[aptalca]

for half 3D, the only thing that's important on the player's side is the refresh rate.

That is because the player doesn't even need to know if it's outputting 3D or not. As far as the player is concerned, it is a regular 1080p or 720p stream.

The display on the other hand, has to be able to convert the sbs or tab frame into a 3D sequential mode to display it properly. Now the only tricky part is, not all 3D displays will accept all 3D formats at all resolution and frame rates.

For instance, most 3D projectors will process over-under (or tab) at 1080p24 and 720p60, and sbs at 1080i60 or 720p60. If you try to feed 1080p60, the display simply won't accept it and the 3D option will be greyed out. If you try to output sbs at 1080p24, it will treat it as tab and it won't be displayed properly. If you display tab or sbs at 720p60, it will force you to select tab or sbs, you get the idea. (Now, on your tv, things may be different)

"Adjust display refresh rate to match video" is an option in xbmc settings and it allows you to output at 24p (as long as the video is encoded in 24p)

So if you're trying to display 3d-TAB, just check that option so you output 1080p24, and on your display, you *might* also have to select top-and-bottom or over-under in 3D settings