Looks like Samsung's 3D Blu-ray players aren't the only ones
coming in cheaper versions, as it's unveiled the new 680 Series and 490 Series plasma HDTVs. Both were shown off in Korea yesterday, though the US website only features a product page for the 50-inch PN50C680 so far, showing off its 1080p specs and DLNA access. You will give up a few features from
higher end plasmas, which add picture-in-picture, widgets, a higher contrast ratio and slimmer designs to the mix. The PN50C490's situation is a bit murkier, but
FlatpanelsHD reports it will be the first 720p 3DTV of the current generation. With current series 4 plasmas retailing for around $720, it could also be the first flat 3D set to crack (or at least approach) the $1,000 barrier -- if you're willing to miss out on the extra pixels.
Update: A listing on
ABC Warehouse shows the PN50C490 with a few specs plus $1,099 MSRP, but already up for preorder for just $989. Perfect for some
PS3 gaming or
ESPN3D watching, right? Of course, as a few commenters have mentioned, you can get a 60-inch 1080p projection 3D capable HDTV from Mitsubishi for even less, so that's hardly your only cheap 3D option. [Thanks, John Doe]
posted July 20th 2010 4:31PM
You lost me at 720p. Hell no. If I'm getting a new TV its 1080p or bust.
@John Doe
I'm not getting a new TV until 2160p 3D and 22.2 Surround Sound are standard. My Vizio full HD 32" should be able to hold up until then.
Why isn't the girl wearing the required 3D glasses?
In other.news today a poll found that no one gives a shit about 3D in the house
@23542354 In other, other news the majority of people in the world don't live in your house or care about your polls. Further updates as they develop.
as much as I love to tell people not to get a 720p tv, i wonder when we'll ever see 1080p as standard, then i tell them to just get the biggest panel they can afford.
Too old.
I thought any TV that is capable of 120Hz or greater can do TV... WTF? Do I have to buy a TV that said 3D? This whole 3D marketing thing is confusing.
@cdf74dc9 If you don't have a 3D capable TV, then no 3D is not possible for you. 3D isn't cheap but I guess now a days you've got to pay to play.
The PN50C680 is coming in at $1500 and the PN50C490 is showing up at $1099 @ http://www.abcwarehouse.com/product_catalog/pc_prodsbyprice.asp~assort_id~1254
Take what you will from those prices though. But for a 50" 3D TV with most of the bells and whistles...I'll snag the PN50C680 in a heartbeat.
@John Doe on sale for $989, thanks for the link!
@RichardLawler Don't thank me. thank google and http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18933126
:^D
720p 3D... doesn't that matches Playstation3's 3D game capability?
poor sony....
Great. Now you'll get a Buzzzzzz in full 3D. (google samsung plasma buzz).
Samsung actually make great TV's. They are actually also quite accurate OTB. At this price point, they IMO are taking a very intelligent step to bring 3D to a wider audience. It remains to be seen if the 3D movie/tv content market will expand. I'm pretty sure games well done in 3D will be well received. 720p is a bit of a bummer though.
The aglee comment above was hilarious btw.
I have the PN58C8000. It's an awesome set!
Cool. Now where the hell is my 4K AMOLED 3DTV?
Ok, but 720p? I'd rather have a 46' in 1080p for the same price.
I didn't see the TV for the longest time, thats a great optical illusion.
Looks like it is now time to buy a 3DTV for the LIVING ROOM. I will go for the 50-inch PN50C680.