Judging by the number of products being lined up by the big TV manufacturers, 2010 will be the year 3D technology in the home goes mainstream. With some innovative 3D enabled products, the likes of Samsung, Sony, LG, Panasonic and Toshiba have invested heavily in a format which they believe consumers are now ready to embrace.

Giving the format the kick start it needs in a year that so many commentators have predicted 3D TV would become mainstream, Panasonic have introduced 50in, 55in and 60in version of the panel destined to replace their current V10 series.

Bucking the 3D TV trend somewhat, Panasonic have employed their considerable plasma expertise to create their new VT25 screens. While other manufacturers are adapting their LCD screens to accept 3D pictures, Panasonic feel that the richer blacks and more stable motion handling ability of plasma make it better suited to 3D.

Offering a lot more power than your average PC, Toshiba's 'CELL' processor takes the core processing platform from the Sony PS3 to create an exciting new development in TV technology.

Utilising 'CELL' technology, the Toshiba ZX900 introduces 'Tri-Vector' 2D to 3D real-time conversion, which employs proprietary software to analyse the 2D frames and predict the depth of field in each frame. Active shutter glasses are used to view the 3D effect which, at a recent demo, proved remarkably effective.

Samsung's flagship 9000 boasts a built-in processor, similar to Toshiba's Cell based TV's, that converts 2D images into 3D. The TV is compatible with multiple 3D standards, including the Blu-ray Disc Association ratified 'Blu-ray 3D' standard as well as half and full HD resolution formats.

The premium range of LED TV's from Samsung, which includes the 7000, 8000, and 9000 series LED TV's will all feature a built-in 3D processor. Their 3D enabled 6900 Blu-ray player will be available alongside the new screens early this year.

Launching this Spring, LG's 3D enabled LD360 TV uses 'passive' 3D technology which is compatible with Sky's new 3D channel. LG plan to introduce the first wave of consumer 3D TV's in conjunction with the launch of Sky's 3D channel this April.

Promising to deliver consecutively projected right eye and left eye images in Full HD resolution, Sony have recently unveiled their flagship 60in LX903 LCD TV with integrated 3D and LED backlighting.

Anyone who gets their hands on this leviathan 60in LCD from Sony will be able to enjoy the 3D experience straight away with a 3D Blu-ray disc or by hooking up Sony's PS3 games console for 3D gaming.

Also from Sony, HX900 and HX700 models will also be 3D enabled. These 46-inch and 52-inch models also feature full HD LED screens, Motionflow 200Hz PRO & Image Blur Reduction.

3D enabled TV's are one thing, but will they be any good and will there be anything to watch? What looks like making the difference in 2010 is a growing infrastructure to support 3D technology in the home. Sky have already begun trials of their new 3D TV channel which will go live in 2010.

A 3D standard has recently been ratified by the Blu-ray association and while this is no guarantee of future compatibility it should give produces the confidence to produce more 3D viewing material.

Early indications suggest that 3D enabled products from the big manufacturers are capable of producing an authentic 3D TV experience. Whether the format takes of remains to be seen, but 2010 will certainly be the year we can enjoy 3D in the home.

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