When format wars happen, consumers always lose, right? Well maybe not. With the major TV makers now taking sides in the active vs. passive 3D TV debate, consumers now have a choice in which type of 3D TV they can buy. If you choose a Sony, Samsung or Panasonic 3D TV, you can enjoy a full resolution 1080p 3D image, but you need expensive active 3D glasses to watch 3D content. Choose a VIZIO or LG instead, and you can get a passive 3D TV which uses cheap 3D glasses like those in 3D movie theaters, albeit at the expense of picture detail.
Well Samsung wants to remove one of the barriers of entry for customers who want that full HD 1080p 3D TV experience - they're cutting the price of their active 3D glasses by over 60% and throwing in two free pairs with every 3D TV purchase. Starting April 24, the manufacturer says that all Samsung 3D TVs will be bundled with two pairs of 3D active glasses. That means you won't need to worry about the added expense of 3D glasses; they will be included in the purchase price of your new 3D TV.
Of course, sometimes two pairs still isn't enough. Larger households won't need to take turns or break the bank. Beginning May 1, Samsung's 2011 3D active glasses (SSG-3100GB) will be priced under $50. That means that a family of four can all reap the benefits of 3D TV for under $100 - 2 pairs bundled with the TV, 2 additional pairs under $50 each (of course this does not include the price of the 3D TV itself).
Samsung's SSG-3100GB 3D glasses currently retail for $129.99 each so this is a dramatic price reduction. This model boasts up to 70 hours of use from the included replaceable battery.
The above offer does not include customers buying up the D7000 and above 3D LED TVs or the the D6500 and above 3D Plasma TVs. According to Samsung, those consumers will keep receiving the Samsung 3D Starter Kit in a specially priced bundle offer. The latest incarnation of the kit includes two pairs of active 3D glasses, as well as the complete Shrek collection on Blu-ray 3D and a mail-in rebate to get a Blu-ray 3D for Megamind.
"We are excited to make it even more affordable for the entire family to enjoy Samsung's lifelike 3D experience," said John Revie, senior vice president of Home Entertainment, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. "Reaching new audiences with the wonder of Samsung's Full HD 3D is key to driving continued adoption of 3D in the home."
Samsung recently announced its 3D TV plans for 2011. Amongst the 13 new 3D plasmas, the cream of the crop is the D8000 Series. Available in three sizes, each model has a brushed metal bezel design and Samsung's unique Quad Stand. On-screen features include the 3D, a 1080p image, Local Contrast Enhancer (LCE) and Cinema Black, built-in Skype, and built-in Wi-Fi. All three models also come with a remote that packs in a full QWERTY keyboard.
All D8000 sizes also include Smart Hub, a new interactive platform that allows viewers to search across TV, apps, and other connected content; a web browser; video recommendations based on a viewer's history; and more. Check out all three of the D8000 models on Amazon:
On the LED side, there are seven new 3D models. The least expensive of that lot is the D6400 Series. Aside from ONE Design small bezel, each model has Samsung's proprietary 3D peak algorithm, which boasts peak brightness by 20 percent and reduced power consumption by 15 percent. All three also have 1080p images, Smart Hub and 120Hz technology. Find out more about all three models:
Where to Buy:
