(August 29, 2010) The start of the football season traditionally marks the beginning of the TV selling season. With the economic slowdown continuing HDTV sales have not been up to set makers’ optimistic projections, resulting in swollen inventories. This is great news for consumers. Dealers are offering dramatic price drops aided by factory sponsored deals to try to get sales back on target.

Looking back at our 2009 selling season article, sale prices this year are 20%-25% lower than last year’s equivalent models, with the 2010s offering better performance (such as higher contrast ratios) and more features.

We have scoured Amazon, Best Buy’s latest circular and other retailers to find the most outstanding deals. We have also provided hot links to Amazon (most include free shipping too). Want to buy locally?  Use these deals to negotiate with your local retailer. To learn the secrets of how to get the best deal from a brick and mortar store, read our “Getting the Best Price” article (link).

LCDs

With the growth of 2010 LED and plasma market share, traditional LCD HDTVs (with CCFL florescent light type backlights) have become the unwanted step-child of flat panel HDTVs. The result, big price drops from TV makers. You should be aware there are only two inherent advantages to LED (LCD) TVs over conventional LCDs (contrary to what some salesman may say). They are a thinner form factor and better power efficiency.  All other factors being equal, there is only one picture quality advantages to LCD available in a number of  high-end models, the ability to shut off the LEDs in regions of the panel called “local dimming”. This feature produces  blacker blacks, though due to the regional nature halos appear around light objects or text with a black background  (disclaimer, many product lines add additional features and better signal processing to their higher priced step-up LED models). HD Guru is all for energy savings, however please note for screen sizes below 40-inches, it can be quite negligible compared to the cost delta for going with the LED model.  Consider a LCD over an LED if you are desiring a flat panel in 40-inch or smaller size especially if you are planning to use the table stand (in lieu of wall mounting). Even if you are going to mount the TV on the wall, do you really care if the TV two or three inches thin rather than an inch and a half when saving hundreds of dollars?

LEDs

Set makers have added lower cost 60Hz models to the mix. As noted above, conventional LCDs  are a better value.

Plasma

Performance is up and prices are down. Plasma HDTV market share has risen as wise consumers realize plasma provides the best big screen picture quality, widest viewing angle and highest motion performance at low cost . Plasma panel makers (Panasonic, Samsung and LG) have aggressively dropped 720p and 1080p prices while increasing energy efficiency. If you are looking for a 42″ or larger HDTV, you should seriously consider plasma. Don’t believe salesman telling you they are old technology or they permanently burn-in. Not true, all LEDs are LCDs and they are the older tech. Burn-in is no longer an issue (and hasn’t been for a few years) thanks to the new, more energy efficient designs.   LEDs and LCD can be cranked to  brighter levels, which may fool you into thinking their higher price yields better image quality. Many stores ambient lighting levels are typically 5 to 10 times higher than most homes. Don’t be fooled. Plasmas are far brighter (3-5x) than the old tube type TV or rear projector you may be replacing.

3D

The big news, prices are dropping and vendors are beginning to offer four pairs of 3D glasses with the purchase of a 3D TV and many are throwing in a 3D capable Blu-ray player. LG just started its free four pairs of glasses promotion (link) and industry sources tell us the other vendors plan similar promotions. Remember 3D capability includes the best 2D performance available today. (BB=Best Buy; JR =J&R)

Make/Model	Size	Was	Now	$ Savings	Store	Amazon Price
Sam/PN42C450	42″	$600	$499.99	$100	BB	$497
Sony/KDL40EX700	40″	$1400	$899.99	$500	BB	$807
LG/55LD520	55″	$1900	$1499.99	$400	BB	$1298
Sam/LN46C550	46″	$1050	$894.99	$155	JR	$816
Pan/TCL37X2	37″	$680	$499.99	180	JR	$490
LG/32LD350	32″	$500	$399.99	$100	BB	$358
Sam/LN46C530	46″	$850	$799.99	$150	BB	$799
Pan/TCP65S2	65″	$2800	$1999.99	$800	BB	$1897
Pan/TCP58S2	58″	$1900	$1299.99	$600	BB	$1226

Packages (packages only available from “Store”) Amazon price for TV only (except LG 3D TVs)

