3D Glasses

You'll likely get one or two sets of glasses with the 3D HDTV you purchase, although some models don't have glasses bundled in, and you'll likely need more pairs if you have friends over. An extra set of glasses runs between $130 and $150, depending on the brand. As a general rule, don't futz around with trying to match different brands of glasses with different brands of TVs. If you have a Panasonic HDTV, get Panasonic glasses. Companies like XpanD also have universal glasses (which aren't entirely universal) in the marketplace for about the same price.

Should you own a 3D-ready HDTV, you'll need a 3D-sync device. Like the glasses, each company sells its own branded device. Expect to spend about $50 on the unit, although most come bundled with glasses.

Watch out for passive 3D glasses being sold in stores. The vast majority of 3D HDTVs require active glasses to function. Passive 3D glasses are currently used inside of movie theaters. Unless you're looking to get a personal set for use at a theater, these won't cut it for home use.