UPDATE 3/21/10: You can now buy the Samsung 3D TV package offered by Best Buy from Amazon (55″ UN55C7000, BDC6900 Blu-ray and [amazonify]B003AVM8PQ::text::::Free 3D Starter Kit[/amazonify] w/2pr. 3D glasses and Monsters vs. Aliens 3D Disc) for $3328, a  savings of $91.96 compared to Best Buy’s price. The Amazon package includes free shipping.

Amazon is also offering the same package with the [amazonify]B0036WT4EC::text::::46″ 3D LED model[/amazonify] instead of the 55″ for $2698,  with free shipping.

samsung 3d glasses 425

Fewer than two weeks after Best Buy offered the first Full 3D HDTVs for sale in the US, its  latest Sunday circular (3/21/10) promotes a Samsung 3D TV deal consisting of a [amazonify]B0036WT4JW::text:::: 55″ 3D TV[/amazonify], [amazonify]B00365EVWO::text:::: 3D capable Blu-ray player[/amazonify], 2 pairs of glasses, a Blu-ray movie and Geek Squad delivery and installation.

The ad states the service includes TV and Blu-ray player set-up, connection to your wireless network and “sync your 3D glasses for an amazing experience”. The package price lists the “geek” services as a $150 value.  The offer’s only problem is that there is no such thing as syncing 3D glasses.  They sync automatically.

HD Guru called three Best Buy stores. After confirming each employee received training on 3D TVs and installation services, we asked them to explain the process of  “syncing” the 3D glasses. We received three different but oddly similar responses.

Blue shirt one said the glasses need to be synced with the Blu-ray player. The second geek referred to the 3D glasses needing to sync to the player via the USB port within the glasses, an impossible feat as there is no USB port on the glasses. The third stated the need to acquire the glasses’ IP address to sync with the Blu-ray player. There is no IP address for 3D glasses; they have no connectivity to the Internet or network. The Samsung battery powered glasses “sync” to the 3D content wirelessly via an infra-red pulse emitted by the TV.

We contacted Best Buy’s media relations department and asked why the company offers a fictional service.  We are still awaiting a response.

Connecting A 3D HDTV

Viewing 3D content from a Blu-ray source (currently the only way to see movies or programming) requires a single “High Speed” HDMI cable connection between the 3D capable Blu-ray player and 3D TV. When inserting a 3D disc into the player, an on-screen prompt will ask if you want to view the disc in 3D or 2D. You select 3D, press the remote’s “enter” button, power-on the 3D glasses and then sit back and enjoy the “amazing experience”.

Samsung’s 3D LED LCD HDTVs have new, unique 3D picture control options that we’ll cover in our upcoming review of the set and 3D Blu-ray player.

UPDATE 3/21/10:  You can order a [amazonify]B001CHTJ8O::text::::6 Foot 3D Compatible High Speed HDMI Cable [/amazonify]from Amazon for $6.78 with free shipping (for total orders over $25). Please Note: Best Buy’s least expensive High Speed HDMI cable (rated 10.2 Gbps) sells for $39.99

Edited by Michael Fremer

For The Latest News On Everything 3D Visit HDGURU3D.com

Have a question for the HD Guru?
HD GURU|Email

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.