Make/Model	Size	Was	Now	$ Savings	Store	Amazon Price
Pan/TCP50S2*	50″	$1550	$999.98	$550	BB	$899
Pan/TCP42S2**	42″	$1150	$799.98	$350	BB	$678
LG/47LE5400***	47″	$2360	$1399.95	$960	BB	$1133
LG/55LE5400****	55″	$3160	$1999.95	$1160	BB	$1124
Sam/LN46C670*****	46″	$1500	$999.99	$500	BB	$1050 (LN46C650)
LG/47LX6500	47″	$3820	$1748	$2071	Amazon	$1748.98

Buy the 47LX6500 3D LED TV and get LG 3D capable BX580 Blu-ray player  and four pair of LG S100 3D Glasses free (offer good through Sept.11, 2010)

Make/Model	Size	Was	Now	$ Savings	Store	Amazon Price
LG/55LX6500	55″	$4720	$2019.00	$2701	Amazon	$2019

Buy the 55LX6500 3D LED TV and get LG 3D capable BX580 Blu-ray player  and four pair of LG S100 3D Glasses free (offer good through Sept.11, 2010)

Make/Model	Size	Was	Now	$ Savings	Store	Amazon Price
Pan/TCP42G25	42″	$1370	$919.99	$450	JR	$869

Buy the TCPG25 and get the Panasonic TY-CC10W 720p Skype Video Camera free.

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(August 5, 2010) Do movies shot on film look like videotape on your LCD HDTV? Does it bother you? If so, you’re not alone. That problem tops the email complaints we get from readers and it comes exclusively from those owning 120Hz or 240Hz LCD or LED LCD HDTVs. It never comes from plasma owners.

The visible reduction of film grain and other film-based irregularities that should be present in the picture is often referred to as the Soap Opera Effect (or SOE) because the increase of the frame refresh rate from the 24 Hz to the rate of the display (120 or 240Hz) appears like a videotaped soap opera. While viewers don’t see the problem when watching sports or other live or taped broadcasts (which are shot at either a 30 or 60 Hz frame rate), they are rightly troubled when movies look like video, though not everyone is bothered by it.

A number of solutions provide a fix for some but not for all LCD/LED TVs suffering from SOE  What follows are the SOE “whys” and the fixes currently available as well as news of a possible total solution coming to 2011 models.

The Cause

HD Guru began testing HDTV motion blur in 2007 using a test disc from the Plasma Display Coalition that moves a resolution chart horizontally at a fixed rate of roughly 6.5 pixels per frame. 60 Hz LCDs have very poor motion performance, with a reduction from 1080 lines resolution per picture height (static) to around 300 lines with motion. The TV manufactures followed up with the introduction of 120 Hz LCD (and LED) flat panels and later adding 240 Hz models. The 120 Hz models raised the motion resolution to around 600 lines and the 240 Hz models kicked it to the 900 and up (depending on the model tested), however both types introduced the Soap Opera Effect when viewing 24 frame per second content which includes all film based motion pictures. To achieve 120Hz or 240Hz instead of the standard 60Hz rate requires a circuit called Motion Estimation/ Motion Compensation (ME/MC), which creates interpolated frames between the real frames. The interpolated frames have the artificial appearance that imparts the video look of a soap opera. You can turn off the interpolation on a number of displays, which will change processing to repeating the frame 5 times (in the case of 120 Hz displays) however, degradation remains visible on a many 120 and 240hz displays. According to a MC/ME chip maker this is due to the circuit altering the image even when it is not inserting interpolated frames.

Solutions

Currently the only consistent method to eliminate the effect on LCD and LED HDTV is to bypass the 120Hz or 240 Hz MC/ME circuits thereby forcing an TV from utilizing frame interpolation. This is accomplished on Samsungs or Sonys (we have not had a chance to check other makes and models) by engaging the “Game” picture mode. If you notice the Soap Opera Effect with film based content on your LCD or LED TV (and almost everyone does) you will see the difference in the “Game” mode. Of course motion blur and judder (jerky motion during horizontal pans) will appear without interpolation (or frame repeat), so choose the artifact you prefer. For Blu-ray movies, be sure set the output of your disc player to 1080p/60 to assure 3:2 film conversion occurs. Frame repeat is a better method, although as stated above, many sets continue to create SOE artifacts in this mode too.

