It seems like 3D hasn't really taken the world by storm like we were expecting -- or at least how manufacturers were expecting. Not to worry; 3D TV is alive, well, and plentiful in 2012.
For 2012, 3D has become almost like a standard feature. When you look at all of the new models, there are probably more 3D TVs this year than non-3D TVs. That's actually very good news, though. Since it's spreading out to more models, 3D no longer carries the premium that it used to, making the purchase a no-brainer.
After all, even if you don't want to use the 3D features right away, you don't have to. All 3D TVs can be viewed in standard 2D mode, and thanks to the advancements made to plasma, LED/LCD and DLP technology, most 3D TVs make excellent 2D TVs. When it comes down to it, 3D is a nice option to have, especially if it's not going to cost you extra.
Now, we need to concentrate on what kind of 3D TV to buy. Besides choosing a manufacturer, a picture technology and a screen size, you'll need to know whether you want an active 3D TV or one that uses passive 3D technology.
All About Active 3D
Active 3D technology made its debut with 3D TV back in 2010. Currently, it's still the reigning technology, with more manufacturers opting to produce active 3D TVs over passive models. Passive is certainly growing in popularity with consumers, however. That's probably because the glasses are lighter and less expensive. However, passive 3D doesn't currently deliver the same stunning viewing experience that active 3D can do, because passive 3D TVs cut picture resolution in half in 3D mode as half of the screen is dedicated to the right eye image and half to the left eye.
Active 3D, which uses alternate frame sequencing technology and active (battery-powered) 3D glasses, can deliver a full high definition 1080p image to each eye -- no sharing is necessary.
What You Need
To enjoy active 3D technology, you're going to need compatible 3D glasses. And unless you're satisfied with dynamically upconverted 3D content (which is mostly unimpressive), you're also going to need a 3D source, which could include a 3D-capable set-top box, a Blu-ray 3D player, or something like the D-Link Boxee Box. Occasionally, you'll find a 3D TV packaged with glasses, Blu-ray 3D movies, and even a free Blu-ray 3D player. For the most part, though, active 3D TVs require those goodies to be a separate purchase.
Companies such as Panasonic, Samsung, and Sony, still offer some type of 3D Starter Kit. This usually includes two pairs of active 3D glasses and Blu-ray 3D titles that are exclusive to the respective manufacturer. At press time, we found Panasonic had two separate kits available. One includes 3D versions of Coraline and Ice Age, with the other packing in Avatar (which is still a Panasonic exclusive!). Sony has a kit with Alice in Wonderland, another with The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and one more with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Parts 1 and 2 and a voucher for the first two Harry Potter films. The Samsung kit with How to Train Your Dragon can still be found, but the company also offers a kit with all three Shrek movies (and a mail-in coupon for the fourth), as well as another Shrek kit will an additional coupon for Megamind.
If you have a Sony 3D TV, you'll want to buy the Sony kit, and so on. It's likely that you could save a few bucks on movies by buying a different manufacturer's kit. However, it's important to remember that Panasonic glasses still don't work with Sony 3D TVs and vice versa. At this time, TV manufacturers aren't making universal glasses, although that's said to be in the works. A few other companies do provide aftermarket universal glasses, but make sure to double-check that they are compatible with your TV before making that purchase.
While active 3D still requires a few bits and pieces to get a full 3D home theater up an running, keep in mind that 3D TVs also make excellent 2D TVs. In fact, you'll probably do more 2D viewing than 3D -- even though almost every manufacturer does offer some type of 2D-to-3D conversion feature.
If you think that's a lot to master, wait until you see the bevy of active 3D TVs being offered this year. For a little more info on the difference between active and passive 3D, check out Passive 3D vs. Active 3D: The Format War of 2011? If you think you're ready to pick out that shiny purchase, read on to see what models and features manufacturers are offering in the active 3D category for 2012.
LG
This year's top LG active 3D model is the PM9700 Series. Available in 50-inch (MSRP: $1699.99) and 60-inch (MSRP: $2399.99) sizes, this line features a full 1080p HD image in both 2D and 3D. It also has THX 3D certification, TruBlack Filter, four HDMI inputs and two USB ports. Another nifty perk for this model is that it also comes with LG's 3-mode Magic Remote, which includes Wheel, Magic Gesture and Pointing control.
Since this is a top model, it's not surprising that the PM9700 also includes plenty of web-based goodies through LG's Smart TV platform. This on-screen option includes direct access to Netflix, Hulu Plus, VUDU, YouTube, Facebook, and much more. Other features include the Home Dashboard interface, Intel Wireless Display (WiDi) certification and Smart Share.
