You shouldn't discount 3D TV just yet. Retailers and manufacturers, however; well, that's another story. They're discounting the heck out of it, mostly with value-added bundles that will allow you to take full advantage of your new 3D TV.
If you know where to look, you can find a slew of package deals and discounts, to entice you into transforming plain old TV watching into a 3D home theater experience. There are quite a few manufacturers out there still offering freebies as part of a 3D TV purchase. We scoured the web for some of the best current 3D bundles (as of late June 2011).
Just remember: Deals come and go very quickly, and usually have an expiration date. If you see something you like, you'd better snag it before the offer is gone!
LG
If you have been looking at an LG 3D TV, you might want to act quickly on it. Amazon is currently offering two pairs of 3D glasses with select LG PZ750 Plasma Series 3D TVs. However, this deal is only good through July 2, 2011.
Choose between a 50- or 60-inch model in this series. Both have THX 3D certification, as well as Smart TV features. This is LG's enhanced offering, which offers all of those same web goodies as NetCast, but with additional services. There's also a new way to access that content, via the Magic Motion Remote. Other features on both TVs include a full 1080p image (in both 2D and 3D modes, thanks to active shutter 3D glasses), luscious deep levels, LG's TruSlim frame, 2D-to-3D conversion, and DLNA support. Find out more about both PZ750 models, as well as the freebies, on Amazon:
Panasonic
Panasonic is still pimping out Avatar, which the manufacturer has a tight hold on through February 2012 with exclusive rights to the Blu-ray 3D version of the film until then. If you want to get one now, however, you'd better act quickly. Amazon is offering a free Avatar Ultimate 3D Starter Kit with one of 10 select Panasonic plasma 3D TVs. However, this bundle ends this week, on June 25, 2011.
That kit includes two pairs of rechargeable 3D glasses, cases for each pair, a USB charger, and of course, the Avatar Blu-ray 3D disc. Since it has an MSRP of $399.95, this is definitely a nice little freebie.
The TVs aren't too shabby, either -- but you'll need to buy at least one of those. All 10 of the 3D TVs eligible for this offer are plasmas, ranging from 42 to 65 inches. One of those is the TC-P50ST30 50-inch 1080p Plasma. Our own Ian White loved this model so much, we gave it a 2011 BIGGIE award. Besides offering a lot of bang for the buck, he said, "The TC-P50ST30 50-inch 1080p 3D HDTV is a heretic of the highest order." Read his full review of the Panasonic TC-P50ST30 3D HDTV or check it out on Amazon's TC-P50ST30 product page.
Of course, there are plenty of other 3D TVs to choose from. If you want a peek at the other models being offered, as well as the details of this package deal, check out Amazon:
Samsung
Samsung is currently offering the biggest bundle, giving away both the BD-D5500 Blu-ray 3D Player and the Megamind 3D Starter Kit with the purchase of select Samsung 3D TVs. Besides playing Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray and standard-def DVD discs, the BD-D5500 also has Samsung's Smart TV service built right into the unit. This is Samsung's newest web platform, providing instant, on-screen access to services such as Netflix, Hulu, Pandora, Facebook, Twitter and plenty of other options, via the company's growing app store.
The Starter Kit is also a nice perk, since it includes two pairs of SSG-3100GB active 3D glasses, as well as an instant 3D movie collection. The box has the first three Shrek movies on Blu-ray 3D, as well as mail-in coupons for Shrek Forever After and Megamind, both on Blu-ray 3D disc.
A total of 13 different 3D TVs are eligible for this offer, in sizes ranging from 46 to 60 inches. It's good to have options, but you'd better not think about it for too long. This offer is only good through August 6, 2011, or while supplies last. Check out all of the models, as well as the details of this offer, on Amazon's main product page:
OneCall is also offering the Megamind Starter Kit with select LED 3D TVs. However, a few of the seven models being offered have separate freebies. For instance, buy the Samsung UN46D8000 46-inch 1080p 3D Ready LED HDTV, and your list of freebies includes the Megamind kit, Sony's STR-DN1010 3D Ready Home Theater Receiver, and the WireLogic Wall Mount Kit. The Samsung UN46D7900 46-inch 1080p 3D Ready LED HDTV comes with a free kit, as well as Samsung's SH100 Black Digital Camera and a free Monster HDTV Accessory Kit. Take a peek at all seven models and pick your poison:
Toshiba
Amazon wants to outfit Toshiba 3D TV owners with glasses for the whole family -- assuming your family isn't larger than four people. From now through June 30, 2011, just buy Toshiba's 46WX800U LED 3D TV, and you'll get four pairs of active shutter 3D glasses for free. The 3D TV has a 1080p image (in 2D and 3D mode), built-in Wi-Fi, Net TV services, and four HDMI inputs.
Our own Greg Robinson checked out the 55-incher from the same line saying, "Its slim profile, elegant trim, and invisible speakers combine to give this TV supermodel good looks." Read his full review of the Toshiba 55WX800U 3D LED LCD HDTV or check out the 46-incher as well as Amazon's offer:
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