Anyone Buy a 3D LED TV Yet?

[Canelek]

I've been looking around casually for good pricing on the relatively new LED TV's. So now, the 3D 240HZ models are rolling out... pretty neat idea. Stereoscopic filming/viewing is certainly not a new thing, but it seems the tech has matured enough for reasonable consumer viability. That, and it has been a popular technique the last few years in filming (re: Harry Potter, Avatar, various animated movies, etc.).

I'll not likely get in on the first wave, as prices are likely to go down based upon popularity, competition, blah blah... I am curious though.

Will the standards change? Is the PS3 still a viable player for the new BD features, or was their "future-proofing" inadequate?

I'd hate to spend an extra grand or so for a gimmick when the LED TVs look pretty rad as is... I'm still happy with my Samsung 42" Plasma @ 720p.

[Winnow]

Anyone that buys a 3D TV has lost all rights to make fun of iPad purchases!

[Canelek]

Just looking at them. Will likely not buy unless there is a real benefit.

As for iPads....well, I'd rather have something hanging on my wall to watch movies than doddle around town with a fancy etch-a-sketch.

[Winnow]

One thing that seems worth it for sure is getting a back lit LED LCD TV. They are clearly superior. Back lit LCDs will last longer (not really that much of an issue) and are move vibrant.

My 27" iMac 2560 x 1440 screen is LED based and looks incredible. I've been watching Pacific on that screen in 1080i. So nice. I've also compared old style florescent LCDS to LED screens in stores and it's very easy to pick the LEDs without knowing which is which beforehand.

[Canelek]

Yup. I have heard good things about the new backlighting. Plus, color saturation should be much better. I am wondering if their blacks will be as good as plasma though. Blooming should be reduced as well.

And so thin!

[Canelek]

I think what it will come down to is if the new LED/Plasma/LCD TVs are superior to their 120Hz counterparts. Not for the possible gimmick of this 3D craze, but for tangible benefits in gaming, HD content, and Blu Ray viewing.

[Spang]

Fuck 3-D movies.

[Canelek]

Thinking further on this, I wonder if my 2009 STR-DA5400ES high-end Sony receiver will have some sort of firmware update. I'm doubting it.

No way in hell am I replacing that beautiful thing.

So anyway, after research, here are pros-cons as I see them:

PROS: Latest LED tech, pretty well done stereoscopic imaging, price point for TV not much higher than LED sets. Will likely drop in price soon as other companies jump on board. Agreed-upon codec.

CONS: 3K+ for 55" TV (LED prices dropping, however), need for 3D glasses @ 150/pair, need new Blu Ray player unless you have PS3, need new home theater receiver unless updates available. New consumer tech--usually bad idea buying first-gen of anything. No cable programming to support yet, very limited Blu Ray titles.


Verdict: If you really like the new 3D movies, wait until next years models come out, assuming this 3D trend is not just a fad. Otherwise, enjoy the dropping prices on 120Hz LED LCD HDTVs, not to mention the ever-sexy plasma models.


I am looking at the Samsung 55" LED (non-3D) once the price shifts down a bit further or I find a swinging deal.

[Boogahz]

http://news.cnet.com/8301-30686_3-20001672-266.html

decent article about the state of things as they are now

[Aslanna]

3D TV is a bigger fad than the Wii. Pass!

[Canelek]

Indeed passing on the 3D TV. However, I am very stoked that this is driving down prices of other HDTVs. Hopefully, the fad/trend will continue so we will see LED Tvs drop to awesomeface prices!