Universal active 3D glasses
There are two types of 3D TVs, active and passive. Active 3D TVs require specialized glasses that are (A) expensive and (B) usually incompatible with other brands of TV. The YOUniversals by XpanD solve problem B -- they work with just about every active 3D TV ever made. For a solution to problem A, see the next slide.
By the way, owners of passive 3D TVs are immune to both problem A and problem B. If you're looking for additional glasses for your passive 3D TV, pretty much any pair of circular polarized specs will work. We like the fit of LG's newest versions (model AG-F310, $8 list) best among the 2012 passive glasses we've tried.
The good: The Xpand X104 YOUniversal 3D glasses are compatible with most 3D TVs made in the last few years, including 2011 and 2012 models that use Bluetooth if you add an optional RF dongle. Pairing them with your TV is fairly straightforward; when using Bluetooth they don't require line-of-sight. The battery is rechargeable, accessories are ample, and build quality is solid.
The bad: Xpand's glasses are somewhat expensive with the dongle. They're a bit heavier than compeditors and the fit isn't as comfortable as some.
The bottom line: For the narrow niche of users who need active 3D glasses that work with most 3D TVs regardless of brand, the Xpand YOUniversals are great. For everyone else, they're overkill.
October 31, 2012 10:28 PM PDT
Photo by: Sarah Tew/CNET