Next up is the PM6900 Series, which has a lot of the same features as the PM9700. The big difference here is that the two models in the PM6900 line have PenTouch technology, so users can write directly on the display -- using a special pen, of course.
The PM6700 Series drops the THX certification and makes the Magic Remote just an option (sold separately). The 50-inch 50PM6700 (MSRP: $1199.99) and 60-inch 60PM6700 (MSRP: $1799.99) models in this line do have a full 1080p image, built-in WiFi and the Smart TV features. LG also says this one is easy to setup, thanks to Picture Wizard II, four HDMI inputs and two USB inputs.
Last in LG's active 3D line for 2012 are two models in the PM4700 Series. With the 42-inch 42PM4700 (MSRP: $699.99) and the 50-inch 50PM4700 (MSRP: $899.99), this line offers an inexpensive way to add 3D into your setup, with a 720p image, Smart TV and the option to add the Magic Remote (sold separately). It also has three HDMI inputs, two USB ports, and WiFi support via the included adapter.
Mitsubishi
The company is still using the "checkerboard" 3D format on its active 3D TVs. However, this year, all of the new models will either include an external 3D emitter or have one built into the set. This is needed to decode the format.
Mitsubishi's top 3D model this year is the 842 Series. This will include the company's flagship 92-inch class DLP Home Cinema TV (MSRP: $5999), which features a Clear Contrast Screen and built-in 16-speaker immersive sound technology (IST). The 842 line will also include a 73-inch model (MSRP: $2199) and an 82-incher ($3599). All three have built-in 3D Bluetooth emitters, Bluetooth A2DP audio streaming, ISFccc advanced video adjustments, PerfectColor and PerfectTint technologies, and four HDMI inputs.
Right under that is the 742 Series, which includes a 73-inch model (MSRP: $1799), an 82-incher (MSRP: $3099), and a 92-inch set (MSRP: $4999). All three have a built-in 3D IR emitter, WiFi support via an add-on adapter, and the option to add iOS control. Each one also has Mitsubishi's StreamTV platform, which features HD and 3D content and slew of apps through VUDU. The 92-inch set also adds in the Clear Contrast Screen.
The 642 Series has a 73-inch model (MSRP: $1599) and an 82-incher (MSRP: $2599). Both models come with an external 3D emitter, advanced video calibration features, and three HDMI inputs.
The final 3D model for Mitsubishi's 2012 lineup is a 75-inch LaserVue TV. This one has is packed with features, including a laser-light engine, the Clear Contrast Screen, RS-232C over IP control, 3D depth control, Smooth120 Film Motion technology, ISFccc advanced video adjustments, a 12-bit video processor, and more.
Panasonic
Full HD 3D Plasma HDTVs:
Panasonic's VT50 Series is at the top, in more ways than one. The winner of this year's Value Electronics HDTV Shootout will come in 55-inch (MSRP: $2499.99) and 65-inch (MSRP: $3699.99) sizes, with a full 1080p HD image and THX 3D certification. This model also has the new 2500 Focused Field Drive, for fast motion reproduction with excellent clarity.
Other VT50 features include Panny's Glass and Metal design concept, the advanced Infinite Black Ultra Panel, ISFccc calibration, built-in WiFi and the improved 8-train speaker system. This one will also have Panasonic's VIERA Connect platform, which provides on-screen access to web-based content like Netflix, Hulu Plus, Facebook, and plenty of other apps. To help navigate through all of those goodies, each VT50 comes with a snazzy new remote, known as the VIERA Touch Pad Controller.
The GT50 Series has the 50-inch TC-P50GT50 (MSRP: $1799.99), the 55-inch TC-P55GT50 (MSRP: $2099.99), the 60-inch TC-P60GT50 ($2599.99), and the 65-inch TC-P65GT50 (MSRP: $3299.99). All four models are similar to the VT50 series, but GT50 models have the Infinite Black Pro screen filter. Also, this line doesn't come with the Touch Pad controller.
The ST50 Series doesn't have THX or a super-cool new controller. However, all four models do feature a full 1080p image, the Infinite Black Pro filter, built-in WiFi with VIERA Connect, three HDMI inputs and two USB ports. Look for this line to include the 50-inch TC-P50ST50 (MSRP: $1399.99), the 55-inch TC-P55ST50 (MSRP: $1699.99), the 60-inch TC-P60ST50 (MSRP: $2099.99), and the 65-inch TC-P65ST50 (MSRP: $2999.99).
