The Top Four 3D TV’s Out Right Now
3D TVs are the next big thing in home entertainment. If you are interested in purchasing this fancy new technology check out these on offer now.
SONY BRAVIA
KDL46HX800LCD
(46-inch)
Price: $3499
Included 3D glasses: None. 3D
transmitter $69
Extra 3D glasses: $99 a pair
Rating: ****
SONY’S HX800 TV is one of its best 2D televisions thanks to its new Bravia Engine 3 processor that promises improved contrast, colour and clarity. It delivers, too, though black levels let down the picture quality.
The HX800’s ability to handle fast motion is impressive when watching sport, usually an LCD stumbling block, because it uses Sony’s 200Hz MotionFlow to keep the picture smooth and virtually judder-free.
A word of warning: the glasses are bulky.
LG
47LX9500 (47-inch)
Price: $4099
Included 3D glasses: Two pairs
Extra 3D glasses: $99 a pair
Rating: *** 1/2
LG’S panel is impressive right out of its box thanks to its svelte proportions and edge-to-edge glass screen. Onboard the full HD TV is TruMotion 400Hz to smooth out the picture, and Picture Wizard II to optimise the colour and brightness on the fly.
In 3D mode the picture depth is outstanding and immersive, while sharpness and clarity is consistent even with fast motion on the screen.
But the biggest disappointment in 2D and 3D modes is the easily noticeable picture grain that is more obvious in darker colours.
SAMSUNG
LED7000 (46-inch)
Price: $3699
Included 3D glasses: Two pairs
Extra 3D glasses: $99 per pair (battery rechargeable), $129 per pair (USB rechargeable)
Rating: ****
SAMSUNG’S first 3D panel is a head-turner with a slim design, LED-backlit LCD screen and on-screen internet widgets.
Viewing 2D TV on the Samsung Series 7 is a pleasure thanks to full HD resolution, rich and accurate colour reproduction and plasma-like black levels.
There is blurring in the background of some 3D sports telecasts, but this could be the fault of the broadcast.
Samsung’s 3D TV is the only model to off er 2D-to-3D conversion.
PANASONIC - OUR PICK
TH-P50VT20A (50-inch)
Price: $3299
Included 3D glasses: One pair
Extra 3D glasses: $199 a pair
Rating: ****
THIS plasma panel might be bulkier and more power-hungry than its LCD rivals, but these concessions are forgiven when the screen comes to life.
Plasma has the advantage over LCD when displaying fast-moving images and natural colours and the latest Panasonic panel continues the trend.
Whether watching sports or movies, the Panasonic plasma delivers in colour and clarity.
The Panasonic off ers comparable costs per square inch to rival 3D TVs, but you only get one pair of glasses with the TV.