Samsung 3D Bundle Deal – Details

If you are curious about the qualifying components that make this deal, check the list below.

Qualifying Samsung 3D HDTVs

• Samsung UN55C8000 Edge-lit LED 3D TV
• Samsung UN46C8000 Edge-lit LED 3D TV
• Samsung UN63C7000 63 Inch Edge-lit LED 3D TV
• Samsung UN55C7000 55 Inch Edge-lit LED 3D HDTV
• Samsung UN46C7000 46 Inch Edge-lit LED 3D TV
• Samsung UN40C7000 40 Inch Edge-lit LED 3D HDTV
• Samsung PN58C8000 58 Inch Plasma 3D TV
• Samsung PN50C7000 50 Inch Plasma 3D TV

Shrek 3D Starter Kit

• Starter kit including 4 Shrek 3D Blu-ray discs and 2 pairs of Samsung 3D Glasses (battery operated)

Samsung BD-C5900 1080p 3D Blu-ray Disc Player

How does this Samsung 3D Bundle Deal Rate?

This is certainly one of the best 3D TV Bundle deals currently available for any brand of 3D TVs. We’d recommend looking into this deal if you are looking to setup a brand new 3D capable home-theater setup. With the 3D Starter Kit and 3D Blu-Ray player from Samsung being bundled along for free with their 3D TVs, it will let you setup your ideal 3D capable home theater system without breaking the bank. Be sure to check our Samsung 3D TV reviews if you are looking for more details on these 3D TVs. The Shrek 3D Starter kit is a great bundle and includes all 3 Shrek Movies in 3D plus a voucher for when the 4th is released. If you have kids or enjoy animated 3D movies, then this is certainly a deal you don’t want to pass up. Check the prices and see if the they agree with your budget .

Happy shopping! Feel free to vent in the comments section below if you’re conflicted about this, too broke to afford it, or can’t get the significant other to approve of the purchase .

Related posts:

1. Free 3D Bluray Player and Shrek 3D Starter Kit with Samsung 3D TVs
2. Free 3D starter Kit worth $350 with 3D TV Purchase!
3. Free PlayStation 3 and 3D Deluxe Starter Kit with Sony NX810 Purchase

3D TV Deal Details

• 50-inch Plasma 3D HDTV with excellent 2D and 3D performance
• Delivers incredible picture performance and 3D at full 1080p resolution
• Infinite Black Panel includes new filter technology for deep blacks and vivid images with minimal reflection
• Ability to convert 2D content into 3D
• Ports: 3 HDMI, 2 composite with audio, 2 component with audio, 1 analog audio, and 1 PC input; USB and LAN ports.
• Measures 48 x 3.5 x 31.9 inches ; Energy Star 4.0 qualified

Strengths of the TC-P50GT25

• Excellent Black levels and Color accuracy
• Amazing 3D Performance with minimal cross-talk and sync mismatches
• Excellent viewing angle
• Internet capabilities are quite well though out and implemented

Is this a Good 3D TV Deal?

This is the first time we have seen the price of the Panasonic TC-P50GT25 dip below the $1000 mark. At this price, we would very strongly recommend buying the TC-P50GT25. We think that this is an excellent 3D TV deal. Additionally, Amazon is offering free shipping and coupled with their extremely generous return policy, this deal is a no-brainer. If you are in the market for a 3D TV, then we would strongly recommend that you at least order the TV, get it home and then make up your mind about whether you would like to keep it or not. We’re confident you’ll choose to keep it because we have found the GT25 to be one of the best 3D TVs currently available in the market.

Related posts:

1. Panasonic VT25 vs GT25 Differences Explained
2. Panasonic Plasma 3D TVs for as low as $429!

Highlights of the Sony XBR-52LX900 Review

Strengths

• Beautiful design with clean lines and excellent aesthetics
• Good 2D image quality with excellent contrast ratio
• Pretty good 3D performance and comfortable 3D glasses
• Outstanding multimedia and internet capabilities
• Very good motion smoothing for fast moving content and flawless display of 24fps content (blu-ray) without any judder
• Integrated 3D IR transmitter and 2 pairs of 3D glasses bundled along with the TV

Weaknesses

• 3D content viewing exhibits some cross-talk
• Integrated camera has no real use
• Pretty expensive considering some cheaper 3D TVs can provide similar if not better 3D performance

Sony XBR52LX900 Screen Size and Appearance

Design

Like the HX909 series, the XBR-52LX900 incorporates Sony’s elegant “Monolithic Design” philosophy that consists of a front panel design that makes the entire TV panel look like a single slab panel of glossy black glass. The glass panel extends all the way to the edges of the TV panel and covers the slim black bezel of the TV. You really need to see it to appreciate this Monolithic Design and Sony should certainly be commended for making such a sleek and elegant looking 3D TV that will be sure to turn heads in your living room.

Since the 52LX900 uses edge-lit LED backlighting technology, it has a very slim profile and the panel is only approximately 2.5 inches thick. Both the front and back of the TV is glossy, which makes it a bit of a fingerprint magnet but at the same time makes for a very attractive HDTV. The base of the stand is both heavy and sturdy, making the entire TV feel very stable. The stand can also be swiveled horizontally by large angles, which could be useful to folks who have a wide living room.

Flatpanel Resolution and Viewing Effects

Like all the other Sony 3D TVs, the XBR52LX900 is a 1080p display (1920-x1080 resolution) capable of displaying full HD content at 1080p, including new 3D Blu-ray in the Full HD 3D format (1080p Frame Packing). Of course, it can also handle all older formats such as 480p, 720p and 1080i.

