I faced the same question recently when my five year old HDTV started to fail. I had been to the local electronic stores and had experienced 3D Television and immediately fell in love with it and I asked myself the question.

Should I buy a 3D TV?

Since I didn't know any people who owned a 3D TV I had to do some research. I went online learned about HDMI 1.3, HDMI 1.4, Blu-Ray players, active shutter glasses, and everything else associated with owning a 3D TV.

I ultimately made the decision to buy a 3D TV and below I will tell you why.

The main reason why I purchased a 3D TV is because the experience is like no other. Everything seems so much clearer and being able to see depth within the TV is great. When I watch sporting events in 3D I almost feel like I am at the event.

This experience and my belief that 3D TV has a future was why I decided to take the plunge and buy it.

While I was doing research on purchasing my 3D TV, I talked to many people who have HDTV's and those that had seen 3D TV liked it but they had reservations against making a purchase.

Below I will discuss the major decisions in purchasing a 3DTV?

Reason #1

*Cost

A base 3D TV is more expensive than a regular HDTV. 3D TV's require special glasses that can cost $200 or more per pair to purchase and they require a blu-ray player to play the 3D Movies.

I was able to get a packaged 50in Samsung Plasma 3D TV deal that included the 3D TV, Blu-Ray player, and 2 pairs of glasses for a little more than $1500.

In comparison a high quality HDTV can be purchased for $700.

Reason #2

*Lack of 3D programming available

Right now there are some 3D movies and some parts of the country you can get some sporting events broadcast in 3D such as the new 3D sports channel from ESPN (ESPN 3D).

Due to the lack of 3D programming I currently spend 80% of my TV watching time watching regular HDTV. The 20% of my 3D viewing is split between 3D Movies, 3D sporting events, and playing my PS3 3D video games.

As I stated previously I see a future in 3D TV. I feel 3D technology improves the viewing experience significantly and I believe that 3D TV programming will continue to increase especially with movies and sporting events where the benefits of watching 3D are really enhanced.

People who ultimately purchase a 3D TV right now believe in the future of it. I remember years ago when HDTV was first introduced I saw the future in the technology and I purchased a HDTV.

My belief in the future of HDTV five years ago has been rewarded because today HDTV is more and more common in homes and has even become the default standard of over the air television transmission.

If you decide to buy a 3D TV today you will ultimately have to make a decision on your belief in the future of 3D TV and your willingness to pay extra for it.