Plasma HDTVs have inherently high motion resolution without the SOE. This is due to the way they create a high definition image. Plasmas create moving images by a stream of short bursts of light (at least 600 times per second) instead of a “sample and hold” technique employed in all LED and LCD HDTVs. The result, 900 lines to full 1080 lines of motion resolution (meaning no blur) while maintaining the look of film. If you want film-like image on your flat panel without motion blur, buy a plasma (top end Samsung C590 series, C8000 series, C6500 series, C7000 series and Panasonic models now offer 4X frame repeat to eliminate 3:2 judder as well). Plasma HDTV pricing is at an all time low while sales are at record highs and overall performance is better than ever.

A 2011 Solution

We spoke to a representative of Integrated Device Technology (IDT) the owner’s of Silicon Optix HQV processing technology (obtained when they purchased the company a few years ago). IDT is introducing new MC/ME frame conversion chips. It claims their chips allow LCD and LED TV makers to use 120 Hz or 240 Hz in their respective displays without the dreaded SOE and other artifacts. They have promised us a demo in September at the CEDIA Expo and we will look and report with hopeful but as always skeptical eyes. Here’s the relevant section of IDTs recent press release.

“Integrated Device Technology, Inc. a leading provider of essential mixed signal semiconductor solutions that enrich the digital media experience, today announced the industry’s first motion-compensated frame rate conversion processors with an integrated resolution-enhancement engine for use in 120Hz and 240Hz televisions and high-definition video projectors. The new IDT VHD1200 and VHD2400 devices feature the industry-leading IDT HQV™ MotionSMART™ technology, which provides smooth motion and full-detail images while minimizing side effects seen with competitive solutions.

The new IDT frame-rate conversion processors are also 3-D capable, providing smooth motion with minimal side effects, which is significant for 3-D where varying side effects could be very distracting to the viewer.

“IDT continues to provide its customers with innovative video solutions. These new frame rate converters provide smooth motion and crisp, clear images for today’s HD and 3-D displays,” said Ji Park, vice president and general manager of the Video and Display Operation group at IDT. “The VHD1200 and VHD2400 follow in the footsteps of our other innovative video processing solutions, providing our customers devices that deliver the best picture quality.”

The IDT HQV MotionSMART technology includes per-pixel processing, providing the capability to make intelligent localized decisions in the detection and processing of complex images and motion in video images. The IDT solutions also feature cadence detection, which removes judder from sources with cadence, and a wide detection range to eliminate “flickering” when images move horizontally, vertically or diagonally on the screen.”

An IDT spokesperson says their new ME/MC chips will appear in select 2011 LCD/LED flat panels and front projectors. Stay tuned.

Samsung recently offered a new firmware update they claim shuts off its the ME/MC circuit when its Auto Motion Plus feature is set to the “Off” position. An alternative (according to a Samsung spokesperson) is to set a Samsung 120 or 240 Hz LCD or LED TV to “Clear” mode or to move the “Judder” control to “0″ using the “Custom” mode (post firmware update). You can update your Samsung LCD or LED TV by connecting it to your Internet router. For more on firmware updates read this link.

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(July 29, 2010) Approximately 700,000 Samsung DLP HDTV owners can’t view 3D content either from DirecTV or from cable providers. That’s because Samsung does not offer the special adapter that’s needed to convert 3D cable and satellite signals to the DLP compatible “checkerboard” format.

While Mitsubishi began shipping its 3DC-1000 3DC-A1 “checkerboard” converter this month it is designed for exclusive use with its own brand DLP 3D TVs. (For an explanation go here.) A company called Tru3D now offers an adapter kit that permits using the Mitsubishi 3D-A1 with 16 models of 2007 and 2008 Samsung DLP 3D-capable rear projectors (see the list below).

We spoke with CTO of Tru3D, Tony Welch. His company’s kit consists of the Mitsubishi 3DC-A1 and a box preloaded with a Mitsubishi 3D TV EDID code that “spoofs” the converter into passing a HD 3D signal player to a legacy Samsung 1080p DLP HDTV from either a cable box, a DirecTV box or a Blu-ray player.