When it comes to viewing angle, all LED and LCD based 3D TVs have an inherent disadvantage in comparison to Plasma 3D TVs due to the technological limitations of LED backlighting. The Sony XBR-52LX900 is certainly no exception to this rule and exhibits a modest viewing angle of approximately 40-50 degrees total (20-25 degrees from the center on each side) before the contrast ratio drops significantly and the colors and image appears washed out. These numbers are very similar to other edge-lit LED 3D TVs from Samsung, Sony and LG. In comparison, the Panasonic TC-P65VT25 Plasma 3D TV exhibits a viewing angle over 70 degrees on either side.

Like the HX909 series, the LX900 series features Sony’s latest Opticontrast Panel technology that consists of a surface treatment of the LCD glass panel in conjunction with a special resin sheet that is sandwiched between the LCD panel and the glass panel. The resin sheet and surface treatment work together to minimize back reflection and scattering of incident light on the TV screen thus allowing a significant reduction in glare and an improvement in black levels and image contrast. This Opticontrast panel technology works well and does a great job of reducing glare on this glossy screen

Sony XBR-52LX900 Picture Quality

Black Levels, Brightness, Color Accuracy and Contrast

In the Black Levels department, the XBR52LX900 provides good black levels despite its edge-lit LED backlighting. Having said that, both the HX800 and the full array local dimming HX909 series feature slightly better black levels. If absolute black levels is the only criteria you care about, then you might not want to go for the LX900 series, however, keep in mind that absolute black levels are only a small part of the larger picture (no pun intended) when it comes to analyzing 3D TV image quality and performance.

What the LX900 perhaps lacks in the black levels department, it easily makes up by providing the brightest display amongst all the LED 3D TVs released in 2010. This is important to take not of for 2 reasons:

a) The greater the maximum brightness, the better the 3D experience (especially in the day or in brightly lit rooms) since it helps compensate for the loss in brightness due to the active shutter glasses.

b) The contrast ratio is determined by both the maximum brightness and black levels of the display.

The high maximum brightness of the Sony XBR-52LX900 along with the its good black levels allows for a very high contrast ratio (Television info measured it to be over 3500:1). In 3D mode, the maximum brightness is lowered due to the display of frame sequential content as well as the active shutter 3D glasses, dropping the contrast ratio to around 1000:1 in 3D mode. This is still excellent in comparison to other 3D TVs in the market.

The XBR52LX900 features good color accuracy although it has some trouble tracking the correct color temperature. In general images look very good on this display once the display settings have been tweaked appropriately.

Backlight Uniformity

Backlight uniformity is always an issue on edge-lit LED TVs. This issue is further exacerbated in larger TVs. The full-array LED TVs such as the Sony HX909 series have a distinct advantage in this department over edge-lit LED 3D TVs. Unfortunately, all the manufacturers are moving towards edge-lit LED 3D TVs due to the thinner form factor, cheaper manufacturing costs and thus higher margins at the expense of image quality. The XBR-52LX900 does have some issues with backlight uniformity with the center of the panel appearing brighter than the edges (a common artifact in edge lit 3D TVs). Always make sure to carefully analyze your LED TV for such issues when you purchase them so that you can return it within the allowed time-frame for an exchange or refund if you are not happy with backlight uniformity issues.

Refresh Rate and Videoprocessing

The Sony XBR-52LX900 features Sony’s proprietary Motionflow PRO 240Hz technology. Basically, what this technology does is it uses some algorithms to interpolate regular 24fps or 60fps content to create a large number of intermediate frames between each of the provided frames in the source content. The LED display then proceeds to display this interpolated content at 240Hz thus allowing for smoother motion and less stuttering when viewing videos. LED and LCD TV makers have had to use such technology to compensate for the slower refresh rate of LED/LCD based pixels in comparison to Plasma and other technologies. Read more about this in our Plasma vs LCD comparison guide.

The XBR52LX900 does a good job of motion processing and helps smooth content without producing too many artifacts or too much of the fake “soap-opera” look. The other advantage of a 240Hz display is that it can very easily handle 24 fps content from your Blu-ray player without any judder that is common with 3:2 Pulldown.

3D Performance of the XBR52LX900 Reviewed

As mentioned previously, the 3D mode on all 3D TVs tends to lower the maximum brightness and hence the contrast ratio. However, the Sony LX900 still exhibits a very good contrast ratio and good image quality. Unfortunately, the restrictive viewing angle on this TV also restricts the angles across which you can actually experience the 3D effect. Additionally, the LX900 has some cross-talk issues with bright and dark areas in a scene which is a bit disappointing. Apart from these issues though, it does quite a good job delivering an immersive 3D experience.

The included Sony 3D glasses are a bit on the heavy side like most active shutter glasses, but they are fairly comfortable and more importantly also fit over prescription glasses, which is a big plus.

Media, Internet and Connectivity

When it comes to Multimedia and Internet capabilities, Sony has done an outstanding job with all its 3D TVs in 2010-2011 and the LX900 is certainly no exception. The onscreen menu is perfect, and easy to navigate across quickly. It uses the same Xross MediaBar menu system that is found on a number of Sony products, including the Playstation 3. It is quite intuitive and coupled with the responsiveness of the TV controls, makes for a pleasurable user experience.

Of all the current manufacturers, Sony has the best Media/Internet suite available on their Bravia line of televisions. The XBR-52LX900 can be hooked up to the internet via the Ethernet port or via the integrated WiFi on this device. Depending on how good your WiFi connection is, you might need to connect your TV to the internet via Ethernet for streaming HD movies. This TV is DLNA certified, meaning that you can stream content seamlessly from your PC or DLNA certified devices. The BRAVIA Internet Video suite offers over 36 channels including Netflix, Pandora, You Tube, Amazon VOD and many others. In addition, Sony has launched the Qriocity channel, which is its own video store when you can pay a small fee to rent a digital download.

The 52LX900 also features a number of internet widgets which let you quickly access news headlines, weather information or play games while watching TV. It also includes widgets for Facebook, Twitter and Flickr.

