In this post-Avatar era, gadget enthusiasts have been bathed in the promising glitter of the latest 3D televisions. You may well be wondering, is 3DTV real? Is it a fad? Should you pay more for a 3DTV or is it better to buy a standard HDTV? While we’ve been impressed by the 3D TVs we’ve seen, we’re not convinced you shouldn’t just go for standard HDTV until prices come down and more programming becomes available.
Here are some of the reasons we think you might feel good about not buying a 3DTV right now and buying a standard HDTV instead.

1. Very little 3D content and sets are expensive
3DTV may be overrated. Yes, we’re all caught up in the post-Avatar 3D craze right now, but, with only a few worthwhile 3D movies, very little TV programming, and no major video games scheduled for immediate release, we wonder if now is time to invest in 3DTV? 3DTV is pretty good, to be sure, but it lacks content and is more expensive than an equivalent HDTV. Keep in mind that the premium you pay for being a 3DTV early adopter could well pay for another HDTV for your home, though we suspect 3DTV prices will come down over time.

2. LCD TVs with LED backlights
LED-backlit LCD screens are becoming the standard in HDTVs. Using LEDs as backlights, rather than fluorescents (CCFLs), the new LCD HDTVs produce a bright picture with wide viewing angles while saving energy and space. Yes, most new 3D TVs also use LED backlights, but the influx of new stock could prompt stores to pull current LED-backlit LCD TVs off shelves at attractive prices.

3. High refresh rate and internet connectivity
Until 3DTVs become a better buy, we think you can future-proof your HDTV with features like high refresh rates and Internet connectivity. Internet connectivity will revolutionize your entertainment routine and can be found on many non-3D televisions. Thanks to services like Hulu, Netflix, Pandora, YouTube and Boxee, the Internet is becoming the go-to source for all kinds of media. It’s accessible on demand, across multiple platforms, and often completely free. Manufacturers are now including wired and wireless broadband in many TVs so you can stream your favorite TV shows, YouTube channels, music and movies right in your living room.

4. 3D glasses could be a hit
At around $150 a pair, 3D glasses don’t come cheap. The latest 3D glasses are not the simple disposable glasses of yesteryear. These new specs are high-tech wireless devices that work in conjunction with your 3DTV to physically block light as it travels to your eye. Expect to pay up to $600 per set for a family of 4. To make matters worse, every parent knows this equation: Kids + Picky x Expensive = Trouble.

5. Other purchases may be required with your 3DTV
Speaking of expensive peripherals like 3D glasses, if you buy a 3D TV and want to watch Full HD (1080p) 3D content, you won’t be able to use your current DVD or Blu-Ray player. You will need a special 3D-ready Blu Ray device to view Full HD 3D content. It’s true that you’ll be able to watch “Half HD” 3D on many “transport” media, like standard cable or satellite and standard DVD players, and you may not even notice the difference, but if you want the best 3DTV quality, you’ll be looking into a new Blu-ray player and a new AVR (receiver).

Conclusion on 3DTV Now
We think there are good deals to be found on standard HDTVs. Sure, you can’t invite a bunch of friends to rewatch Avatar in 3D, but could you afford it anyway? We say, if you don’t want to pay the premium for the first 3DTV on your block, choose the HDTV that offers the best picture quality in its price range and make sure it has features like high refresh rates and Internet connectivity.

3D “Ready” HDTV might be the best bet
If you want to hedge your bet, you can always look for an HDTV that can be made to display 3D content when you’re ready. A “3D ready” HDTV will have a high refresh rate (120Hz or higher), HDMI 1.4 for connecting to a 3D Ready Blu-ray player or receiver, a USB connection for a 3D glasses interface box, and the TV will have the necessary processing power or 3D “engine” to decode and display 3D content. The problem at this point is that we are not sure how you can identify a true 3D Ready HDTV and what level of 3D (Full or Half HD) it is actually “ready” for (feedback appreciated). All we can say is stay tuned for more information and be careful not to believe any marketing hype or sales pitch. And of course, you’ll still need to buy enough glasses to equip all the “spectators” in your household.

Looking for a good HDTV instead?
In case you’re not interested in being the first person in your circle of friends to have a 3D TV, but still want a good quality HDTV, here are some good HDTVs for watching sports, good HDTVs for the bedroom, some good HDTVs with a tight budget. and even some eco-friendly HDTVs that save energy.

Retrevo can help you find the right HDTV
As always, we’ve got plenty more reviews of the latest HDTVs to help you make the right decision. You can also check out our collection of electronics manuals and reviews for digital cameras and laptops.