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3D Blu-ray Players and TVs Are Go for Launch (Update: and Receivers!)
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Posted March 11, 2010 02:45 PM by Juan Calonge
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 The major consumer electronic manufacturers are unleashing 3D hardware upon the populace as we speak. Panasonic (in an exclusive alliance with Best Buy) and Samsung are first out of the gate, with displays and Blu-ray players available now. LG is launching in May, Sony in June (in Japan and then the US) and Vizio in August.
DisplaySearch expects 9 million 3D TVs to be sold globally in 2012, a drop in the bucket of TV sales, of about 200 million sets worldwide.
Panasonic
Panasonic and Best Buy today continued their commitment to bringing 3D technology into American homes with the world's first consumer purchase and retail availability of Panasonic's Full HD 3D home entertainment system certified under the new BDA 3D standard, sold exclusively at select Best Buy stores via Magnolia Home Theater.
Panasonic's Full HD 3D technology delivers a full 1080p-resolution image to each eye, using active-shutter glasses.
"Television has successfully moved from black and white, to color, to High Definition. But immersive, totally realistic 3D imagery has been the final frontier and beginning today, Panasonic has conquered that as well," said Bob Perry, Senior Vice President, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "Best Buy has been a proactive and important partner in bringing 3D into the living rooms of America and we are happy to share this milestone with them."
"The demand for 3D technology in the home is just beginning for consumers," said Michael Vitelli, President, Americas, Best Buy, "and Best Buy is uniquely positioned to bring this experience to life for our customers through our Blue Shirts and Geek Squad Agents. We are thrilled to partner with Panasonic as it allows us to be the first retailer to offer this complete 3D home theater solution and underscores our promise to always deliver on the latest and greatest technology."
Beginning today, Panasonic's Full HD 3D Home Theater System will be exclusively available at select Best Buy Stores via Magnolia Home Theater. The total combined SRP of the Panasonic Full HD 3D Plasma Home Theater System components is $2899.99. The system consists of a 50-inch class Panasonic VIERA VT20 Plasma 3D HDTV (TC-P50VT20 – SRP $2,499.95) which includes one pair of Panasonic 3D Active Shutter Lens Eyewear (TY-EW3D10U), and the Panasonic BDT300 3D Blu-ray Disc Player (DMP-BDT300 – SRP 399.95). Additional pairs of 3D eyewear will be available with an SRP of $149.95. The individual components of the system will also be sold separately.
The VT20 is a Best Buy exclusive model and is equivalent to the VT25 series that was voted "Best of Show" at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The BDT300 is also a Best Buy exclusive model and is equivalent to the BDT350 which received the Innovations Award at CES for its innovative 3D technology.
In addition to the 50-inch class size, the Panasonic Full HD 3D Home Theater System will also be available in a 54-inch class, 58" class and 65" class; screen sizes with suggested retail pricing and availability to be announced at a later date.
To create the best possible 3D picture, Panasonic has developed new, faster screen phosphors; coupled with its 600Hz sub-field drive, the new displays output alternating imagery at 60 frames per second to each eye. The brain then combines the images and interprets them as 3D.
3D has invigorated the theater experience and it will be the same for the living room," said Mary Daily, Executive Vice President, Marketing, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. "Panasonic has announced amazing new products today and along with Best Buy's commitment to the format, 3D will become a game changer for the home entertainment industry. We are thrilled to have Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs as our debut title in the Blu-ray 3D format. The Ice Age franchise has grossed nearly $2 billion in worldwide box office and sold more than 75 million units in home entertainment. Blu-ray offers the premiere high definition viewing experience for the home, and Blu-ray 3D uses the advanced quality to bring the movie theater 3D experience to your home."
To bring the excitement of Full HD 3D and Panasonic's range of home entertainment solutions to consumers, Panasonic will launch a 15-city, Panasonic Touch The Future nationwide tour next week. The tour will kick off in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles beginning March 15 and then visit Philadelphia, Boston, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Miami, San Francisco, Phoenix, Seattle, Detroit, Minneapolis, Dallas and Houston in March and April.
Samsung
Samsung unveiled a promotional program where everyone who purchases a 2010 Samsung 3D TV and 3D Blu-ray Player or Home Theater System will receive a 3D starter kit that includes two pairs of Samsung 3D active glasses and a first time, feature-length 3D Blu-ray version of DreamWorks Animation's 2009 release, Monsters vs. Aliens (exclusive to Samsung products). Additionally, during the second half of 2010, the most successful animated film franchise of all time — DreamWorks Animation's Shrek film series — will be available in 3D Blu-ray for Samsung home solutions.