When it comes to audio quality the XBR-52LX900 is a bit disappointing and has a tinny, low bass sound. You will definitely want to hook this 3D TV up to an external speaker system to get the best 3D home-theater experience possible.

In terms of connectivity the LX900 has fewer ports than some other 3D TVs currently available. Perhaps this is related to the slimmer form factor of this edge-lit LED 3D TV thus reducing the real-estate for electronics to accommodate a wide selection of ports.

Inputs: 4 HDMIs ports, 1 component AV port, a composite AVport, an ethernet LAN port, 1 USB, 1 VGA, 1 digital audio out, 1 analog audio out and integrated WiFi.

We should mention that the integrated camera in the LX900 series is pretty much useless, which is quite a shame as it could have been a great feature. You can’t put the camera to any use – No recording videos, no using it as a webcam or to take low quality pictures. It is only used for some power saving features, hardly anything to write home about.

Price and Verdict

The 52 inch XBR-52LX900 is one of the premium 3D TVs on offer from Sony and the only one that is currently sold with 3D capabilities included (2 pairs of 3D glasses along with a 3D IR emitter). While it certainly isn’t cheap, the larger price tag offers a 3D TV with jaw-dropping good looks, excellent image quality, good black levels, great contrast ratio and outstanding multimedia and internet capabilities. It is also a very capable at displaying immersive 3D content although it does suffer from some cross-talk issues and a smaller viewing angle range than some of the best Plasma 3D TVs. Other televisions to consider in this size and price range are the Panasonic TC-P54VT25, Sony KDL-55NX810, LG 55LX9500, Samsung UN55C9000 and Samsung UN55C8000 3D TVs. If you are more price conscious, be sure to check our list of budget 3D TVs.

No related posts.

Highlights of the Sony XBR-60LX900 Review

Strengths

• Beautiful design with clean lines and excellent aesthetics
• Good 2D image quality with excellent contrast ratio
• Pretty good 3D performance and comfortable 3D glasses
• Outstanding multimedia and internet capabilities
• Very good motion smoothing for fast moving content and flawless display of 24fps content (blu-ray) without any judder
• Integrated 3D IR transmitter and 2 pairs of 3D glasses bundled along with the TV

Weaknesses

• 3D content viewing exhibits some cross-talk
• Integrated camera has no real use
• Pretty expensive considering some cheaper 3D TVs can provide similar if not better 3D performance

Sony XBR60LX900 Screen Size and Appearance

Design

Like the HX909 series, the XBR-60LX900 incorporates Sony’s elegant “Monolithic Design” philosophy that consists of a front panel design that makes the entire TV panel look like a single slab panel of glossy black glass. The glass panel extends all the way to the edges of the TV panel and covers the slim black bezel of the TV. You really need to see it to appreciate this Monolithic Design and Sony should certainly be commended for making such a sleek and elegant looking 3D TV that will be sure to turn heads in your living room.

Since the 60LX900 uses edge-lit LED backlighting technology, it has a very slim profile and the panel is only approximately 2.5 inches thick. Both the front and back of the TV is glossy, which makes it a bit of a fingerprint magnet but at the same time makes for a very attractive HDTV. The base of the stand is both heavy and sturdy, making the entire TV feel very stable. The stand can also be swiveled horizontally by large angles, which could be useful to folks who have a wide living room.

Flatpanel Resolution and Viewing Effects

Like all the other Sony 3D TVs, the XBR60LX900 is a 1080p display (1920-x1080 resolution) capable of displaying full HD content at 1080p, including new 3D Blu-ray in the Full HD 3D format (1080p Frame Packing). Of course, it can also handle all older formats such as 480p, 720p and 1080i.

When it comes to viewing angle, all LED and LCD based 3D TVs have an inherent disadvantage in comparison to Plasma 3D TVs due to the technological limitations of LED backlighting. The Sony XBR-60LX900 is certainly no exception to this rule and exhibits a modest viewing angle of approximately 40-50 degrees total (20-25 degrees from the center on each side) before the contrast ratio drops significantly and the colors and image appears washed out. These numbers are very similar to other edge-lit LED 3D TVs from Samsung, Sony and LG. In comparison, the Panasonic TC-P65VT25 Plasma 3D TV exhibits a viewing angle over 70 degrees on either side.

Like the HX909 series, the LX900 series features Sony’s latest Opticontrast Panel technology that consists of a surface treatment of the LCD glass panel in conjunction with a special resin sheet that is sandwiched between the LCD panel and the glass panel. The resin sheet and surface treatment work together to minimize back reflection and scattering of incident light on the TV screen thus allowing a significant reduction in glare and an improvement in black levels and image contrast. This Opticontrast panel technology works well and does a great job of reducing glare on this glossy screen

Sony XBR-60LX900 Picture Quality

Black Levels, Brightness, Color Accuracy and Contrast

In the Black Levels department, the XBR60LX900 provides good black levels despite its edge-lit LED backlighting. Having said that, both the HX800 and the full array local dimming HX909 series feature slightly better black levels. If absolute black levels is the only criteria you care about, then you might not want to go for the LX900 series, however, keep in mind that absolute black levels are only a small part of the larger picture (no pun intended) when it comes to analyzing 3D TV image quality and performance.

What the LX900 perhaps lacks in the black levels department, it easily makes up by providing the brightest display amongst all the LED 3D TVs released in 2010. This is important to take not of for 2 reasons:

a) The greater the maximum brightness, the better the 3D experience (especially in the day or in brightly lit rooms) since it helps compensate for the loss in brightness due to the active shutter glasses.

b) The contrast ratio is determined by both the maximum brightness and black levels of the display.

The high maximum brightness of the Sony XBR-60LX900 along with the its good black levels allows for a very high contrast ratio (Television info measured it to be over 3500:1). In 3D mode, the maximum brightness is lowered due to the display of frame sequential content as well as the active shutter 3D glasses, dropping the contrast ratio to around 1000:1 in 3D mode. This is still excellent in comparison to other 3D TVs in the market.

