Sans Content, Here Come the 3D TVs
Technology News March 10th, 2010

Samsung on Tuesday introduced its line of 3DTVs at an event in New York. Samsung will offer 3D in LED, conventional fluorescent-backlit LCD, and plasma TV sets. The least expensive Samsung 3D TV is a 46-inch LCD, due out in May for about $1,700.
Samsung's plasma line includes six 3D sets starting with a 50-inch set at about $1,800, up to a 63-inch set at $3,800, all available in May. Meanwhile, Samsung's LED line includes 46-inch and 55-inch 3D versions due this month at $2,600 and $3,200, respectively. There is also a 40-inch priced at about $2,000 due out in May. At the top is a new higher-end line with a 55-inch model for nearly $7,000.
Sony, on the other hand, expects to sell 2.5 million 3DTVs this fiscal year (ending March 2011). Sony anticipates selling 25 million TV sets, with 10 percent of them 3D. That is pretty optimistic when there is still a dearth of 3D content.
Panasonic said it's planning to introduce 3D TVs at Best Buy, starting Wednesday of this week for only $2,500, about half the price they're available for in Japan. Why the favoritism? It's part of a strategy so that Panasonic can hit its target of 1 million 3DTVs (worldwide) sold in 2010.
Manufacturers have better hope the recession is truly over. There are many obstacles to adoption, including the glasses that must be worn to view 3D content. Many simply feel the glasses are too much of a pain.
There's also the fact that this is the first "round" of 3DTVs. There is an old adage that you should never buy the first revision of any product.
Additionally, quite a few consumers just moved up to HDTVs, and would be hard-pressed to justify another purchase for a brand-new technology.
Finally, there is the lack of content. Until June, when ESPN launches ESPN 3-D, there won't be much on TV. That network will showcase at least 85 live sporting events during its first year. That still seems a rather sparse mix, content-wise, if one doesn't need to upgrade their set. ESPN 3-D's first broadcast scheduled to be the first 2010 FIFA World Cup match on June 11th, between South Africa and Mexico.
Tags: 3d Sets, 3d Tv, 3dtv, Backlit Lcd, Best Buy, Dearth, Favoritism, Fiscal Year Ending March, Four Tv, Hdtvs, Inch Lcd, Inch Model, Launch, New Technology, Old Adage, Plasma Tv, Recession, Target, Tv Manufacturers, Year Ending March




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