The Tru3D adapter kit costs $289.99 plus shipping. It includes the ($100 retail) Mitsubishi 3DC-A1, an EDID “spoofer” with preloaded code and all necessary cables. Compatible glasses (such as XpanD 102) required for viewing 3D are not included.

The 3D TV adapter kit only supports the following Samsung 3D DLP HDTV models:

• Samsung HL-T5076S 50″ 1080P DLP
• Samsung HL-T5087S 50″ 1080P) LED DLP
• Samsung HL-T5089S 50″ 1080P LED DLP
• Samsung HL50A650 50″ 1080P DLP
• Samsung HL-T5676S 56″ 1080P DLP
• Samsung HL-T5687S 56″ 1080P LED DLP
• Samsung HL-T5689S 56″ 1080P LED DLP
• Samsung HL56A650 56″ 1080P DLP
• Samsung HL-T6176S 61″ 1080P DLP
• Samsung HL-T6187S 61″ 1080P LED DLP
• Samsung HL-T6189S 61″ 1080P LED DLP
• Samsung HL61A650 61″ 1080P) DLP
• Samsung HL61A750 61″ 1080P LED DLP
• Samsung HL67A750 67″ 1080P LED DLP
• Samsung HL72A650 72″ 1080P DLP
• Samsung HL-T7288W 72″ 1080P DLP

Ordering information is at the Tru3D website.

Note: Panasonic’s 3D compatible DMP-BDT300 and DMP-BDT350 Blu-ray players can output the checkerboard format and are compatible with listed Samsung TVs, thus allowing playback of 3D Blu-ray discs without the adapter kit. However, you will still need the Tru3D kit if you want to view DirecTV or cable 3D content.

Industry sources indicate lower priced cable/satellite solutions for listed Samsung HDTVs may become available in the near future. We will publish an update, if and when they are announced.

Edited By Michael Fremer

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Copyright ©2010 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HDGURU is a registered trademark. The content and photos within may not be distributed electronically or copied mechanically without specific written permission. The content within is based upon information provided to the editor, which is believed to be reliable. Data within is subject to change. HD GURU is not responsible for errors or omissions.

(July 22, 2010) The best selling HDTV screen size in America is 32″. Almost every TV maker offers models in this class, which creates stiff competition that drives prices down to record low levels.

A  number of name brand entry models can be found for under $400, though you can also spend over $900 for a 1.1″ thin LED LCD loaded with many extra features. Which one is right for you?

The Basics

All 32″ flat screen TVs today are LCDs lit using either CCFL fluorescent lamps or LEDs (which is why such sets are often incorrectly referred to as “LED TVs”)

An advantage in larger screen sets using LED lighting can include the ability to extinguish appropriate screen sectors to produce deeper black (the feature is referred to as “local dimming”). Unfortunately, we know of no LED models in the 32″ class that have this feature. Only 40″ and larger sets do. (Ditto for 3D capability).

LEDs are more energy efficient than CCFL lamps, but in the 32″ size the power consumption differential is minimal (about 45 watts for LED versus around 75 watts for CCFL). Thus the purchase price premium is more likely far greater than the lifetime energy savings.

720p vs. 1080p

At 32″ screen size you have to be about four feet from the TV to fully appreciate the increased resolution of 1080p over 720p. Most people typically sit nine feet from their TVs. This statistic is referred to as the “Lechner Distance” named after the engineer who did the research.  If you sit that far away, save your money and opt for a 720p model.

60 Hz vs. 120 Hz

All LCD TVs (whether LED or CCFL) blur fast moving screen objects (i.e. a runners’ legs or a speeding car). 120 Hz HDTVs reduce the motion blur. However, if you are sitting at the Lechner Distance, you will probably not find the blur of the slower sets objectionable.

120 Hz is only available on 1080p LCD (and LED) models.  If you sit near the four foot optimal viewing distance and view  content with a lot of motion, such as sports or adventure movies you should opt for a 120 Hz sets.  Be aware:  all current LCD/LED models operating in the 120Hz mode,  make film based sources appear to resemble  video (sometimes referred to as the soap opera effect), which is a phenomena some viewers find objectionable.

