Star of the year in the high-tech department, the 3D TV will land in the coming days in France . Samsung, then Panasonic, LG, Sony and Philips will offer their first models in the major retailers by June. Back, in five questions and answers, on the salon 3D.
3D TV for when?
The first consumer 3D TVs are marketed in France this week. It is Samsung that opens the ball with LED, LCD and plasma screens covering formats from 40 to 65 inches. Next, in late April / early May, Panasonic (only plasma models), LG, Philips, then Sony in June.
... and at what price?
At entry level, Samsung markets 3D screens at 1,500 euros . The same call price at LG, but the brand offers for this price a 3D display associated with polarizing glasses, a technology of lower quality. It usually takes between 2,000 and 2,500 euros for a 3D LED screen with a format between 42 and 47 inches (between 102 and 120 cm). At the top of the range, some 55-inch (140 cm) screens are charged 5,500 euros . Finally, at Philips, 3D will be accessible separately via the purchase of an upgrade package (250 euros) for the 3D Ready screens of the LED series 8000 and 9000.
Which glasses to see in 3D?
In addition to a dedicated TV, 3D playback requires active glasses (with infrared emitter). Manufacturers usually deliver one or two pairs with the device, but buying an extra pair can be expensive (around 100 euros a pair). Note that the pairs of glasses sold by a manufacturer only work with the television of the same brand . Finally, passive (polarizing) glasses, which cost less than 20 euros a pair, only work with a few models of entry-level LG brand.
What material to read 3D?
The 3D Blu-ray player is required to play 3D content stored on a disc (movie, documentary, concert, etc.). The prices of 3D turntables for sale range from 299 euros (LG) to 599 euros (Panasonic). Sony's PlayStation 3 video game consoles will benefit from an upgrade by the end of the year to also act as 3D DVD players and embossed games. Finally, LG offers, for the most technophile, a 3D projector with 10.000 euros delivered with six pairs of glasses.
3D TV with what content?
At the launch of the first 3D televisions in France, the offer of content will be quite limited. One of the few movies already available in 3D DVD ( Monsters v Aliens ) will be offered exclusively by Samsung . Other films will follow, but gradually. On the TV side, Orange subscribers will be able to watch the tournament of Roland Garros, on the other hand, the World Cup football should not be broadcast in 3D in France . Sony, a partner of FIFA for this event, will however offer a 3D DVD of the best moments of the competition.
