When I was young, getting the whole “3D” experience was a mission.
First, we had to wait for a 3D movie. (The young’uns take it for granted now, but back in the 80’s, I believe exactly two 3D movies were released per year.) Then, we had to trek to the only theatre in town that was screening this type of movie. And after spending about the price of a Coach wristlet on popcorn, candy and drinks, we had to wait in line, don silly-looking glasses and pray that the movie lived up to the hype.
Today, we simply take a seat on the couch in our living room.
This year, Christmas came early with a Toshiba 55″ Passive 3D Television with LED Backlighting. I actually gushed about the quality of the picture last week in a post entitled Be a Holiday Hero: Toshiba 55″ Passive 3D Television. In it, I posted photos that were actually taken from my TV screen, rendering ridiculously high quality images. Let’s just say I’ve been spending a lot more time in the ol’ living room.
And did I mention we were also treated to a Toshiba 3D Blu-ray Player? Yup, the Blu-ray pleayer works with the Passive 3D Television to create an experience so realistic, we’re tempted to reach out and touch the air.
Mom as Holiday Hero? Oh yeah.
So essentially, on any given Sunday evening, you can find my guys lined up like 3 stooges on the couch.
Yes, this is as much fun as it looks.
Why I love the Toshiba 3d TV/Blu-ray Combo:
1. Contrary to popular belief, the television can be viewed in regular 2D. So no, we do not have to sport Men In Black-esque glasses every time we sit down to enjoy a sitcom (though I’m sure the boys would just die to watch “In the Night Garden” in 3D… bleh!). The beauty of the Toshiba 55″ Passive 3D Television is that it transforms to the most kick-a** 3D experience when we’re ready for it.
2. However, here’s a neat little trick – the Toshiba TL515 Series employs a stealth technology called TriVector 2D to 3D Conversion. Sounds complicated, but what it really means is that the television has the ability to convert 2D sources into 3D experiences! That’s right, we can enjoy all of our fave 2D TV programming, video games, Blu-ray Discs, home movies – even In the Night Garden – in full 3D. #awesome
3. Remember those crazy 3D glasses of the past? Fuggedaboutit. Unlike active 3D technology, which uses heavy, expensive glasses and may cause eye strain/headaches/OMG-turn-that-thing-off moments in some viewers, the Toshiba 55″ Passive 3D Televison utilizes the same RealD 3D technology as in cinemas around the world, providing a more natural viewing experience. In fact, the television comes equipped with four pairs of passive 3D glasses.
Both my husband and Ryder just LOVE watching movies in 3D! A favourite in my house is The Lion King, though since Star Wars Episode V was on TV tonight, they happily brought R2-D2 into our living room. I tried to capture the shot on camera (first the projected 3D image without the glasses, then with) but it didn’t turn out very well. Rest assured, it was like the little astromech droid was close enough to touch.
4. The TV is connected up the wazoo. “With built-in Wi-Fi capability, the TL515 series keeps you connected to more than just the latest television programming for an all-in-one home entertainment experience. Toshiba Enhanced Net TV1 offers personalized content with just a few clicks of the remote through Yahoo! TV Widgets. Whether you want to catch the latest releases on Netflix, engage with friends on Facebook, or explore your family’s latest content on YouTube and Flickr, Toshiba Connected TV makes thinking outside the box simple.”
5. The price. It’s really very affordable! The model that we received (55″) is currently retailing for $1,699.99, but honestly, you can grab a 42″ for under $1000. When you add up all the features, it makes Toshiba the most value for the price – by far. The Toshiba Blu-ray player retails for $169.99, making it incredibly competitive to others in the market. Package them together and put in under the tree this week – and earn official Holiday Hero status.
Cute! And whoa, turning a regular tv into a 3D one? That’s pretty impressive.
It’s incredibly impressive! I’m not one to use the 3D feature too often, but the boys love it!
We have the 42″ Passive LED 3D TV and it’s great. Bought it in October and really enjoy it.
AWESOME! Thanks so much for the feedback!
That looks like some fantastic technology! I like that it comes with 4 pairs of glasses. Many tvs just come with 2!
The technology blows my mind, Tazim. And yes, very family-friendly with the four pairs of glasses!
I like the 3 stooges on your leather sofa.
Thanks! I like them too!
Very cute! My guys would look the same :) I love that the glasses come with the TV! When searching for the Toshiba 3D TV this weekend, I was told by a Future Shop associate that you can buy 4 pair of 3D glasses for about $150 (yikes!) for most 3D tv’s! I can definitely see one of these in my home in the future!
OMG! That’s a lot of money to spend on 3D glasses. SO happy Toshiba includes the glasses with the TV. Your family will love the TV!
That’s adorable Lena! Is there a spot for me in the couch? :)
What I love about the Toshiba 3D TV is that it uses the same tech as RealD. Those old/active 3D did give me headache!
Ha ha ha, yup, there’s always room on our couch! And spot on – RealID (the same as cinema 3D) is a much more “natural” way to enjoy 3D movies. LOVE it!
Very cool….next step: check your local Rogers for one of the slick Cisco branded new PVRs! More storage and you will find an improvement in the picture clarity.
thank me later!
xoxo
Oops, assuming that box in your pic is a rental…they will swap it for you for FREE. If you purchased it (*gasp*) then you’re kinda stuck!
Ooooh, thanks so much for the tip! Had no idea! Thanking you now – and yup, it’s a rental!
I only recently discovered that you could watch 2D on it!! That is amazing, why NOT get it then?
I know. Best bang for your buck, hands down!
OMG Are your boys ever adorable in their glasses!
Thanks Diana!
OMG – you have the most beautiful family – and they look great with the 3D glasses!!
Thanks Donna Marie!
Lena I just wanted to let you know that based on your reviews, and our own research, we purchased this 55″ tv after Christmas! It was on sale at Best Buy for $1,299.99 and since I received a $250 gift card as an xmas gift, it was too good to pass up. We are awaiting delivery but the whole house is so excited!!!!
Thanks as always for introducing us to great products. I probably would have never considered a 3D tv until I saw this one featured on your blog.
Happy new year!
Wonderful! You’ll love it!