The first 3D television set has gone on sale in the UK today, but consumers who rush to buy one may end up disappointed, experts have warned.
John Lewis is selling 40-inch Samsung models from its flagship stores for £1,799. The sets will be available in other John Lewis branches and Curry’s and Comet over the next week. Panasonic is expected to launch its version next week, with Sony following in June.
However, viewers will not be able to enjoy the full effect of the new technology until later this year with the launch of Sky’s 3D channel, which will show football, documentaries and films. There is only one Blu-ray film available in 3D at the moment, Monsters Vs. Aliens.
Samsung says that the new hardware will add depth to the picture of normal brodcasts and Blu-ray films.
John Kempner, a spokesman for John Lewis, said: “We’ve had flatscreen TVs and high definition, and now 3D is the next big thing. I think it’s what everybody is going to be talking about, and with the success of 3D in the cinema, this is bringing that level of enjoyment and type of experience into people’s homes.”
In order to benefit from the 3D technology, viewers will need a Blu-ray player, as no 3D TV is currently broadcast, as well as a pair of “Active Shutter” 3D glasses with a battery and an infrared sensor on the bridge, which picks up signals from the television. A pair of the glasses, plus the necessary cable to connect the television set, costs an extra £200.
The current Sky+ HD box is already fully compatible with 3D technology. Sky began screening selected Premier League football matches in 3D in over 1,000 pubs and clubs around the country in January. Although FIFA is filming some World Cup games in 3D, they will not show any England games until at least the quarter finals. The BBC and ITV have not yet announced plans for 3D.
Ben Stevens of Which? magazine says the launch is an exciting development however, consumers should be aware of the extra costs. "The new Samsung set is good quality and consumers will get a quality 2D television but will pay quite a premium for the new 3D technology, which they will not be able to take full advantage of for months if not years.
"The glasses for this type of 3D TV are also expensive at about £100 a pair, which may put off those who want to watch a football match in 3D with a group of friends. An alternative is to wait until the summer when LG will launch its passive 3D TV set, which comes with the type of cheap 3D glasses given out at the cinema. LG has said it will issue these glasses free."
Passive 3D television sets do not offer full high-definition, but Mr Stevens says: "Only purists will notice a difference."
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