Introduction

By now you’ve heard lots about 3D TVs. Every manufacturer has at least one 3D-capable model and even the projector companies are offering new products that include this technology. The display is not the only component required to view 3D however. You will also need, at a minimum, a new Blu-ray player. The format itself has not changed but a 3D model is required to view Blu-ray 3D discs. No matter what the brand, every 3D flat panel has a companion player. In the case of the Toshiba WX800 Cinema Series LED panel, recently reviewed at Secrets, that player is the BDX3000.

When I requested the WX800 TV, Toshiba included the BDX3000. Without it, I would have only been able to use the panel as a standard 2D display. This and the glasses are the minimum compliment of gear you’ll need to view 3D Blu-ray content. If you want lossless sound from your 3D Blu-rays, you’ll also need an HDMI 1.4 receiver or pre-pro. And of course, don’t forget the glasses! In Toshiba’s case, they are sold separately from the player and the panel.

The BDX3000 is Toshiba’s top-of-the-line player. In addition to 3D, it offers a suite of Internet apps with built-in WiFi. Since 3D content is pretty scarce right now, I was anxious to see how the BDX stacked up in more relevant areas like DVD up-conversion and ergonomics. Apps are a new feature appearing now on many players and TVs so I looked forward to checking them out as well. So, here we go.