3D Playback on HTPC - What's needed? (1 Viewer)

First off let me say I have no personal interest in 3D video. I can't see in 3D so I have not paid any attention to it. However, I've just replaced my TV with a 3D unit and the kids are WAY excited to try it out.


I don't have a 3D BluRay player, and apparently I need to subscribe to a 3D service with my cable company (need to check out if that costs extra). I'm not interested in spending money on upgrading these items. In addition to my vision problem, my wife gets motion sick easily so she won't be watching 3D either!


So that leaves the HTPC for viewing content. What is needed to accomplish this?


My general questions:


- I am running Windows 7, and use a GeForce 8800 GTS video card. Nivida's page for this card states it supports 3D, and the driver software has 3D config options, but I'm a little confused. It looks like I might need a "GeForce 3D Vision Ready display" but am unsure if my 3D TV would qualify. Is anyone familiar with what's needed here?


- Does 3D only travel over HDMI? My card has two DVI connectors. I currently have a DVI to HDMI cable to connect it to my receiver. My receiver is not 3D ready. I realize I would need to run a cable directly to the TV, but can I use my existing card or would I need to get a card with an HDMI port?


- In addition to the above, and unrelated to HTPC, my cable box only has component or DVI video output. Would either of these carry the 3D signal?


- I do not have a BluRay drive in my PC. I've read that all BluRay drives are 3D ready, or can be with the correct firmware. Is this correct? This would be a 'down the road' purchase, provided I can get 3D working to begin with.


- Is special software required for 3D playback? If I downloaded a 3D trailer could I just use VLC to play it back or is a special codec or application required?


That's all I can think of for now!

I had a little time to play around. I discovered a wealth of free on demand content from my cable provider so I was able to test the 3D and confirmed you don't need HDMI to transmit 3D. It was my impression you needed 1.4 HDMI cable but perhaps that's only for BluRay 3D. Plus there was a load of 3D demo content accessible through the TVs internet connection. I still need to work on the HTPC side of it.


This raises questions re 3D Blu Ray but I'll post that in the proper forum.