Internet Connectivity

A number of higher end models include Internet widgets and provide other content such as weather forecasts, sports scores, Amazon (movies) on Demand, Flickr and Net Flix. The  list will vary among brands. If this is important to you, consider purchasing a Blu-ray player with similar Internet services. You will get the functionality without the additional cost tacked on to the TV. An example is the Panasonic DMP-BD65. It is available from Amazon for $124.68 with free shipping.

HDMI Inputs

HDMI is the best way to connect an HDTV to a high definition source component. Most 32″ models have at least two HDMI inputs, while others have three to four. You will need one for your cable or satellite box/DVR and another for a Blu-ray  player. You may need a third for a connecting a camcorder or a media box such as a VUDU player. Decide your needs before making a purchase decision.

If you are planning to also get a surround sound audio system, you may need only one HDMI input if the receiver or home theater in a box (HTIB) you select includes multiple HDMI inputs.

What Else To Look For

Once you’ve decided on the features you want in a 32″ HDTV, the two most important performance criteria are viewing angle and black level. The former is easy to test. Simply begin moving to the right or left of the screen center and see how quickly the image becomes darker and the blacks get lighter resulting in a darker image with lower contrast.  Some sets (such as the Panasonic LCDs) are known for their wide viewing angle while others quickly get a flat, dull look as one moves off center. If you always view alone and only on-axis you can skip to the next item. However, if you will have friends or family over regularly, check the off-axis performance before buying the set.

Black level is the Achilles heel of small screen LCD HDTVs. A number of models we’ve looked at have very blue or purplish blacks. Other have more neutral blacks but they’re gray, not inky.

Unfortunately evaluating in the brighter than home, store retail environment  is difficult. To determine the color and depth of black, cup your hand on the screen to block out room ambient light and wait for a fade to black or a   dark scene during observing the store’s demo content. Also inspect  the depth and shade of black when viewing off-axis. Some 32″screens get quite blue as you move to off center.

Final Suggestions

Do your homework online to make a list of 32″ HDTVs that have the features you desire within your price range. Amazon carries many 32″ models and you can get there using our link. Just click Amazon’s ad on the left column.

With your model list in hand, get to over to your local TV retailer, test viewing angles and black levels then choose your ideal 32″ HDTV.

Edited by Michael Fremer

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Copyright ©2010 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HDGURU is a registered trademark. The content and photos within may not be distributed electronically or copied mechanically without specific written permission. The content within is based upon information provided to the editor, which is believed to be reliable. Data within is subject to change. HD GURU is not responsible for errors or omissions.

(July 12, 2010)  LG joins Panasonic, Samsung and Sony offering 3D capable HDTVs along with a compatible Blu-ray player and active shutter glasses.

Starting today, purchasers of either an LG LX9500 (photo above) or LX6500  3D ready LED (LCD) HDTV and the LG BX580 3D ready network Blu-ray player ($350 retail) will receive two free pair of LG 3D AG-S100 active shutter glasses ($179.99 retail per pair) plus a coupon redeemable for a free copy of the IMAX 3D Blu-ray disc “Under The Sea” ($29.95 est. retail) along with a $100 Instant Rebate.

The top of the line LX-9500 is available in 47″ and 55″ screen sizes. Features include 1080p Backlit LED with local dimming, 10,000,000:1 rated dynamic contrast, 480 Hz with scanning backlight, intelligent ambient light sensor, 4 HDMI inputs, NetCast internet entertainment (including Yahoo widgets, Vudu, YouTube, Picasa photos) WiFi with optional adapter, wireless HD with optional adapter and USB input for music and video (JPEG/MPEG-4/DivX HD).

The 9500s utilize LG’s 240 zone led local dimming (55″ model) backlighting. It has a super slim .92″ wide bezel and has a depth of just 1.3″. It is the only LED 3D series that is THX certified. The 47″ 47LX9500 retails for $4300, the 55″ 55LX9500 retails for $5400.