The entry level 46-inch 3D model, the LN46C750, is coming in May for $1,700. The Samsung 3D TV lineup includes the LED 7000/8000/9000 Series, LCD 750 Series, and the Plasma 7000/8000 Series. Available this month are the 3D capable 46" and 55" LED C7000, with the remaining 3D TVs rolling out over the next several months. Samsung is combining the Samsung BD-C6900 3D Blu-ray player or the Samsung HT-C6930W 3D Blu-ray integrated home theater system, 3D active glasses and a movie in Blu-ray 3D.
This year's premium LED TV models, the C7000, C8000 and C9000, feature Samsung's Real240Hz refresh rate technology and Samsung's proprietary built-in 3D processor that is compatible with major 3D format standards. The LED TVs come with Internet@TV connectivity which includes the world's first HDTV app store, Samsung Apps, allowing users to download and view applications on their TV screens. The 3D LED TVs all exceed the EnergyStar 4.0 guidelines.
Samsung's in-store display plan is also key to exposing consumers to the technology and educating them on the value of 3D. Samsung's internal research shows that while awareness of 3D technology is high, less than a third of consumers have had any experience with it. For this reason, Samsung is strengthening marketing activities in an effort to make it easier for consumers to experience 3D. In 2010, consumers can expect to experience this immersive experience in more than 5,000 stores across the nation. Displays will start being deployed later in the month.
For the list of models and pricing, see Engadget.
Sony
Sony 3D TVs to be launched in Japan in June and in the US at a later date. A 46-inch 3D screen will cost around 350,000 yen ($3,900), about 50% more than a regular Sony Bravia. Two pairs of active-shutter 3D glasses will be bundled, along with a camera sensor capable of adjusting the picture according to seating position. Additional glasses will cost 12,000 yen a pair.
The corporation target is selling 2.5 million 3D television sets in nine months.
Update: on Friday, Onkyo announced its line of HDMI v1.4, 3D-Ready A/V receivers and home theater systems that will ship in March and April.
Onkyo
The new models consist of three A/V receivers and three HTiB systems ranging in price from $299 to $599, and all of them support the new HDMI 1.4 connectivity standard for new 3D video displays and Audio Return Channel capabilities.
All these new receivers and HTiBs now decode lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio bitstreams, and include new 192-kHz/24-bit Burr-Brown PCM1690 DAC's that are highly resistant to clock jitter and provide a remarkable 113-dB dynamic range. The lineup includes Onkyo's new easy-to-setup overlaid onscreen graphical display that lets the user watch the program in the background while using the function menus.
Additionally, all 2010 HDMI v1.4 models include a new feature call HDMI Thru. HDMI Thru allows content to pass through to the TV when the receiver is in a standby state.
The new TX-SR608 7.2-channel THX-Select2 Plus certified receiver has new power amplifier section that uses three-stage inverted Darlington output topology, and a power boost from 90 to 100 watts. Audyssey DSX dimensional sound processing has been added to its predecessor's Dolby PLIIz capabilities. Additionally, all video sources, including those using the new PC input, and regardless of source resolution, can be upscaled to 1080p via HDMI and Faroudja DCDi Cinema™. The TX-SR608 will also include a front HDMI input, a feature first introduced by Onkyo in 2009. The TX-SR608 will be available in April at an MSRP of $599.
The 5.1-channel TX-SR308 and 7.1-channel TX-SR508 round out this initial announcement of A/V Receivers from Onkyo. The TX-SR308 will be available in March with an MSRP of $299, followed by the TX-SR508 in April for $399.
The HTiB package systems, which each consist of a receiver, speakers and a subwoofer, are the 5.1-channel HT-S3300 and 7.1-channel HT-S5300; the latter also includes an iPod dock. All of these receivers and systems are also capable of decoding lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. The HT-S3300 will ship in March with an MSRP of $379, followed by the HT-S5300 in April for $599.
A third packaged system departs from the traditional HTiB form factor and uses a combination subwoofer and 3D Ready A/V receiver plus two front speakers. It uses Onkyo's own Theater-Dimensional processor to create surround effect through just 2.1 channels. The HTX-22HDX has three HDMI v1.4 inputs, handles HD audio formats from DTS and Dolby; offers four distinct audio modes for gaming; and outputs for additional speakers. The HTX-22HDX will ship in May with a $349 MSRP.