The XBR60LX900 features good color accuracy although it has some trouble tracking the correct color temperature. In general images look very good on this display once the display settings have been tweaked appropriately.

Backlight Uniformity

Backlight uniformity is always an issue on edge-lit LED TVs. This issue is further exacerbated in larger TVs. The full-array LED TVs such as the Sony HX909 series have a distinct advantage in this department over edge-lit LED 3D TVs. Unfortunately, all the manufacturers are moving towards edge-lit LED 3D TVs due to the thinner form factor, cheaper manufacturing costs and thus higher margins at the expense of image quality. The XBR-60LX900 does have some issues with backlight uniformity with the center of the panel appearing brighter than the edges (a common artifact in edge lit 3D TVs). Always make sure to carefully analyze your LED TV for such issues when you purchase them so that you can return it within the allowed time-frame for an exchange or refund if you are not happy with backlight uniformity issues.

Refresh Rate and Videoprocessing

The Sony XBR-60LX900 features Sony’s proprietary Motionflow PRO 240Hz technology. Basically, what this technology does is it uses some algorithms to interpolate regular 24fps or 60fps content to create a large number of intermediate frames between each of the provided frames in the source content. The LED display then proceeds to display this interpolated content at 240Hz thus allowing for smoother motion and less stuttering when viewing videos. LED and LCD TV makers have had to use such technology to compensate for the slower refresh rate of LED/LCD based pixels in comparison to Plasma and other technologies. Read more about this in our Plasma vs LCD comparison guide.

The XBR60LX900 does a good job of motion processing and helps smooth content without producing too many artifacts or too much of the fake “soap-opera” look. The other advantage of a 240Hz display is that it can very easily handle 24 fps content from your Blu-ray player without any judder that is common with 3:2 Pulldown.

3D Performance of the XBR60LX900 Reviewed

As mentioned previously, the 3D mode on all 3D TVs tends to lower the maximum brightness and hence the contrast ratio. However, the Sony LX900 still exhibits a very good contrast ratio and good image quality.  Unfortunately, the restrictive viewing angle on this TV also restricts the angles across which you can actually experience the 3D effect. Additionally, the LX900 has some cross-talk issues with bright and dark areas in a scene which is a bit disappointing. Apart from these issues though, it does quite a good job delivering an immersive 3D experience.

The included Sony 3D glasses are a bit on the heavy side like most active shutter glasses, but they are fairly comfortable and more importantly also fit over prescription glasses, which is a big plus.

Media, Internet and Connectivity

When it comes to Multimedia and Internet capabilities, Sony has done an outstanding job with all its 3D TVs in 2010-2011 and the LX900 is certainly no exception.  The onscreen menu is perfect, and easy to navigate across quickly. It uses the same Xross MediaBar menu system that is found on a number of Sony products, including the Playstation 3. It is quite intuitive and coupled with the responsiveness of the TV controls, makes for a pleasurable user experience.

Of all the current manufacturers, Sony has the best Media/Internet suite available on their Bravia line of televisions. The XBR-60LX900 can be hooked up to the internet via the Ethernet port or via the integrated WiFi on this device. Depending on how good your WiFi connection is, you might need to connect your TV to the internet via Ethernet for streaming HD movies. This TV is DLNA certified, meaning that you can stream content seamlessly from your PC or DLNA certified devices. The BRAVIA Internet Video suite offers over 36 channels including Netflix, Pandora, You Tube, Amazon VOD and many others. In addition, Sony has launched the Qriocity channel, which is its own video store when you can pay a small fee to rent a digital download.

The 60LX900 also features a number of internet widgets which let you quickly access news headlines, weather information or play games while watching TV. It also includes widgets for Facebook, Twitter and Flickr.

When it comes to audio quality the XBR-60LX900 is a bit disappointing and has a tinny, low bass sound. You will definitely want to hook this 3D TV up to an external speaker system to get the best 3D home-theater experience possible.

In terms of connectivity the LX900 has fewer ports than some other 3D TVs currently available. Perhaps this is related to the slimmer form factor of this edge-lit LED 3D TV thus reducing the real-estate for electronics to accommodate a wide selection of ports.

Inputs: 4 HDMIs ports, 1 component AV port, a composite AVport, an ethernet LAN port, 1 USB,  1 VGA,  1 digital audio out, 1 analog audio out and integrated WiFi.

We should mention that the integrated camera in the LX900 series is pretty much useless, which is quite a shame as it could have been a great feature. You can’t put the camera to any use – No recording videos, no using it as a webcam or to take low quality pictures. It is only used for some power saving features, hardly anything to write home about.

Price and Verdict

The 60 inch XBR-60LX900 is one of the premium 3D TVs on offer from Sony and the only one that is currently sold with 3D capabilities included (2 pairs of 3D glasses along with a 3D IR emitter). While it certainly isn’t cheap, the larger price tag offers a 3D TV with jaw-dropping good looks, excellent image quality, good black levels, great contrast ratio and outstanding multimedia and internet capabilities. It is also a very capable at displaying immersive 3D content although it does suffer from some cross-talk issues and a smaller viewing angle range than some of the best Plasma 3D TVs. Other televisions to consider in this size and price range are the Panasonic TC-P65VT25, Sony KDL-60NX810, LG 55LX9500, Samsung UN55C9000 and Samsung UN60C8000 3D TVs. If you are more price conscious, be sure to check our list of budget 3D TVs.

No related posts.