The LX6500 series (photo above) is available in 47″ and 55″ screen sizes. It features a 1080p edge lit LED (LCD) panel with local dimming, 8,000,000:1 rated dynamic contrast, 240 Hz refresh with scanning LEDs, wireless HD (included), WiFi ready with optional adapter, 4 HDMI inputs, NetCast internet entertainment (including Yahoo widgets, Vudu, YouTube, Picasa photos) and a USB input (JPEG/MPEG-4/DivX HD). The 47″ 47LX6500 retails for $2700 and is available now on Amazon for $2150.65 with free shipping. The 55″ 55LX6500 retails for $3600 and is available on Amazon for $2988.98 with free shipping.

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Copyright ©2010 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HDGURU is a registered trademark. The content and photos within may not be distributed electronically or copied mechanically without specific written permission. The content within is based upon information provided to the editor, which is believed to be reliable. Data within is subject to change. HD GURU is not responsible for errors or omissions.

(June 22, 2010) In the days of standard definition analog television, you would take your new TV home, plug it in and watch it. It played exactly as the engineers intended it, only requiring tweaking of the user controls to optimize the available settings, or hiring an ISF calibrator to make fine adjustments via the set’s service menu. For better or worse, those days are over. Today, TV makers design their mid and high end HDTVs (including 3D sets) and Blu-ray disc players to be electronically factory modified after purchase.  To get your new TV to perform as best as it can, (in some cases simply properly) you’ll need to get the set’s firmware periodically updated. Unfortunately, all TV retailers queried never tell the buyers of the necessity to perform updates at the time of purchase!

What’s Firmware?

It’s a hardware device, computer instructions and data that reside as read-only software on that device. HDTVs and Blu-ray players’ functions and performance criteria are governed by the software. If it’s not updated with the latest implementation and instead used in the “out of the box” condition, your display may not be functioning as intended by the manufacturer. With “just in time” manufacturing and major retailer demands for equipment makers to ship new product by a specific date or face major financial penalties (such as cancelled orders), equipment makers often deliver products to the retailer and end user that cannot function as they should in order for the manufacturer to meet the retailer’s deadline. The solution, a firmware update to bring the TV up to spec, supplied by the set makers’ websites or servers.

2010 Model Issues

We are in the process of testing a number of 2010 model HDTVs and Blu-ray players. All to date have required firmware updates to enhance performance, add or correct a number of performance functions and in the case of Blu-ray players, allow the playing some newly released discs. Without a firmware update, early and current Blu-ray players can’t play all new discs because disc authoring continues to change.

Why Don’t Retailers Tell You About Firmware Upgrades

Investigating “assisted selling” local stores (Best Buy, Sears, PC Richard and 6 Ave Electronics), we never observed a salesman informing the customer that upgrades are available, or needed and then instruct the buyer as to how to perform them. Nor have we ever heard a salesman ask if the customer was aware the new TVs and players need Internet connectivity near the player to easily perform upgrades. All these stores offer services to connect an HDTV or Blu-ray player to your home Internet router. Best Buy is the only chain we’ve seen advertise Internet connectivity services through its Geek Squad department.

We don’t know why they don’t tell you, however a possible reason, no local retailer suveyed has the Internet connected to their store demo TVs and Blu-ray players. Yes, often the hot new 3D TV demonstration unit does not perform nearly as well as its capable, until the installation of the latest firmware.

How To Upgrade

To perform a firmware upgrade an HDTV requires at least a USB port, memory card slot, Ethernet connector or wireless connectivity. Firmware is either downloaded to the memory device from your Internet connected computer, then inserted into the TV or one can make a direct connection to manufacturer’s server via the Ethernet or wireless Internet connection on the display. The means to obtain the download may vary depending on the brand. The update may be available by direct Internet connection or a download to USB drive or other memory device. However, it is often the case the set maker’s server is where the update first becomes available. Since an Internet connected TV doesn’t need the owner to mess with a PC and memory device, it is the fastest and best way to update your TV or Blu-ray player.

All Internet connected TVs tested to date require the owner to request a firmware download via the TVs on-screen graphics. Panasonic Blu-ray players allow you to opt-in for automatic downloads. It constantly checks for updates and seamlessly downloads and installs them as they become available, keeping your player always up to date.

