Initial testing of 3D-compatible HDTVs has revealed that, in the default picture settings, displaying 3D images can indeed draw more power than in standard 2D mode, especially on plasma models.

We tested four televisions, namely Panasonic's 50-inch TC-P50VT25 and 65-inch TC-P65VT25 plasmas, as well as two LED-based LCD models, the Samsung UN55C8000 and the Sony XBR-52HX909. The results show that the plasmas used 62 and 101 percent more power, respectively, whereas the Samsung used 29 percent more and the Sony, oddly, used more power in 2D than in 3D mode. Check out the measurements below.

The main reason for the extra power draw in 3D, as far as we can tell, is that 3D needs a brighter image. The active LC shutter glasses required to view 3D on these TVs alternately block off each eye very quickly, so it stands to reason that the 3D image needs to be brighter than the 2D version to have similar impact. A quick eyeball observation sans glasses confirms that the 2D image is dimmer than 3D on the Panasonic plasmas. On the other hand, we couldn't see an obvious brightness difference on the LED models.

In addition, the glasses themselves have a slight tint even when "open" and not blocking an image--Sony's glasses seem to have the lightest tint and Panasonic's the heaviest--so the TV must be brighter to overcome it. A Panasonic engineer told us to think of it as "watching TV through sunglasses."

Naturally the different makers can and will use different default picture settings, and different brightness offsets for 3D, but unfortunately we can't compensate for those differences in our testing yet. For example, the Sony's image in 3D (with the glasses on) seemed dimmer than in 2D (glasses off) with the same picture mode, but we can't say for sure and we can't properly test it (see below).

Even with 2D material the 50-inch VT25 used more power than the equivalent 2D TV, the 50-inch Panasonic TC-P50G20; we measured about 28 percent more juice (which costs about $14 more per year) after equalizing for light output. Of course, plasma in general uses twice to three times as much power as LCD, especially these LED-based models.

Power use aside, in our opinion the Panasonic is the superior-performing 3D (and 2D) television compared with the other two. It's also worth mentioning that 2D will likely be used much more frequently than 3D on these TVs for years to come, so the monetary and energy use impact of this increased power use will be minor.

We'll test other 3D-compatible TVs for power use as part of all future reviews, and include the updates here. For more info, check out CNET's Quick Guide to TV Power Consumption and 3D TV FAQ.

Test procedure
Unfortunately a rigorous test of 3D power use, with a comparison that specifies equalized light output in both 2D and 3D modes, isn't in the cards right now. It would require a measurement of light output through a pair of 3D glasses--literally placing the glasses over the lens of our light meter--which introduces variables that are difficult to control. Alternately, we could forget the glasses and just compare the light output of the screen in 2D and 3D mode with the same content, but at the moment we lack the proper 3D test patterns to do so.

In lieu of a test that controls for light output, we've elected to simply compare the power consumption in each TV's default Standard picture mode (with ambient light sensors disabled). We used the first 10 minutes of "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" because that Blu-ray allows an in-menu choice of 2D or 3D presentation (in 3D mode we skipped past the 3D Blu-ray and Sony promos, which don't appear in 2D mode, before we began the 10-minuter period). All TVs were tested using the latest firmware versions. We used our standard test procedure, including hour-long warm-up times, for each measurement.

Christie Introduces its Most Advanced 3D Projector Yet:

The Dual Lamp Christie Mirage WU7K-M

Christie® Introduces the Christie Mirage WU7K-M. 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR Log (Press Release) – Jun 22, 2010 – CYPRESS, CA 

Christie®, the first to market a fully stereoscopic 3D DLP projector nearly a decade ago, announces the latest edition of its popular Christie Mirage Series, the Christie Mirage WU7K-M. Featuring a full WUXGA resolution display and dual lamps for excellent uniformity, the Christie Mirage WU7K-M is a compact, 6,300 ANSI lumens powerhouse. 
With dual-link DVI support at 330MHz full bandwidth and up to 10,000:1 contrast, the projector delivers crisp images, vibrant colors and uniform brightness – all at the lowest cost of ownership. The Christie Mirage WU7K-M stereoscopic 3D display system meets the precise needs of the energy markets, life sciences, government, education and medical research where performance, reliability, easy maintenance and low operating cost are critical to project success. 
Built on proven 3-Chip DLP® technology, the Christie Mirage WU7K-M is versatile and efficient, with three modes of 3D input: standard frame rate of up to 120Hz, as well as frame-doubled content for maximum source compatibility and flicker-free operation. With the addition of a second input module, the Dual Input 3D mode enables the display of a frame-locked, passive stereo source for high-performance, active stereo at 120Hz without the need for an external passive to active converter. It features an extended lamp life of up to 3,000 hours per lamp, low power consumption of only 20W in standby, and filter-free, auto-sensing fans and temperature sensors, making it the industry’s most efficient “green” advanced visualization projector. 
“Christie has built a global reputation as a pioneer in the field of 3D, from the world’s first 3D active stereo 3-Chip DLP projector in 2001 to today’s cutting edge 3D digital cinema technology,” said Zoran Veselic, Vice-President of Christie's Visual Environments. “Our proven expertise lies behind the development of the Christie Mirage WU7K-M, whose stereoscopic image quality and reproduction consistently exceed expectations.” 
The Christie Mirage WU7K-M can project on virtually any screen or surface, with a full suite of specifically-designed lenses and a standard built-in Christie Twist™ that enables advance image warping and edge-blending capabilities. The dual lamp platform provides greater choice and installation flexibility with a more optimal aspect ratio. 
Christie also offers fully scalable and customizable visualization solutions. The new Christie Mirage WU7K-M projector will be on display at Christie’s booth, 23-14, at IVR in Tokyo, Japan from June 23 to June 25, 2010.

About Christie® Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. is a global visual technologies company and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ushio, Inc., Japan, (JP:6925). Consistently setting the standards by being the first to market some of the world’s most advanced projectors and complete system displays, Christie is recognized as one of the most innovative visual technology companies in the world. From retail displays to Hollywood, mission critical command centers to classrooms and training simulators, Christie display solutions and projectors capture the attention of audiences around the world with dynamic and stunning images. Visit www.christiedigital.com.

Here are the reasons we at AV Planners think why people still lag behind video conferencing technologies:

1) You love the smell of jet fuel in the morning
2) You might miss your favorite radio commercial when you are on freeway parking lot every morning
3) Time is money. Why not spend it?
4) Trying to earn more Frequent Flyer miles
5) Your meeting is in Maui

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Read more: Increase Test Scores. Teach in 3D!