The four models in the UT50 Series differ from what's listed above because each of these sets don't have built-in WiFi, the Pro Settings or the 3D Real Sound with the 8-train speaker system. Most importantly, however, there's no Infinite Black Pro or Ultra filters like what's featured in the upper models. Instead, these 3D TVs have a 1080p image, two HDMI ports and two USB ports. The 2012 UT50 models include the 42-inch TC-P42UT50 (MSRP: $799.99), the 50-inch TC-P50UT50 (MSRP: $1099.99), the 55-inch TC-P55UT50 (MSRP: $1399.99), and the 60-inch TC-P60UT50 (MSRP: $1799).
Wrapping up Panasonic's 3D plasma line is the XT50 Series This features the 42-inch TC-P42XT50 (MSRP: $649.99) and the 50-inch TC-P50XT50 (MSRP: $799.99). Both models have a 720p image, two HDMI inputs and two USB ports.
3D Capable LED HDTVs:
As far as active 3D LEDs, Panasonic will have two lines this year. The top of the heap is the WT50 Series. Featuring the 47-inch TC-L47WT50 (MSRP: $2299.99) and the 55-inch TC-L55WT50 (MSRP: $2999.99), this line uses new Bluetooth 3D glasses and has Panasonic's new advanced LED IPS (In Plane Switching) panels, for better black levels and off-axis viewing. It also has the 2D-to-3D conversion, 3D real sound with eight train speakers, VIERA Connect with built-in WiFi, four HDMI inputs and three USB ports. This is also the only Panasonic LED model to get the Touch Pad Controller.
Finally, the two models in the DT50 Series have the IPS panel, built-in WiFi, and the VIERA Connect features. This one is pretty much the same as the WT50 Series, without the touchpad remote. The two DT50 models include the 47-inch TC-L47DT50 (MSRP: $1899.99) and the 55-inch TC-L55DT50 (MSRP: $2499.99).
Samsung
Full HD 3D Plasma HDTVs:
Taking Samsung's top plasma spot for 2012 is the 8000 Series. This model has a 1.5-inch profile and Samsung's Plasma +1 ultra-slim bezel design, as well as the Real Black Pro Panel and a dual-core processor.
It also features Samsung's Smart TV platform, with on-screen perks such as Netflix, Hulu Plus, YouTube, Skype, Pandora, and other apps. However, this model also adds in Smart Interaction features, meaning that users will have access to a built-in camera and a microphone for voice control, gesture controls, face recognition and use of the Smart View Mobile App.
Look for the 51-inch PN51E8000 (MSRP: $2199.99), the 60-inch PN60E8000 ($3079.99), and the 64-inch PN64E8000 ($3949.99). All three have built-in WiFi, three HDMI inputs and three USB ports. Each set also comes packing two pairs of active 3D glasses. If that's still not enough, know that the company has dropped the price on its active 3D glasses to about $20 per pair.
The 7000 Series drops the Smart Interaction features and the slim design. However, the 51-inch PN51E7000 (MSRP: $1649.99), the 60-inch PN60E7000 (MSRP: $2529.99) and the 64-inch PN64E7000 (MSRP: $3399.99) all have a full 1080p HD image, Smart TV, built-in WiFi, and the two pairs of free 3D glasses.
The two models in the 6500 Series aren't much different from what's listed above. The 51-inch PN51E6500 (MSRP: $1519.99) and the 60-inch PN60E6500 (MSRP: $2199.99) each have a 1080p image, the Real Black Pro Panel, Smart TV, built-in WiFi, three HDMI inputs and two USB ports. Also, don't worry about waiting on that 3D; this model also comes packing two pairs of 3D glasses.
The last of Samsung's 3D plasmas comes in the form of the 550 Series. All three models have a 1080p image, built-in WiFi and Smart TV, three HDMI ports and two USB ports. Like the other 3D plasmas, Samsung is selling this one bundled with two pairs of 3D glasses. The 550 Series includes the 51-inch PN51E550 (MSRP: $1199.99), the 60-inch PN60E550 (MSRP: $1919.99) and the 64-inch PN64E550 (MSRP: $2529.99).
3D Capable LED HDTVs:
Samsung starts the 3D LED line with the ES8000 Series. Besides a full 1080p HD image, these models have a dual-core processor and Samsung's Micro Dimming Ultimate technology, which can analyze the picture in hundreds of segments to produce the best LED backlight and video signal in real time.
The ES8000 also has all of the Smart Interaction goodies, such as gesture control, voice navigation and face recognition. Additional features include built-in WiFi, Smart TV with Signature Services, and a Smart Touch Remote. Finally, the ES8000 Series doubles the number of free 3D glasses to four pairs with each purchase.
Models in the ES8000 Series include the 46-inch UN46ES8000 (MSRP: $2999.99), the 55-inch UN55ES8000 (MSRP: $3799.99), the 60-inch UN60ES8000 (MSRP: $4399.99) and the 65-inch UN65ES8000 (MSRP: $5099.99).