"Onkyo's 2010 entry-level product line represents a significant jump over last year's line," said Paul Wasek, Onkyo USA's marketing manager. "We are excited to deliver this first wave of 3D capable products. By upgrading to 1.4, even on the least expensive HTiB, we have eliminated all HDMI pass-through products and allowed HD audio formats to be used across the line. The fact that consumers can now buy a THX-Certified receiver with 1080p upscaling, Burr-Brown DACs, PC input and more for under $600 shows Onkyo's clear commitment to delivering performance and value to consumers."
Two models include Sirius Radio connections, and all these receivers incorporate Onkyo's proprietary Universal Port (U-Port) connector which simplifies connections to optional HD Radio tuners and iPod Docks (included with the HT-S5300).
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Source: Blu-ray.com |
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Relevant for:
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jpacente
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Mar 10, 2010
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This is not good news; Samsung loves to jump on the band wagon when new products are released. After they release a new product they show it absolutely no support. Their firmware updates are slow and stop altogether after one year. They have done nothing but hinder the reputation of Blu-ray players. |
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RadThad
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Mar 10, 2010
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I just can't see this 3D stuff selling that many units at all. People are still in the process of upgrading to LCD's and Blu-ray players and now you expect them to run back out and buy 3D equipment? Especially considering the inconvenience of needing the glasses for ALL viewers and the very limited availability of viewing programs. No thanks. |
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photograph17
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Mar 10, 2010
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I agreed RadThad...they're pushing this stuff way too quick on the public. I just got my bly ray player last year and my HDTV two years ago, I'm not shelling out more money for this stuff. |
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Dragonii
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Mar 10, 2010
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Same here. I just spent $2500 upgrading both of our TV's to LCDs and then made the move to Blu Ray within the past year. My Blu Ray player sucks and I am reluctant to upgrade it due to the cost and what I have forked out already.
I sure as hell am not ready to drop another 2 grand to upgrade after only a year.
Maybe when the new TV goes out I'll do it, but if the new LCD is anything like the old CRT that it replaced that should be about 8 years. |
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Dragonii
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Mar 10, 2010
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Oh yeah, and I forgot about the fact that you need to buy $150 dollar glasses to go with it. I had three friends come over the night before last to watch a movie, those three plus myself and my fiance... $750 for glasses... forget it!
And that is not a once in a blue moon thing, we have a couple that we are friends with that we have over once a week for a movie night. So I would have to have at least four pair.
Don't even get me started on the idea of replacing my 400+ collection of DVD's and BD. As it is I refuse to upgrade the DVD's to Blu Ray. I just buy the new ones on Blu Ray and rely on the upconversion to bring my DVD's to a level somewhere in-between. I'm not made of money... isn't that what my parents used to say all the time? Guess they were right. |
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Cap Nord
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Mar 10, 2010
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Whoop - De - Friggety Doo! |
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ShawnE94SL
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Mar 10, 2010
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I am glad to hear I'm not the only one not excited about this at all. I could really care less about 3D and there is no way I am spending more money on new equipment. I just bought a new Receiver and TV to keep up with Blu-Ray. I will stick with what I have. |
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Blu-Dog
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Mar 10, 2010
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You don't have to replace your movies, as the 3-D equipment is backwards compatible. It will play DVD's and 2-D Blu's, no problem.
The thing is, the glasses are expensive. Samsung's glasses can only be used with Samsung equipment. Other manufacturers have not announced if their glasses will be proprietary - and this is a huge issue, since the lowest announced price for glasses is $150, going up to $250, in some cases. They are also not bundled with all sets - some TV's come with one pair, some with two, some with none.
The glasses come either as rechargeables, with a roughly two hour battery life (advertised as "holding a charge long enough to watch the average movie"), and replaceable throwaway batteries with a much longer life.