When shopping for a Blu-ray player or mid to high end HDTV in an assisted store (i.e. Best Buy) ask about your options to get the latest firmware before you leave the store. Inquire how much it will cost to get them to run an Ethernet cable from your router to the TV’s home location, so you can get all the performance and functionality you paid for.

Edited By Michael Fremer

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Copyright ©2010 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HDGURU is a registered trademark. The content and photos within may not be distributed electronically or copied mechanically without specific written permission. The content within is based upon information provided to the editor, which is believed to be reliable. Data within is subject to change. HD GURU is not responsible for errors or omissions.

(June 18, 2010) Contrary to recent widely published articles, so called “Universal” 3D glasses have compatibility issues. Glasses such as those recently introduced by Xpand sense the infra-red synchronization pulses emitted by 3D TVs and automatically time the shutters within the glasses to properly open and close to the on-screen 3D content.

However, these “Universal” glasses do not match the vendor-specific color characteristics of each TV maker’s factory supplied 3D glasses, resulting in skewed color.

Samsung’s and Mitsubishi’s 3D glasses (which are cosmetically nearly identical, which indicates they are most likely sourced from Samsung) have a greenish tint, while Panasonic’s and Sony’s have an amber tint that blocks some blue (though the degree of tint appears to be different on both brand’s lenses). When displaying stereoscopic content, Samsung, Sony and Panasonic 3D TVs automatically compensate for the 3D glasses’ filter characteristics.

If one were to use a non-tinted set of shutter glasses on a Sony or Panasonic 3D TV, the image would appear too blue, giving skin tones and objects a more Na’vi or Smurf tinge. On a Samsung the image would appear more purple. Therefore, “universal” glasses can’t really be a solution.

Last week we asked (by email) an Xpand executive for a comment, but have not yet received one.

HD Guru predicts that with demand growth for 3D TVs, (US 2010 sales estimates range widely from 1.2-4 million units) glasses prices will drop precipitously from the current $129-$199 range to around $25-$100. We estimate the price drops will begin within a few months and continue for the next 18.

In the past week Amazon (and select Samsung dealers) began giving 2 free pairs of Samsung 3D glasses and a free 3D capable Samsung Blu-ray player with the purchase of its 7000 series 3D LED LCD models.  The LED LCD UN40C7000 is currently Amazon priced $1665.98. The retail price of the 40″ 3D HDTV is $2000, the starter kit with two pairs of glasses and “Monsters vs. Aliens” 3D disc is $350 and the BD-C6900 retails for $400, resulting in savings of over $1084. Other 7000 models are the UN46C7000,UN55C7000. The offer expires 11:59 PST June 19, 2010.

Edited By Michael Fremer

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Copyright ©2010 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HDGURU is a registered trademark. The content and photos within may not be distributed electronically or copied mechanically without specific written permission. The content within is based upon information provided to the editor, which is believed to be reliable. Data within is subject to change. HD GURU is not responsible for errors or omissions.

(May 17, 2010) 3D was the big news at last week’s National Cable TV Association show. ESPN, Discovery, Wealth TV and HD Net demonstrated their respective 3D content. Cable box makers Cisco and Motorola made 3D announcements as well. Here is a breakdown of the news.

Panasonic’s CTO Eisuke Tsuyuzaki stated his company plans to quickly transition to 3D HDTVs predicting 70% of its plasma TVs sold will be 3D capable by 2013 as well as 60% of its LED LCD TVs. This ramp-up is far quicker than the standard def to HDTV transition.

Panasonic announced today that new purchasers of any of its VT25 series 3D HDTVs will receive free by mail the Full HD 3D Blu-ray versions of the movies “Coraline” and “Ice Age 3-Dawn of the Dinosaurs.” For details, here is the link .

Motorola’s Bob Wilson said its current HD set top boxes and DVRs can play one-half resolution 3D (the type used to display The Masters Golf tournament in 3D). He predicted production of Motorola “Full HD 3D” cable boxes and DVRs within 18-24 months.

Currently, you must set a 3D TV manually set for a 3D cablecast. A Cisco representative said that a firmware download coming this August will allow automatic 3D TV configuration for subscribers using its 8652 HDC series cable boxes.  He added legacy Cisco (Scientific-Atlanta) 8300 series HD boxes and DVRs can’t be updated for auto 3D because they use an earlier version of HDMI. Auto 3D set-up requires version HDMI 1.3 (or higher).

