Shop Smart: 3-D TVs good but should get cheaper
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There's been a lot of hype surrounding the launch of 3-D TV, but is the new technology worth buying right away? Consumer Reports recently tested several new sets in its labs -- the first hands-on evaluation outside the manufacturers' facilities -- and found that the sets live up to their advance billing, but that the average consumer shouldn't rush out to buy one.
The results of CR's tests of two Samsung LCD sets and a Panasonic plasma TV with 3-D capability are impressive. The 3-D images had excellent depth, color and high-definition details, creating a compelling 3-D picture as good as you might have seen at a movie theater.
However, for consumers who are satisfied with their current HDTV and aren't burning to have the latest technology, CR recommends waiting to buy. The price of 3-D TVs and Blu-ray players is likely to drop, and there should be more 3-D content to watch in time.
CR evaluated two 46-inch Samsung LCD sets with edge LED backlighting, the UN46C7000, $2,600; and the UN46C8000, $2,800. And it evaluated the 50-inch Panasonic TC-P50VT20 plasma set, $2,500.
The sets were connected to each company's new 3-D Blu-ray player, the Samsung BD-C6900 and Panasonic DMP-BDT300, each $400. Both Blu-ray players worked on all of the sets, but the glasses are brand-specific, and don't work with other TVs. CR testers watched the same Blu-ray 3-D disc on all three TVs.
All three sets delivered eye-catching three-dimensional effects in full 1080p resolution. They also provided an acceptably bright picture, important because 3-D glasses can make images appear dimmer. The Samsung LCD TVs displayed subtle ghosting of 3-D images to varying degrees in different scenes. Such ghosting, technically called "crosstalk," indicates that the images for each eye aren't being kept completely separate, as they should be. The ghosting was distracting when visible and it detracted from the 3-D effect. Also, when testers tilted their heads, as if lying on the couch, the picture dimmed a bit on both Samsungs.
First Published August 22, 2010 12:00 am