Highlights of the Sony XBR46HX909 Review

Strengths

• Gorgeous, sleek look featuring Sony’s monolithic design philosophy
• One of the only LED 3D TVs currently available featuring full array local dimming LED backlighting which provides far superior black-levels than edge-lit local dimming TVs that have unfortunately become the norm
• Excellent black levels, contrast, color accuracy and 2D image quality
• Excellent remote control with well thought out layout and button arrangement

Weaknesses

• Narrow viewing angle for both 2D and 3D
• 3D Glasses and IR emitter, WiFi adapter are not included (separate purchase)
• Steep pricing might deter some consumers

Sony XBR-46HX909 Screen Size and Appearance

Design

The design and aesthetics of the XBR-46HX909 is one of its outstanding features and is the first thing you will notice about this elegantly styled 3D TV. This features Sony’s “Monolithic” design philosophy, something they deserve special kudos for. This TV looks like a beautiful, elegant, black slab of glass minus any distracting logos and labels on the front face of the TV. Even when turned off, this television can be a centerpiece in your living room. This design involves the front panel glass extending all the way to the edge of the screen where it meets the black metal edge of the panel. The entire panel is only approximately 2.8 inches deep which is quite slim for a full-array local dimming LED backlit 3D TV (More on that later).

It should be noted that while the front glass panel extends all the way to the edge of the screen, the TV still has a narrow bezel, except that in this case the bezel is covered by the front glass panel, which makes for a very nice look.

Flatpanel Resolution and Viewing Effects

The XBR-46HX909 is a 46 inch 3D TV that is capable of displaying content at full 1080p resolution (1920×1080 pixels). It can also output Full HD 3D content without any loss of resolution in the 3D content so you can enjoy 2D and 3D Blu-ray content in all its 1080p glory.

As far as viewing angles go, the Sony XBR46HX909 is underwhelming in comparison to top of the line Plasma 3D TVs like the Panasonic TC-P54VT25. However, this is common to all LED and LCD based 3D TVs due to the inherent viewing angle disadvantage of LED/LCD backlighting technology (for more details, be sure to read our LCD vs Plasma 3D TV article). When compared to other LED 3D TVs such as those from rival manufacturer Samsung, the HX909 performance is on par and it allows viewing from roughly 25-30 degrees of- center before the image quality and contrast ratio drops off to unacceptable levels. This is a steep contrast to plasma 3D TVs that can exhibit acceptable viewing angles well over 75-80 degrees off-center on either side of the TV. Depending on the layout of your living room, this could be a significant factor that affects your decision to purchase a plasma or LED 3D TV.

The XBR-46HX909 also features Sony’s latest Opticontrast Panel technology that consists of a surface treatment of the LCD glass panel in conjunction with a special resin sheet that is sandwiched between the LCD panel and the glass panel. The resin sheet and surface treatment work together to minimize back reflection and scattering of incident light on the TV screen thus allowing a significant reduction in glare and an improvement in black levels and image contrast. This Opticontrast panel technology works well and does a great job of reducing glare on this glossy screen.

Sony XBR46HX909 Picture Quality

Black Levels, Brightness, Color Accuracy and Contrast

Full array, Local dimming LED backlights on the Sony HX909 Series

One of the most attractive features of the 46HX909 is its full array of locally dimming backlight LEDs that allow different sections of the screen lower or turn off the backlight if the image in that section is dim or black (See the adjacent image). This allows for a significant improvement in black-levels while boosting the on-screen contrast ratio. An LED TV with a well implemented array of local-dimming LED backlights provides the best possible image quality available with current LED/LCD technology.

The XBR-46HX909 certainly doesn’t disappoint in this department and provides near Plasma like black levels. This is certainly a big achievement because while it is capable of such impressive black levels, it also has the added advantage that comes with LED 3D TVs – high maximum brightness. Brightness level is the Achilles heel of Plasma TV technology, and the HX909 has impressive maximum brightness levels when displaying white images while also exhibiting great black levels. All this means that the Sony XBR-46HX909 exhibits one of the highest contrast ratios currently scene in all the 3D TVs available on the market. Additionally, the Opticontrast panel technology on the HX909 series significantly reduces glare and ambient reflection from the screen thus improving the black levels and contrast ratio further.

When it comes to color performance, the Sony XBR-46HX909 performs admirably well. It maintains a very stable color temperature across shadows and bright areas in the image and also tracks all 3 colors (R, G and B) very well. The color accuracy is also quite good and on the whole, this HDTV features great image quality, excellent black levels, brightness and contrast ratio. The local-dimming might lead to a slight loss of details in shadow regions of the image, but this is not a major issue and in general, the image quality is excellent.

Backlight Uniformity

Being an LED 3D TV, backlight uniformity is always a concern for the XBR-46HX909. While the backlight uniformity is pretty good in general, these TVs can exhibit some minor clouding and flashlighting in some cases. We would strongly recommend that you give your new 3D TV a thorough inspection during your “return window” so that you can return it to the store you purchased it from if you are not happy with the backlight uniformity.

Refresh Rate and Videoprocessing

The Sony XBR-46HX909 features Sony’s 240Hz MotionFlow PRO technology which essentially means that it incorporates a display panel capable of 240Hz refresh rates to help smooth fast moving content and to reduce flickering and cross-talk when viewing 3D content.

When it comes to videoprocessing, the HX909 is a very capable 3D TV. It can convert 2D content to 3D including streaming video (eg: from Youtube). It also features “Clear 2” processing that inserts a black frame between each displayed frame thus enhancing motion resolution and reducing blurring in fast moving videos at the expense of the total image brightness (not a big issue as this panel is very bright). This technique is referred to as scanning backlighting. The Smooth setting makes video look unnaturally smooth and fake and we recommend turning it off.

The 46HX909 is good at handling blu-ray content at 24fps as it does not need to resort to 3:2 pulldown techniques to display the video content. As a result, blu-rays and DVDs play smoothly without much perceivable judder.

