 | Plasma 3-D TV: $800-$5,000+ |
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 | LCD-LED 3-D TV: $900-$6,000 |
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| A 3-D television has a special chip that converts the video signal into alternating frames and images that are then transmitted to 3-D glasses. Like normal and regular 2-D flat panel television sets, 3-D televisions also come in either LCD-LED or plasma viewing technology. In general, plasma sets offer better black contrast levels, viewing angles and are less expensive for the same size than their LCD-LED counterparts. LCD-LED panels present better brightness levels and are better suited for large screen 3-D TV monitors for computing and gaming. | | |
| Typical costs: | - A plasma 3-D television typically costs about $800 for a 42" screen to $5,000 or more for a 65" screen. Panasonic, for example, has plasma 3-D television models ranging from the 42" Viera TC-P42GT25 for $950 -$1,700 to the 65" Viera TC-P65VT25 for about $7,000. Samsung has plasma 3-D television sets ranging from $1,100 for the 50" PN50C490B3D to $3,500 for the 63" PN63C7000YF.
- An LCD-LED 3-D television typically costs about $900 for a 32" screen size to about $6,000 for screens up to 65". For example, Sony's Bravia Series 3-D HDTV models come in screen sizes of 32-60" and cost from $900 for the 32" Bravia EX720 to $4,500 for the 60" Bravia LX900. Samsung offers LCD-LED models in 40", 46" and 55" screen sizes. The 40" UN40C7000WF costs $1,800 -$2,100; the 46" UN46C7000WF costs about $2,300 -$2,600. The largest in the series, the 55" UN55C7000WF, is available for about $3,000.
What should be included: | - The television sets typically include a tabletop stand, power cord, remote control with batteries and owner's manual.
- The Sony 3-D television sets do not include any 3-D active shutter glasses. Those, along with a transmitter, must be purchased separately. A pair of Sony 3-D glasses costs $150 each.
- The Samsung models all come with two pairs of battery operated 3-D shutter glasses.
- Panasonic includes one pair of 3-D glasses.
Additional costs: | - Depending on the 3-D television set and model, additional 3-D glasses may need to purchased for about $150.
- The 3-D television set may also require an infrared transmitter for the 3-D images as well. For example, the Sony 3-D Sync Transmitter costs $50 and is needed to be used in conjunction with their 3-D television sets.
- 3-D Blu-ray movie discs cost $14 -$50 each. A 3-D Blu-ray player is also necessary to play these discs as well.
- A fully equipped 3-D Home Theater system would cost $2,000 -$4,000 or more.
Discounts: | - Occasionally, "3-D Starter Packages" may also be included as a promotion with the purchase of a 3-D television set. These packages often include additional 3-D glasses and exclusive 3-D Blu-ray movies. For the most part, buying a starter package includes two pairs of 3-D glasses and several movies. In almost all cases, the cost is basically buying two pairs of 3-D glasses and getting the movies for free.
- Samsung's Shrek Starter Kit includes two pairs of 3-D active shutter glasses and all of the Shrek movies in 3-D for $200.
- Panasonic has an Essential Pack Combo that includes 2 pairs of 3-D glasses and the 3-D movies of "Coralline" and "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" for $315. Panasonic also offers the 3-D Ultimate Pack, which includes two pairs of rechargeable 3-D glasses and the 3-D movie "Avatar" for about $360.
- Sony's 3-D Deluxe Starter Kit includes two pairs of 3-D active glasses, the 3-D sync transmitter for their 3-D televisions, a high speed HDMI audio and video cable and a copy of the "Alice in Wonderland" 3-D Blu-ray disc. The cost for this bundle is $400.
Shopping for a 3-d television: | |
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Article updated June 2011 |
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