3D Week: Sony, Samsung, LG and Panasonic's First 3D TVs Available Soon

According to tech consultancy Futuresource, we can expect 'virtually every full-sized television' to have 3D capabilities by 2015.  Sony are predicting 3D TV sales to reach 2.5 million between now and this time next year and if this year's CES show was anything to go by, every other big-name manufacturer is equally as committed.

We have covered the first of the 3D Blu-ray players recently, plus the 2010 World Cup is set to be broadcast in 3D, so if you're onboard the 3D train you're going to need to splash out on a 3D TV too, and as luck would have it, such sets are beginning to reach shops now.  Lets take a look at the first wave of 3D televisions available to accompany your 3D Blu-ray:

Panasonic.

In the USA, Panasonic have signed a deal with retailers Best Buy, who will be offering a complete 3D package.  This will include the TX-P50VT20 Viera 3D television (pictured), a plasma set by the way, the BDT300 3D Blu-ray player and a single pair of active shutter glasses.  The cost of this complete 3D set up will be $2899.  Individually, the TV will retail for $2499, the player for $399 and each set of glasses will set you back $149, so if you want it, the pack price is the way to go.

The VT20 will also come to the UK, where it will cost upwards of £2000 and come with two pairs of active shutter glasses.  Additional pairs will be £100 each.

Sony.

If you happen to be doing a spot of shopping in Harrods, then Sony's Bravia HX903 3D television could find its way into your basket.  The 52" model is up for pre-order for £2500 at the exclusive London store and is labeled as having a June delivery date.  The TV will not come with glasses or a transmitter though.  The 52" model is likely to be joined by several other sets of varying sizes, with prices starting at £1999.  Electronics retailer Currys say they will have Sony's 3D TVs ready for sale before the 2010 World Cup, and that the glasses will cost £99 per pair and the transmitter £75.

Sony are listing their US models as coming during the summer, with the LX900, HX900 and HX800 models all appearing on their website.  Sizes range from 40" to 60" and all were on display at CES in January.  The only thing missing is the pricing.

Samsung.

Samsung have announced several 3D televisions using plasma, LCD and LED technology.  The LED sets will fall into the 7000 and 8000 Series TVs, with the LCD sets only occupying the 7000 Series.  Future LED models will be in the upper-range 9000 Series and the plasma sets will also be in the 7000 Series.  Of course, these will be compatible with the BD-C6900 3D Blu-ray player and the HT-C6930 All-in-One set.

Prices have yet to be confirmed, but LED's will range from $2000 for entry-level and $7000 for top-range.  Screen sizes will stretch from 40" to 65".  On the LCD side, the first model, likely to be launched in May, is the C750, with the 46" version costing $1700.  Finally, the plasma sets will be sized from 50" to 63" and cost from $1800 to $3600.

Samsung have also spoken of a package deal along the same lines as Panasonic are offering, consisting of a 46" 3D TV, two pairs of glasses and a 3D Blu-ray player with Monsters vs. Aliens 3D, at a total cost of $3000.

In the UK, Samsung's 3D TVs are supposed to be going on sale this month, but they have not provided any firm details as yet.  The TVs are expected to start at £2300 and include two pairs of glasses, with further pairs costing £100.

LG.

In the UK, LG will be releasing the LX9900 3D in May.  Available in 47" and 55" variations, the estimated cost of such a set will be £2500-3000 for the 47" and £3600-£4000 for the 55".  The LED 1080p set will operate with active shutter glasses, measure just 3.1cm in depth and combine with the LG BX580 3D Blu-ray player.  LG have yet to confirm how many pairs of glasses will come with their 3D TVs.

LG don't seem to have not made their US plans for 3D TV known at this stage.

As you can tell, the details are a little scattered at the moment and all the above could change almost overnight, but as of now, if you want to be among the first with 3D, then head to Panasonic in the US and LG or Sony in the UK.