3D Performance of the XBR-46HX909 Reviewed

3D performance on the Sony XBR-46HX909 is a bit of a mixed bag. Sony has done a good job of implementing 3D on an LED/LCD TV and the 46HX909 has better 3D performance and 3D quality than the Samsung LED 3D TVs released in 2010. However, the Panasonic VT25 and GT25 Plasma 3D TVs still outperform the 46HX909 when it comes to displaying 3D content. While the 46HX909 has reduced cross-talk, it is still not as low as the Panasonic Plasma 3D TVs. In addition, the low viewing angle of the 46HX909 works against the 3D effect when viewing the content from angles away from the “sweet spot” right along the normal to the TV. The Panasonic plasmas do not have this issue. All in all, the 46HX909 provides a very good 3D experience with the caveat that you need to be seated within the narrow “sweet spot” in front of the TV. While we still recommend the VT25 and GT25 series to consumers basing their purchase purely on 3D performance, we would recommend the HX909 series to those who cannot or do not want a Plasma 3D TV (Plasma’s suffer from lower brightness levels and not providing great image in brightly lit environments).

Media, Internet and Connectivity

The XBR-46HX909 is excellent in this department just like all of the Sony’s 3D TVs in 2010-2011. Apart from the ability to stream Netflix, it can also interface with Amazon’s Video on Demand (VOD), Pandora, YouTube, Sony’s Qriocity, Blip.tv and many others. It can also play photos, music and videos off USB thumbdrives that are connected to the USB ports on the TV. Yahoo widgets are unfortunately missing in the HX909 series and might be missed by some consumers.

Price and Verdict

The Sony XBR46HX909 is the flagship line of 3D Ready TVs from Sony and its pricing certainly reflects this fact. This HDTV features jaw-dropping aesthetics and looks, excellent black levels and image quality and a great integration with streaming media services. When it comes to 3D performance, it performs fairly well, though it is more prone to cross-talk than the excellent Panasonic Plasma 3D TVs and also has a narrow range of viewing angles that actually support the 3D effect. The lack of inclusion of 3D glasses or a 3D transmitter at this price point also work against the TV and we certainly would not recommend it to budget conscious shoppers. However, if you are in the market for a premium HDTV with great 2D image quality, good support for 3D and aesthetics that will make it the focal point in your living room, we would very strongly recommend the Sony XBR-46HX909. For more budget conscious consumers, we would recommend looking at the following 3D TVs: Panasonic TC-P50GT25, Panasonic TC-P50VT25, Sony KDL-46NX810 and the Samsung PN50C8000.

No related posts.

Highlights of the Sony XBR52HX909 Review

Strengths

• Gorgeous, sleek look featuring Sony’s monolithic design philosophy
• One of the only LED 3D TVs currently available featuring full array local dimming LED backlighting which provides far superior black-levels than edge-lit local dimming TVs that have unfortunately become the norm
• Excellent black levels, contrast, color accuracy and 2D image quality
• Excellent remote control with well thought out layout and button arrangement

Weaknesses

• Narrow viewing angle for both 2D and 3D
• 3D Glasses and IR emitter, WiFi adapter are not included (separate purchase)
• Steep pricing might deter some consumers

Sony XBR-52HX909 Screen Size and Appearance

Design

The design and aesthetics of the XBR-52HX909 is one of its outstanding features and is the first thing you will notice about this elegantly styled 3D TV. This features Sony’s “Monolithic” design philosophy, something they deserve special kudos for. This TV looks like a beautiful, elegant, black slab of glass minus any distracting logos and labels on the front face of the TV. Even when turned off, this television can be a centerpiece in your living room. This design involves the front panel glass extending all the way to the edge of the screen where it meets the black metal edge of the panel.  The entire panel is only approximately 2.8 inches deep which is quite slim for a full-array local dimming LED backlit 3D TV (More on that later).

It should be noted that while the front glass panel extends all the way to the edge of the screen, the TV still has a narrow bezel, except that in this case the bezel is covered by the front glass panel, which makes for a very nice look.

Flatpanel Resolution and Viewing Effects

The XBR-52HX909 is a 52 inch 3D TV that is capable of displaying content at full 1080p resolution (1920×1080 pixels). It can also output Full HD 3D content without any loss of resolution in the 3D content so you can enjoy 2D and 3D Blu-ray content in all its 1080p glory.

As far as viewing angles go, the Sony XBR52HX909 is underwhelming in comparison to top of the line Plasma 3D TVs like the Panasonic TC-P54VT25. However, this is common to all LED and LCD based 3D TVs due to the inherent viewing angle disadvantage of LED/LCD backlighting technology (for more details, be sure to read our LCD vs Plasma 3D TV article). When compared to other LED 3D TVs such as those from rival manufacturer Samsung, the HX909 performance is on par and it allows viewing from roughly 25-30 degrees of- center before the image quality and contrast ratio drops off to unacceptable levels. This is a steep contrast to plasma 3D TVs that can exhibit acceptable viewing angles well over 75-80 degrees off-center on either side of the TV. Depending on the layout of your living room, this could be a significant factor that affects your decision to purchase a plasma or LED 3D TV.

The XBR-52HX909 also features Sony’s latest Opticontrast Panel technology that consists of a surface treatment of the LCD glass panel in conjunction with a special resin sheet that is sandwiched between the LCD panel and the glass panel. The resin sheet and surface treatment work together to minimize back reflection and scattering of incident light on the TV screen thus allowing a significant reduction in glare and an improvement in black levels and image contrast. This Opticontrast panel technology works well and does a great job of reducing glare on this glossy screen.

Sony XBR52HX909 Picture Quality

Black Levels, Brightness, Color Accuracy and Contrast

Full array, Local dimming LED backlights on the Sony HX909 Series

One of the most attractive features of the 52HX909 is its full array of locally dimming backlight LEDs that allow different sections of the screen lower or turn off the backlight if the image in that section is dim or black (See the adjacent image). This allows for a significant improvement in black-levels while boosting the on-screen contrast ratio. An LED TV with a well implemented array of local-dimming LED backlights provides the best possible image quality available with current LED/LCD technology.