Most early content will be cartoons. From my own demo, it's clear that 3-D is best seen on the largest screen possible. Not cheap... |
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wallendo
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Mar 10, 2010
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People in the market for a new TV will probably be willing to pay a little extra for 3D compatibility. I don't know, however, how many people will replace their current monitors just to get 3D compatibility - I don't think it will be a large number (outside of blu-ray.com members, that is). |
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Russell_L
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Mar 10, 2010
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I'd like to know how they are demonstrating these new players and TVs in stores. I guess they're using special 3D Blu-rays? I suppose I can just go over to BB and find out! It's WAY. WAY too early to spring this upon the public, though, especially since many people have already just bought a new flat-screen TV and (maybe) a Blu-ray player. Now the manufacturers want us to spend MORE money for a technology where there's NO software available currently? |
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Stiny-Ray2
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Mar 10, 2010
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Dragonii
Couldn't put it any better myself...i was a early adopter when i brought that Monster of a CRT HD set. Where are those now? I am going to pick up a nice 720p Flat panel set at Sears or Bestbuy, i have waited long enough for the upgrade. I personally think this 3D genure is going to be a tough sell in the HT business...$150 dollar glasses are you kidding me? It will be cheaper to go to the movies. |
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repete66211
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Mar 10, 2010
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This is all happening way too fast. What happens if the electronics companies, desiring to make up for poor sales, dump a bunch of R&D money into a new technology that doesn't sell? Answer: They're worse off than they were before. Maybe this will catch on in the next 5 years or so, but as of today I have 0% interest in seeing 3D at home. I just could NOT care less. |
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Rainman208
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Mar 10, 2010
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Sorry, I still say gimmick. |
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truckdaddy
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Mar 10, 2010
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The only reason they're doing it so fast is to ride the avatar wave. Its all a gimmick that's going to die really fast for the reasons everyone has stated. |
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liquidice
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Mar 10, 2010
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only thing exciting I read from all of this is that maybe regular plasmas, LCD's, and LED's will maybe drop in price with 3D becoming more available throughout this year. I wouldn't mind getting another great plasma for another room, and avoid this 3D thing for another 2-4 years. |
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ZoetMB
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Mar 10, 2010
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As always, sales will be to "early adopters" and "late adopters" - those who bought their flat screens five years ago and are looking to upgrade and people who are ready to move their living room flat screen to the bedroom or den and get a new flat screen for the living or screening room -or- to people who have waited and haven't upgraded to a flat screen yet. Also to people for whom cost doesn't matter - they just want the latest thing. In spite of the economy, there's still a lot of those people (see: esoteric cables, people who build $200K screening rooms, etc.)
There's also an indirect sales effect: getting people excited about 3D brings them into the showroom, where in the end, they might not purchase a 3D TV, but might purchase something else or perhaps a 3D "ready" TV - one which doesn't come with glasses or emitter, which are available separately (like the forthcoming Sony XBR-HX series). And prices will drop substantially after a year or two. I think by Christmas 2011, you'll see deals with free extra glasses, etc. Assuming 3D is successful, I think the incremental cost for 3D by the end of 2012 will be no more than $200.
What will drive 3D (IMO) will be sports and porn. The cable networks are putting together some new 3D channels: I believe Discovery is doing one and ESPN is doing a sports channel. And you bet the porn industry will be pushing Blu-ray 3D porn. This might the thing the porn & erotica industries need to get people away from free websites. Family men will use the excuse to buy 3D "for the kids", but they'll really want it for the porn.
For me personally, I don't care about 3D at home. For the number of films per year in 3D that I would care to watch, it's much cheaper (and a better experience) to see them in a theatre. But having said that, it seems to me that the average consumer would be much more excited by 3D than stereo or multichannel sound. If one doesn't think they need 3D, why would they think they need 5.1 (or more) audio? Which would add more to the experience: extra audio channels (height or wide fronts or rear surrounds) or 3D? I think most would have to agree that it's 3D. And the advantage of 3D is that it doesn't require any more space wheras extra audio channels do. |
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mredman
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Mar 10, 2010
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I don't see this taking off at all. So say the family has 4 glasses. What happens when guests come over ant they also want to watch with their friends. Those guests can participate in the viewing because they don't have any glasses. Are they gonna say "sorry only have 4 glasses you can't watch with us. So go home"
This 3D thing is not thought out very well at all |
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DeyoreW
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Mar 10, 2010
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Honestly, I think their efforts and push towards 3D technology is sad. It would be nice for them to spend the time and resources perfecting the flawed LCD technology. How about wider viewing areas and more importantly deeper blacks. A ten year old 20" crt tv is capable of deeper blacks than most of today's LCD's. I have a 2-3 year old W Series Sony LCD panel and it leaves a lot to be desired in picture quality. My next tv will definitely be a plasma. I don't care about efficiency, I want a perfect picture at a modest cost. And it would only be a 3D one if it comes to no significant cost upgrade to get one. |
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DeyoreW
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Mar 10, 2010
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On the other hand, I have a feeling the video game industry will incorporate 3D technology big time soon. |
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