the left line on one set of lines, and the image for the right eye on the other set of lines. Viewers wear polarizing glasses which block the right eye's image from reaching the left eye and vice versa.

3D HDTV images can be quite striking, appearing almost like a window onto the world. The technology has been only slowly adopted, likely due to the combined factors of limited content, high cost, and the requirement of wearing glasses. More than anything else, the glasses have proven to be a major source of consumer discontent. Active-shutter glasses tend to be expensive, heavy, and incompatible across manufacturers, making it impossible for people to bring their Brand X glasses to a friend's house to watch a Brand Y set. Although passive glasses solve these problems, that technology is relatively rare as of the end of 2011 and also carries with it a meaningful penalty in resolution.

What Is a 3D Receiver?

A 3D receiver is a home theater component built specifically to move 3D images from a Blu-ray™ player to a 3D television set. The receiver itself has 3D capabilities so that wiring between the player and television is minimal. In addition, the receiver centralizes component controls, such as speakers, radio, Blu-ray™ player, and alternative auxiliary attachments.

Three-dimensional television viewing requires a 3D television, 3D Blu-ray™ player, and 3D glasses. As the availability of 3D movies increases, many households are upgrading their home theater speaker systems as well by adding a 3D receiver to control the various components throughout a living space. Although 3D receivers are not mandatory for viewing a 3D movie, they provide easier wiring installation and high-quality sound output.

Wiring a 3D Blu-ray™ player to a 3D television without a 3D receiver requires two wires, including a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) cable and a coaxial cable. This configuration does not allow the full sound quality to pass through the home's speakers since the coaxial cable cannot transfer the sound from the 3D Blu-ray™ correctly through the older wiring technology. As a solution, a 3D receiver — which only requires one HDMI cable — can be added to the home's theater system. The Blu-ray™ player's rich sounds will emanate through the home to enhance the 3D experience.


Many homes use various electronics in the main living space, like cable boxes, compact disc (CD) changers, MPEG-2 Audio Layer III (MP3) players, and turntables. The 3D receiver can have multiple electronics attached to its components to allow sounds and images to play through the home's theater system. As a result, only one remote control would be needed to control multiple devices, rather than several controllers within one living space.

Each manufacturer offers different features for the 3D receiver. One main feature is power rating. Less expensive receivers will only support a small power output, which produces reduced volume across the attached speakers. Consumers should verify the power needed for each attached speaker before purchasing a 3D receiver. Many electronics stores will help configure a system specifically for a customer's particular home theater system.

Households with many electronic devices may want to consider a 3D player with Bluetooth® technology. Bluetooth® capability can allow sound playback through the 3D receiver from nearby devices without a hard wired connection. In fact, some 3D receiver models have an accessible Universal Serial Bus (USB) port on the front panel to allow auxiliary device connections, such as from a compact flash card storage holder.

What Is a 3D Adapter?

A three-dimensional (3D) adapter is a device that translates one 3D signal to another. Using a 3D adapter comes into play primarily when someone is using an obsolete TV or projector that does not understand newer 3D signals. While some signals can produce 3D images without the use of glasses, a 3D adapter generally will require glasses for proper use. This device can be useful when using some older TVs or projectors, though the 3D image cannot be fixed if there are any problems.

Some people may think that most TVs and projectors use the same signal to produce 3D images, but there are many different signals in use. This can be to serve different forms of 3D images — such as passive and direct — or because one signal creates better images. What the 3D adapter does is take one signal and translate it into another signal that a second device can understand.


While a 3D adapter can be integrated with any 3D device, this generally is not required. This is most often needed when a TV or projector either does not understand a signal or is obsolete and does not have the new signal in its programming. For this to work, there normally has to be a player system that understands the signal, which is routed through the adapter and translated for the TV or projector. If the TV or projector — like most older models — does not emit 3D images, then the adapter cannot force it to send this information to 3D glasses.

TVs and projectors do not always require special glasses to enable viewers to see a 3D image. At the same time, the 3D adapter generally translates the signal into one that does require glasses. The most common glasses needed are direct, battery-powered devices. Passive, or non-battery powered, glasses also are sometimes supported by this system.

If the 3D image needs to be fixed, because it is skewed or the player device is having trouble projecting the right image, then a 3D adapter will refuse all changes. The adapter will accept two-dimensional (2D) image changes, but the 3D signal must remain as is. This means that, if the 3D signal is not fully integrated with the 2D images, the movie media has scratches or if there are any other problems, they cannot be fixed.

What Are 3D Monitors?

Three-dimensional (3D) monitors are computer monitors that have 3D technology, enabling users to see contents on the screen with more depth. Compared to 3D TVs, there is very little difference between the two. Just like other 3D devices, 3D monitors can be passive or active, and they can send out a visual signal or not. Not everything on 3D monitors will be in 3D; some images and websites will only be available in two dimensions (2D), but these monitors usually work well with this. These monitors most often are used with games and movies, but basic use also may be enhanced.

When comparing 3D monitors and TVs, most people will find very little difference between the two. Aside from the monitors working with computers, there are not many things that separate the two. One difference is size, because 3D TVs normally are larger, and TVs typically have an easier time converting 2D broadcasts into 3D.


There are two types of 3D technologies that can be used with 3D monitors: passive and active. Passive monitors may have a covering on the screens, or glasses may be needed, but the monitors themselves do not send out a signal telling the glasses how to properly view the image. Active monitors send out a signal and specifically are used with glasses that receive and work with the signal to ensure the 3D image is correct. While active technology normally is better for the 3D effect, monitors with passive 3D usually are cheaper and do not need heavy battery-powered glasses.

Many websites and applications used on a computer are not made in 3D and are unable to be converted to 3D. This means most 3D monitors are equipped to handle this and still produce higher-quality 2D images. Most of these monitors are in high definition (HD), so the 2D images should look better than on other monitors, and there should be no problems viewing 2D elements. Some monitors also enable the user to switch between 2D and 3D views, just in case there are any issues with this conversion.

Reading 3D text may not be the most exciting thing, so 3D monitors are not really meant for common browsing. Instead, the technology best suits multimedia and gaming, which most users favor. At the same time, this can enhance normal uses and applications, such as improving design software interfaces, enabling users to read and view websites with extra depth and by adding extra ways of organizing and viewing files.