The XBR-52HX909 certainly doesn’t disappoint in this department and provides near Plasma like black levels. This is certainly a big achievement because while it is capable of such impressive black levels, it also has the added advantage that comes with LED 3D TVs – high maximum brightness. Brightness level is the Achilles heel of Plasma TV technology, and the HX909 has impressive maximum brightness levels when displaying white images while also exhibiting great black levels. All this means that the Sony XBR-52HX909 exhibits one of the highest contrast ratios currently scene in all the 3D TVs available on the market. Additionally, the Opticontrast panel technology on the HX909 series significantly reduces glare and ambient reflection from the screen thus improving the black levels and contrast ratio further.

When it comes to color performance, the Sony XBR-52HX909 performs admirably well. It maintains a very stable color temperature across shadows and bright areas in the image and also tracks all 3 colors (R, G and B) very well. The color accuracy is also quite good and on the whole, this HDTV features great image quality, excellent black levels, brightness and contrast ratio. The local-dimming might lead to a slight loss of details in shadow regions of the image, but this is not a major issue and in general, the image quality is excellent.

Backlight Uniformity

Being an LED 3D TV, backlight uniformity is always a concern for the XBR-52HX909. While the backlight uniformity is pretty good in general, these TVs can exhibit some minor clouding and flashlighting in some cases. We would strongly recommend that you give your new 3D TV a thorough inspection during your “return window” so that you can return it to the store you purchased it from if you are not happy with the backlight uniformity.

Refresh Rate and Videoprocessing

The Sony XBR-52HX909 features Sony’s 240Hz MotionFlow PRO technology which essentially means that it incorporates a display panel capable of 240Hz refresh rates to help smooth fast moving content and to reduce flickering and cross-talk when viewing 3D content.

When it comes to videoprocessing, the HX909 is a very capable 3D TV. It can convert 2D content to 3D including streaming video (eg: from Youtube). It also features “Clear 2” processing that inserts a black frame between each displayed frame thus enhancing motion resolution and reducing blurring in fast moving videos at the expense of the total image brightness (not a big issue as this panel is very bright). This technique is referred to as scanning backlighting. The Smooth setting makes video look unnaturally smooth and fake and we recommend turning it off.

The 52HX909 is good at handling blu-ray content at 24fps as it does not need to resort to 3:2 pulldown techniques to display the video content. As a result, blu-rays and DVDs play smoothly without much perceivable judder.

3D Performance of the XBR-52HX909 Reviewed

3D performance on the Sony XBR-52HX909 is a bit of a mixed bag. Sony has done a good job of implementing 3D on an LED/LCD TV and the 52HX909 has better 3D performance and 3D quality than the Samsung LED 3D TVs released in 2010. However, the Panasonic VT25 and GT25 Plasma 3D TVs still outperform the 52HX909 when it comes to displaying 3D content. While the 52HX909 has reduced cross-talk, it is still not as low as the Panasonic Plasma 3D TVs. In addition, the low viewing angle of the 52HX909 works against the 3D effect when viewing the content from angles away from the “sweet spot” right along the normal to the TV. The Panasonic plasmas do not have this issue. All in all, the 52HX909 provides a very good 3D experience with the caveat that you need to be seated within the narrow “sweet spot” in front of the TV. While we still recommend the VT25 and GT25 series to consumers basing their purchase purely on 3D performance, we would recommend the HX909 series to those who cannot or do not want a Plasma 3D TV (Plasma’s suffer from lower brightness levels and not providing great image in brightly lit environments).

Media, Internet and Connectivity

The XBR-52HX909 is excellent in this department just like all of the Sony’s 3D TVs in 2010-2011. Apart from the ability to stream Netflix, it can also interface with Amazon’s Video on Demand (VOD), Pandora, YouTube, Sony’s Qriocity, Blip.tv and many others. It can also play photos, music and videos off USB thumbdrives that are connected to the USB ports on the TV. Yahoo widgets are unfortunately missing in the HX909 series and might be missed by some consumers.

Price and Verdict

The Sony XBR52HX909 is the flagship line of 3D Ready TVs from Sony and its pricing certainly reflects this fact. This HDTV features jaw-dropping aesthetics and looks, excellent black levels and image quality and a great integration with streaming media services. When it comes to 3D performance, it performs fairly well, though it is more prone to cross-talk than the excellent Panasonic Plasma 3D TVs and also has a narrow range of viewing angles that actually support the 3D effect. The lack of inclusion of 3D glasses or a 3D transmitter at this price point also work against the TV and we certainly would not recommend it to budget conscious shoppers. However, if you are in the market for a premium HDTV with great 2D image quality, good support for 3D and aesthetics that will make it the focal point in your living room, we would very strongly recommend the Sony XBR-52HX909. For more budget conscious consumers, we would recommend looking at the following 3D TVs: Panasonic TC-P50GT25, Panasonic TC-P54VT25, Sony KDL-55NX810 and the Samsung PN50C8000.

No related posts.

Click this link for a complete list of all the Super Bowl 3D TV deals from Amazon

Super Bowl Plasma 3D TV Deals

• Panasonic VIERA TC-P42GT25 42-inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV
  Sale Price: $799.99 FS
  Retails for over $1700 (53% off retail)

• Panasonic VIERA TC-P50GT25 50-inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV
  Sale Price: $1119.95
  Retails for over $2100 (47% off retail)

• Samsung PN58C680 58-Inch 1080p Plasma 3D HDTV
  Sale Price: $1699
  Retails for over $2300 (26% off retail)

Super Bowl LED 3D TV Deals

• LG 47LX9500 47-inch 1080p 480Hz 3D Ready LED-Backlit HDTV
  Sale Price: $1899.99
  Retails for over $4000 (52% off retail)

• LG 55LX9500 55-inch 1080p 3D Ready LED-Backlit  HDTV
  Sale Price: $2099.99
  Retails for over $5000 (48% off retail)

• Sony BRAVIA KDL40HX800 40-Inch 1080p 240 Hz 3D-Ready LED HDTV
  Sale Price: $1085.99
  Retails for over $1900 (42% off retail)

• Sony BRAVIA KDL46HX800 46-Inch 1080p 240 Hz 3D-Ready LED HDTV
  Sale Price: $1387.00
  Retails for over $2500 (44% off retail)

• Sony BRAVIA KDL55HX800 55-Inch 1080p 240 Hz 3D-Ready LED HDTV
  Sale Price: $1797.99
  Retails for over $3200 (43% off retail)

Related posts:

1. Sony Announces Dedicated Blu-ray 3D Player – BDP-S770
2. 3D capable Bravia LX900 heads Sony’s 3D HDTV offerings at CES
3. 58″ Samsung PN58C680 3D Plasma TV for $1199!

