How to assemble a 3D home theater
Here're four different 3D home entertainment packages for the various user groups.
Budget 3D adopters
For S$1,600 (US$1,300), you can buy yourself a 42-inch 3D plasma panel and a companion 3D Blu-ray player to enjoy 3D Blu-ray movies and 3D broadcasts (if available in your country). This type of setup is also exceptionally easy to install, requiring only a single HDMI connection between both devices. Best of all, you're not missing out much in terms of 3D picture quality as long as you're willing to invest in a better 3D TV.Likewise, you can always add a sound bar or home-theater-in-a-box (HTIB) kit to beef up the audio aspect in case you find the TV speakers underwhelming--think poor bass and a lack of surround sound for starters.
The Samsung BD-D5500 is one of the most affordable 3D Blu-ray players out there.
(Credit: Samsung)
Quick tips:
- HD-ready 3D plasmas TVs are currently the most affordable 3D TVs in the market.
- Most 2m and shorter HDMI 1.3 cables can be reused for transmitting 3D signals. You can test your existing pair before heading out to purchase the newer 3D-certified HDMI 1.4 version.
| What you'll need | Pros | Cons |
| 1. 3D TV 2. 3D Blu-ray player 3. 1m HDMI 1.3/1.4 cable Total cost: S$1,600+ (US$1,300+) |
1. Most economical 2. Easiest to set up 3. Can deliver good 3D visuals depending on TV's capability |
1. Most TV speakers have poor bass performance 2. Soundstage has more stereo then surround sound |
Minimalists and lifestyle consumers
To balance between performance and clutter, many home A/V brands have recently introduced 3D Blu-ray sound bars. These sound bars are essentially speakers with an integrated 3D Blu-ray player and a surround sound amplifier to output 3D video and simulated surround sound from a sleek and compact system. Besides a clutter-free design, sound bars are also easy to install requiring a single HDMI connection with 3D TVs, take up minimal space and complement flat panels well.Other major functions include digital FM radio reception, A/V inputs and switching capabilities. That said, expect to fork out at least S$2,900 (US$2,300) for these sound bar-based 3D systems.
LG's HLX56S is a stylish sound bar bundled with a wireless subwoofer.
(Credit: LG)
Quick tips:
- You should wall-mount sound bars below HDTVs for best performance and a more uniform look.
- Some models are bundled with wireless subwoofer models to further minimize cable clutter.
| What you'll need | Pros | Cons |
| 1. 3D TV 2. 3D Blu-ray sound bar 3. 1m HDMI 1.3/1.4 cable Total cost: S$2,900+ (US$2,360+) |
1. Sleek and clutter-free 2. Easy to set up 3. Enhanced bass and surround sound performance over TVs 4. Sound bar provides A/V inputs and switching capabilities |
1. Surround sound still not as good as discreet 5.1 speaker system 2. Much costlier than a basic setup |
Movie buffs and 3D "upgraders"
If your preference is for performance over aesthetics, a 3D Blu-ray home-theater-in-a-box (HTIB) kit would be a better choice over sound bars. These traditional 5.1-channel audio systems have dedicated center and rear speakers on top of front speakers to produce an enveloping sound field. This allows users to perceive directional sound easier, such as a jet roaring overhead from the front to the back.The connection between an HTIB and a 3D TV is maintained through one HDMI cable as well.
The Philips HTS9520 is equipped with two wireless rear speakers.
(Credit: Philips)
However, the key tradeoffs for HTIBs range from increased clutter due to the additional speakers to wiring and installation complexities. Furthermore, HTIBs are also costlier than sound bars, but offer identical features. The only major differentiator for the former is a higher power output. Prices for 3D TV and HTIB combinations start from S$3,200 (US$2,300).
Quick tips:
- Higher-end models come with automatic surround sound calibration to configure the 5.1 speakers at the touch of a button.
- You can minimize some of the cable clutter with models featuring wireless subwoofers.
| What you'll need | Pros | Cons |
| 1. 3D TV 2. 3D Blu-ray HTIB kit 3. 1m HDMI 1.3/1.4 cable Total cost: S$3,200+ (US$2,300+) |
1. More immersive surround sound compared with TVs and sound bars 2. HTIBs provide A/V inputs and switching capabilities 3. Costs slightly more than a sound bar setup |
1. Harder to set up especially for the rear speakers 2. Takes up a lot of space |
Discerning audiophiles and videophiles
The sky is the limit for a mixed-and-matched component system, which is capable of delivering the best 3D experience money can buy. A basic setup consists of a 3D TV, 3D Blu-ray player, A/V receiver with HDMI 1.4 support and 5.1-channel speakers, while higher-end ensembles can even come with a 3D home cinema projector with a huge projection screen and tower speakers driven with surround preamplifiers and power amplifiers.Naturally, these systems are extremely complex and difficult to build, often requiring professional installations. A proper entertainment room is also recommended to realize their full potential and justify their steeper prices which start from S$3,000 (US$2,410.41) with a projector.
The Epson EH-TW8000 delivers life-sized 3D pictures at a competitive price.
(Credit: Epson)
Quick tips:
- For fuller bodied sound, go for bookshelf type or even floor-standing speakers instead of compact satellite speakers.
- A high gain screen is required for 3D projectors with low brightness and entertainment rooms with some ambient lighting.
- Be prepared to pay for a higher-quality HDMI 1.4 cable for connecting a ceiling- or wall-mounted projector to an A/V receiver.
| What you'll need | Pros | Cons |
| 1. 3D home theater projector 2. 3D-ready A/V receiver 3. 3D Blu-ray player 4. 5.1 speaker system 5. Projection screen 6. 1m HDMI 1.3/1.4 cable 7. 10m HDMI 1.4 cable Total cost: S$7,000+ (US$5,500) |
1. The best 3D experience money can buy 2. Can be customized to exact users' preferences 3. Unlimited upgradeability |
1. Need to set aside a room to bring out the best from the setup 2. Hardest to set up 3. Very costly |
About the author
Philip Wong is an A/V, PC, photography and gaming enthusiast. Besides spending countless days and late nights fiddling with his home theater system and watercooled PC, he also hits the roads frequently on his iron horse to sweat it out. Now, who says geeks don't work out?
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