HD Net showed clips from its upcoming 3D broadcasts. Samples included Bikini Destinations 3D as well as Girls Gone Wild 3D or what we call “Jiggle 3D” along with clips of a Mavericks basketball game in 3D. An HD Net spokesman told HD Guru they are building up a 3D library. No date as to when its 3D broadcasts will start airing.

Wealth TV president Charles Henning told HD Guru it is creating its own library of 3D content, which currently consists of over 10 hours of programs. Herring said he intends to launch 3D broadcasts within 30-45 days, showing one hour per evening on its high definition Wealth TV channel. The channel is available on Verizon FIOS, AT&T, RCN and other cable systems. Here is a link to the list.

To create additional Wealth TV 3D content, Henning has hired legendary HD videographer Randall Dark.

ESPN displayed extreme sports 3D clips in its booth and announced a June 11th launch of ESPN3D on DirecTV and Comcast. The first broadcasts will be soccer games from the 2010 World Cup.

Discovery provided clips from its upcoming 3D channel. A Discovery spokesman said Discovery 3D’s launch will be either late 2010 or early 2011.

YES, the New York Yankees network, announced last week it will air the first 3D baseball games. The broadcasts from Seattle feature the Yankees vs. the Mariners on July 10 and July 11. The programs are available to customers in the YES footprint which includes New York, Connecticut and parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania as well as FSN Northwest’s territory of Washington, Oregon, Alaska and parts of Idaho and Montana. To date, Verizon FIOS and DirecTV are the only systems that will carry 3D games, however YES says it is in talks with other cable operators.

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(May 6, 2010) Mitsubishi’s soon to be launched HD converter box permits viewing a 3D HD Blu-ray player, 3D cable or satellite signal on any of its 3D ready HDTVs. The 3DC-1000, which debuted at the January 2010 consumer electronics show, converts HD 3D content to the checkerboard format used in all Mitsubishi 3D ready HDTV rear projectors produced since 2007.

In 2007 and 2008 Samsung offered 3D ready HDTVs for PC gaming that used the same checkerboard format. Recently, Mitsubishi decided to modify the 3DC-1000 to restrict compatibility to its own TVs, via the EDID identification data sent along with the HDMI signal.

According to Mitsubishi’s director of product planning David Naranjo, the 3DC-1000 converter will not accept the ID from these Samsung 3D ready HDTVs and so won’t pass the 3D signal in high definition.

Note: Mitsubishi never announced its converter would be compatible with 3D capable TVs other than its own.

Edited By Michael Fremer

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“I wanted to address any lingering confusion about the characterization of services support in the Best Buy Samsung 3DTV offer that was advertised in yesterday’s (March 21) insert.  We by no means intended to confuse our customers or offer fraudulent services.  The offer is new to our stores, and our own employees were trained on it just this past week.

Let me clarify the services that are included with this offer. Geek Squad will:

1.         Set up and connect your TV + up to 5 components (Blu Ray, Cable Box, Satellite Box, etc )

2.         Add your internet enabled Blu ray/Gaming Console or internet enabled TV  to your existing wireless network so you can access online content such as Netflix and Pandora.

3.         Make sure your 3D glasses work – some solutions we sell need TV settings adjusted so that 3D glasses are enabled – there are both 3D and non 3D settings for viewing

4.         Review and teach you how to use all of your new gear.

We have some customers who aren’t quite sure how the 3D glasses work, or that the glasses automatically sync with their new 3D TVs.  So we wanted to convey that they can depend on Geek Squad to answer their questions during installation and set-up. There is no additional charge for this – and the Geek Squad 3D installation and networking services are included in the total price of this offer.

You know we’re as enthusiastic about 3D as you are, and equally committed to help educate consumers about how to get the most from this home entertainment experience.”

Visit HDGURU3D.com for the latest news and articles on 3D.

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Copyright ©2010 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HDGURU is a registered trademark. The content and photos within may not be distributed electronically or copied mechanically without specific written permission. The content within is based upon information provided to the editor, which is believed to be reliable. Data within is subject to change. HD GURU is not responsible for errors or omissions.