The UNES7500 Series is very close to what's listed above. However, these four models use Micro Dimming Pro technology. It's not as awesome as the Micro Dimming Ultimate, but it's still pretty darn good. UNES7500 models include the 46-inch UN46ES7500 (MSRP: $2599.99), the 50-inch UN50ES7500 (MSRP: $2929.99), the 55-inch UN55ES7500 (MSRP: $3379.99) and the 60-inch UN60ES7500 (MSRP: $3999.99).
The ES7100 Series doesn't have Smart Interaction or the Smart Touch Remote, and the LED features drop to "standard" micro dimming. However, this model does include 1080p and four pairs of 3D glasses in the box. The four ES7100 models include the 46-inch UN46ES7100 (MSRP: $2399.99), the 50-inch UN50ES7100 (MSRP: $2729.99), the 55-inch UN55ES7100 (MSRP: $3149.99) and the 60-inch (MSRP: $3799.99).
The ES6600 Series drops the number of included 3D glasses down to two pairs. It also has a 1080p image, Samsung's Smart TV platform and Signature Services, built-in WiFi, three HDMI inputs and three USB ports. The three models in the series include the 46-inch UN46ES6600 (MSRP: $1929.99), the 55-inch UN55ES6600 (MSRP: $2719.99) and the 60-inch UN60ES6600 (MSRP: $3379.99).
Last of the Samsung lot -- and the largest -- is the ES6500 Series. Each of the seven models in this series has a 1080p picture, LED edge backlight, and two pairs of 3D glasses. The built-in WiFi provides access to Samsung's Smart TV and Signature Services features. Users can also add in other devices via the three HDMI inputs and three USB ports. Look for the smallest Samsung 3D TV in this line, the 32-inch UN32ES6500 (MSRP: $999.99). Other ES6500 sizes include the 40-inch UN40ES6500 (MSRP: $1499.99), the 46-inch UN46ES6500 (MSRP: $1729.99), the 50-inch UN50ES6500 (MSRP: $2079.99), the 55-inch UN55ES6500 (MSRP: $2519.99), the 60-inch UN60ES6500 (MSRP: $3179.99) and the 65-inch UN65ES6500 (MSRP: $3899.99).
Sharp
That 60-inch LC-60LE847U (MSRP: $3199.99) is part of the AQUOS Quattron 8 Series 3D LED TV Series. Other models include the 70-inch LC-70LE847U (MSRP: $4199.99) and the 80-inch LC-80LE844U (MSRP: $6499.99). All three have a 1080p image, Quattron Quad Pixel Plus II technology a 240Hz refresh rate and four HDMI inputs. Each one also has built-in WiFi, which helps when accessing entertainment from Sharp's web-based SmartCentral platform. Also, know that the 80-inch model has full array LED, with the other two being edge-lit LED models.
Both of the screen sizes in the AQUOS 7 Series 3D LED TV line have edge-lit LED, a 1080p image and a 120Hz refresh rate. Other features include built-in WiFi and the SmartCentral platform, as well as four HDMI inputs. This series includes the 60-inch LC-60LE745U (MSRP: $2699.99) and the 70-inch LC-70LE745U (MSRP: $3599.99)
Sony
The BRAVIA HX850 Series includes the 46-inch KDL-46HX850 (MSRP: $2099.99) and the 55-inch KDL-55HX850 (MSRP: $2599.99). Both models have a 1080p image and dynamic edge LED backlight with local dimming. Other features include the X-Reality PRO engine with 3D Super Resolution, Motionflow XR 960 technology, a frameless Monolithic design, and built-in WiFi.
Sony's other new 3D line for 2012 is the BRAVIA HX750 Series. Each of these models has a 1080p resolution, dynamic edge LED backlight with frame dimming, the X-Reality engine, and Motionflow XR 480 technology. Also, built-in WiFi should get you connected to the web features very quickly. The two HX750 models include the 46-inch KDL-46HX750 (MSRP: $1599.99) and the 55-inch KDL-55HX750 (MSRP: $2099.99).
Sony's 2012 selection wraps up with a little something from, well... 2011. The XBR-HX929 Series proved to be so successful for Sony, they are picking it up for another year. Sizes include the 46-inch XBR-46HX929 (MSRP: $2999.99), the 55-inch XBR-55HX929 (MSRP: $3499.99) and the 65-inch XBR-65HX929 (MSRP: $5499.99). All four models have 1080p, Sony's Intelligent Peak LED backlight, MotionFlow XR 960 and the Monolithic Design. Other features include the X-Reality PRO Engine video processor, built-in Wi-Fi, Skype support, a rear IR-input and a two-way RS232c connection.
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