Most electronics upgrades mean that a consumer has to lay out a significant sum of money for perhaps only an incremental improvement.

That’s not the case however with Optoma‘s new 3D-XL converter box.

According to Optoma, the device is designed to allow owners of 120Hz, 720p DLP projectors to play 1080p 3D Blu-ray discs without any issues.

Optoma says the product works by downconverting the HDMI 1.4a signal from a 1080p 3D Blu-ray player to a HDMI 1.3 signal level that a 720p projector can handle. The company adds this conversion provides legacy equipment owners with an affordable upgrade path to get involved with the 3D format. “The 3D-XL is an important product for the market right now,” says Jon Grodem, senior director of product and marketing, Optoma Technology.

“It gives a large installed base a way to embrace 3D life without having to make a new, expensive investment.”

The unit features two HDMI 1.4 inputs, one USB port and a RS-232 serial port. Optoma also backs the converter with a one-year warranty, and it says the 3D-XL works with the HDTV, EDTV, SDTV, NTSC, PAL and SECAM video formats.

Optoma estimates the 2.4-pound converter will start shipping later this year at an approximate price of $399.

Robert Archer - Senior Editor, CE Pro

Bob is a dedicated audiophile who has been writing about A/V for Electronic House sister publication CE Pro since 2000.