If you've been holding out, waiting to buy a 3D TV, there is no better time. The holiday shopping season is upon us. Not only does a 3D TV make for an excellent high-tech holiday gift, but there are plenty of great 3D TV deals to be had right now.
We've been hearing a lot about 3D TV since it first launched for home use last year. However, one thing you may not know (maybe two things) is that there are two types of 3D TV technologies to consider. When 3D TV first launched, we only had the choice of active 3D TV. Now, we have active 3D and passive 3D -- and yes, both are on sale as well.
There are many more active 3D selections to be had right now. This technology is top of the line stuff, promising a full 1080p HD image to each eye. Active 3D TVs also need active 3D glasses. Of course, you have to make sure that the glasses match your manufacturer. Right now, you can't use Panasonic's glasses with a Samsung 3D TV, and so on. Active 3D glasses are typically more expensive than passive 3D glasses, as well as more bulky.
On the note, we have passive 3D. This technology is actually new for 2011. Thankfully, all Blu-ray 3D players and 3D-capable set-top boxes do work with both technologies. However, how these two work could not be more different. Instead of using the bulky battery-powered active shutter glasses, passive 3D TVs use light, inexpensive polarized 3D glasses to create the 3D image. This viewing experience is very similar to the one you may have experienced in 3D movie theaters. In fact, consider bringing those passive 3D glasses with you the next time you venture out to a 3D movie. They work there, too! Overall, these new glasses do make for a more comfortable viewing experience. However, at present, passive 3D actually splits the resolution to each eye -- so it's just slightly less cool than the active 3D viewing experience.
Of course for some, active versus passive 3D may not be all that noticeable. It's important to weigh what features are most important to you -- and of course, what prices are most important to you. Now that you are armed with a little bit of knowledge, let's take a peek at our Top 5 3DTV and 3D TV Bundle Deals for Cyber Monday.
Samsung 720p D490 Series 3D Plasma HDTV with 4 Pairs of Glasses
If you're going to buy a 3D TV, you're probably going to want to use it right away. This little Best Buy bundle makes that very possible. For a limited time, when you buy one of Samsung's D490 Series HDTVs, the retailer will throw in four pairs of compatible 3D glasses for free. How awesome is that?
Choose between Samsung's 51-inch PN51D490 720p 3D plasma ($599.99) and the 43-inch PN43D490 ($499.99). Both of these are active 3D TV models, and include a 1360 x 768 resolution as well the option to upconvert 2D content to an eye-popping 3D image. Fun stuff!
Other features include the 600Hz subfield motion technology, ConnectShare Movie, SRSTheaterSound, and Samsung's stylish Plasma Plus One Design. Also, if you're thinking about adding on a Blu-ray 3D player or other 3D-capable box, both sets come packing three HDMI ports.
Samsung PN59D8000 59-inch 1080p 3D-capable Plasma HDTV
Considered to be one of the best looking 3D TVs available today, this TV did very well in the annual Value Electronics HDTV shootout. Maybe that's because it's an active 3D TV, which can send that sweet 1080p HD image to each eye. You'll have to add in your own 3D glasses to get the good stuff, though, which also includes a 2D-to-3D conversion feature.
If you're not quite ready to pay for the whole 3D package just yet, this set also includes 600Hz subfield motion technology, four HDMI inputs, and access to unlimited web-based entertainment through Samsung's Smart TV platform.
Panasonic 55-inch TC-P55VT30 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV
This is one of the best 3D TVs we've seen so far -- and it has the accolades from the annual Value Electronics HDTV shootout to back that up. It also has a pair of 3D glasses inside the box, so you can get that 1080p 3D experience right out of the box. Another standout perk for this set is that it comes packing THX 3D certification, as well as a 2D-to-3D conversion feature.
Other highlights include the Infinite Black Pro 2 panel, the 600Hz sub-field drive, four HDMI inputs, and tons of web-based goodies via the VIERA Connect feature.
This is a deal that you should definitely jump on -- and quickly. The set is only on sale through Saturday, December 3, 2011, or whenever the retailer runs out of stock.
LG 55-inch 1080p Cinema 3D TV with Blu-ray 3D Player and 4 Pairs of Glasses
This is the only passive 3D setup in our top five. That means that the 3D glasses used with this TV are lighter and more comfortable to wear. They're also 100-percent free! As an added bonus, this package also includes a Blu-ray 3D player. It's an instant 3D home theater, for one low price.
As far as the actual 3D TV, the 55LW5300 boasts a flicker-free performance with wider viewing angles and the 2D-to-3D conversion feature. If you want more in-depth info about this set, check out our Quick Take Review: LG LW5300 Series 3D LED HDTV. Better do that quickly, though! This package won't last forever at this price.
Sony 55-inch KDL-55HX820 1080p 3D LED HDTV
Last, but certainly not least is this deal on Sony's 55-inch KDL-55HX820 1080p 3D TV. This is an active 3D TV, with the full 1080p image for both 2D and 3D images. Other features on this set include the Dynamic Edge LED Backlight, Sony's X-Reality PRO engine, and MotionFlow XR 480 technology. Another nifty feature is BRAVIA Internet Video, which features on-demand access to Qriocity, Netflix, Hulu Plus, Pandora, and much. Good stuff all around! It also offers up plenty of connection options, via four HDMI inputs and two USB ports.
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