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Leading-edge technology nearly always carries a hefty price tag, and 3D TVs are no exception. A set with this capability can easily run well over $1,000 -- and most of the time that doesn’t even include the glasses. That said, these top picks from Cheapism.com can satisfy early adopters as economically as possible.
- The Samsung PND8000 (starting at $1,250 for a 51-inch) also comes in more expensive 59- and 64-inch models with the same technology and feature set. This plasma series earns praise in online reviews for its crisp, clear 3D display and minimal “crosstalk,” where an image intended for one eye appears in front of the other. (Where to buy)
- The Sony Bravia KDL NX720 (starting at $1,080 for a 46-inch) is available in pricier 55- and 60-inch models as well. Experts and users aren’t effusive about this LED TV’s 3D performance but positively rave about the 2D picture -- something to consider, given that most of what you watch won’t be in 3D. (Where to buy)
- The LG Infinia LW5600 (starting at $1,000 for a 47-inch) also comes in a 55-inch model and includes four pairs of 3D glasses. Experts admire the LED screen’s ability to render bright, accurate colors in both 2D and 3D. (Where to buy)
- The Panasonic Viera TC-PST30 (starting at $1,200 for a 42-inch) is available in myriad other screen sizes: 46, 50, 55, 60, and 65 inches. The plasma display delivers solid performance. (Where to buy)
Plasma screens are a favorite of expert reviewers and generally offer excellent picture quality in both 2D and 3D, with very deep black levels. Low-cost LED TVs use light-emitting diodes around the edges of an LCD screen to improve black levels and color accuracy. Like other TVs with liquid crystal displays, these 3D TVs are best viewed straight on, rather than at an angle. To figure out how big a screen to buy, CNET suggests measuring the distance from your seating area to the designated spot for your TV and dividing by 1.5. For instance, if you sit 7 feet (84 inches) from your TV, look for at least a 56-inch screen.
Most of our picks use “active” 3D technology, which requires battery-powered 3D glasses that are typically sold separately for as much as $150 a pair. (Note that active 3D glasses work with only the corresponding brand of 3D TV.) The LG Infinia is a “passive” 3D TV that comes with four pairs of the not-so-heavy-duty glasses distributed at movie theaters. Viewers find that passive 3D generally delivers a more comfortable but less immersive experience.
All the 3D TVs on our list come with multiple HDMI ports for connecting Blu-ray players, video game consoles, and other devices. Component and composite inputs accommodate older DVD players and VCRs. PC, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and USB connectivity are also available.
A 3D Blu-ray player is perhaps your most reliable source of 3D content, which is still scarce on television. The good news is that 3D TVs boast some of the best 2D image quality you can buy.
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Get back to me when its $250 and my current flat screen breaks...
Boycott Sony!!!! Their American HR has a policy of not hiring the Unemployed, i.e. 'Unemployed need not appy.' When their US head of HR was questioned about this he said, 'they must have done something wrong if they were layed off or lost their job.' Empathy is nowhere to be seen, aptly, it again proves that psychopaths are prevelant in higher level management and disturbingly more the rule than exception amongst CEO's, and these statistics are reported at a rate 4 times higher then the general population.
Boycott Sony!!
To figure out how big a screen to buy, CNET suggests measuring the distance from your seating area to the designated spot for your TV and dividing by 1.5. For instance, if you sit 7 feet (84 inches) from your TV, look for at least a 56-inch screen.
That's absurd. I sit about 7 feet away from my 32" LCD TV that has a killer sound system that blows my friends away when they come over to watch DVD concert videos. You should put as much money (probably more) into your sound system than you should into your TV. Give me my system any day over a 56" TV with an average sound system and my system will blow the other one away. Sound is just as important as visuals...
speakers may have advanced but they are greatly limited in what they can do by the thickness of the set. if you really want good sound you can get the set you like for the price point you want. then for around $150 you can get a sound bar system with a separate wireless subwoofer and you have the whole package if sound is really important to you. remember though bass travels through walls and if you crank it up well be considerate of those not in the room with you if that is an issue.
last fall we got the samsung ps51d550 plasma 3d set with two pair of glasses and a fifty dollar gift card from best buy for just $899. it wasn't on sale the only thing special about it was that all tv sets above a certain price got the gift card. it is a very good set, did have one issue updating the firmware recently but after a quick call to samsung they sent out a usb thumb drive and a few days later the picture was as good as sets cost twice the money. sad but one thing i have found of late when this site shows so called bargains is that they really don't make much if any effort. for all i know they wait until a retailer or manufacturer contacts them then simply writes up that product without ever once looking for something better or less expensive. that said you can have a very good 51" 3d set with two sets of glasses and energy star rated for under $900. word of advice though stay away from off brand names as they have been notorious over the past two years for having issues as soon as the warranty expires. they obviously have cut costs too much and the end result is, well you more often than not get what you pay for with the non-name brands. fyi didn't know this but sony gets all their lcd screens from sharp. so if you see a sharp set and it cost less than a comparable sony, get the sharp as it is the same under the hood so to speak.
PS51D550 Plasma 3D TV
And just what the F#@*%#K am I going to do with a 3D tv?? Give me a good quality 2D tv with HD and thats all i need. Quit forcing this @!$%# on the consumers. I don't even go to 3D movies, it's a waste of money..... only good for gaming...
It's still a hefty chunk of money, especially when you can't justify getting rid of your LCD which works great...
I thought 3d TV sales were dragging - as they should be. I've put on the glasses at the store - I don't like it and will never buy it. HD is all that is needed - and 2d is fine for film and/or TV. How much money will be wasted before what the public is telling the manufacturers will be heard and heeded? We don't want 3D TV. Hell, we don't even want 3D movies regularly.
We bought a 3dtv at Christmas. We love it and look forward to seeing more content available.