Highlights of the Panasonic TC-P42GT25 Review

Strengths

• Excellent Black levels and Color accuracy
• Amazing 3D Performance with minimal cross-talk and sync mismatches
• Excellent viewing angle
• Very aggressive price point makes it a great pick for consumers on a budget
• Internet capabilities are quite well though out and implemented

Weaknesses

• Styling and aesthetics while attractive are a bit dated and reflect the lower price of this panel
• Some extra motion noise as compared to the VT25 series
• Some judder due to 3:2 pulldown processing of 24fps video content

Panasonic TC-P42GT25 Screen Size and Appearance

Design

The aesthetics of the TC-P42GT25 is perhaps one of the only major complaints against the TC-P42GT25 TV. While it certainly isn’t unattractive, it has a bit of a dated look as the bezel and casing is similar to Plasma TVs from 2008 and 2009. The bezel is a glossy plastic with a brownish tinge and the base is a disc shaped glossy plastic piece. This Plasma 3D TV is also a bit thicker than most of the 3D TVs released in 2010, measuring 3.5 inches deep. While the TC-P42GT25 certainly isn’t sexy like some of the ultra-slim 3D TVs in the market, it still has an attractive if dated look. Also, one has to keep in mind that this is a consumer-range 3D TV that is significantly cheaper than most of the premium 3D TVs offered by other manufacturers.

Flatpanel Resolution and Viewing Angle

The TC-P42GT25 Panel is a 1080p (1920×1080 resolution) display capable of displaying Full HD 3D. It is also an HDMI 1.4 capable TV so it can handle all the 3D formats listed under the HDMI 1.4 specification.

One of the areas in which the TC-P42GT25 shines is when measuring the Viewing Angle. Since this is a Plasma 3D TV, it has the inherent viewing angle advantage of Plasma TVs and displays images with good contrast ratio even at angles as large as 70 degrees on either side of the TV.

The GT25 series also features a pretty effective anti-reflection technology on the front panel that does a good job at battling glare from reflection of ambient light. Keep in mind that the TC-P42GT25 has a glossy screen finish, so even with a good anti-glare filter, it can only do so much to get rid of ambient reflections.

Panasonic TC-P42GT25 Picture Quality

Black Levels, Brightness, Color Accuracy and Contrast

The TC-P42GT25 features Panasonic’s Infinite Black Panel technology that reduces electrical pre-discharging in the plasma cells in the display. This ultimately helps produce deeper blacks. While the GT25 series does not feature the Infinite Black Panel Pro technology that is available in the premium VT25 series, it still performs exceptionally well when it comes to Black levels. The TC-P42GT25 still has one of the best black levels out of the 3D TVs released in 2010, bested only by its elder sibling, the VT25 series. This is very impressive considering that the TC-P42GT25 is targeting consumers who are on a budget.

The Panasonic TC-P42GT25 is actually brighter than the VT25 series and is actually very bright in comparison to other Plasma 3D TVs. However, it is obviously no match for LED/LCD based 3D TVs that have the inherent advantage of being able to run brighter. If you plan on viewing your 3D content in bright environments at all time, then you might consider getting an LED 3D TV such as the Sony KDL-46NX810. The dimmer peak brightness of plasma TVs lowers their net contrast ratio specification, but they still provide beautiful images.

When it comes to Color Accuracy, the Panasonic TC-P42GT25 holds its own and does a great job of showing great color accuracy and range. It also maintains very stable and precise color temperature and also has a virtually perfect color gamut. This might have been expected since the GT25 series of 3D TVs are THX certified, thus guaranteeing excellent out of the box color performance and calibration.

Backlight Uniformity

Being a Plasma 3D TV, the TC-P42GT25 has no issues with any non-uniformity in “backlighting” as it does not rely on backlighting to produce an image.

Refresh Rate and Videoprocessing

The TCP42GT25 features 600Hz sub-field drive technology which means that it has a very quick screen response time. This HDTV is excellent at displaying fast moving images and video content. The TC-P42GT25 display features the same fast-decay phosphor technology that is present in the premium VT25 series thus enabling fast screen response times.

However, the GT25 series does have a tendency to have a tad bit more in terms of noise artifacts around the edges of some moving objects. This gives a slight perception of graininess, but this is very hard to catch during regular viewing.

The TC-P42GT25 also has to use 3:2 pulldown to display 24fps content (blu-ray) which isn’t as smooth as the 4:4 pulldown technique used in the higher-end VT25 series.

3D Performance of the TC-P42GT25 Reviewed

The TC-P42GT25 really excels when it comes to 3D performance, just like the VT25 line of 3D TVs. Panasonic has received many accolades for producing the best implementation of 3D in their 2010 lineup of plasma 3D TVs and the TC-P42GT25 is certainly no exception.

The TC-P42GT25 exhibits very minimal cross-talk, which is great news as it is perhaps one of the most annoying defects that can ruin the 3D experience. The other area where Panasonic has done better than the competition is in the way their 3D glasses communicate with the television set. The glasses lose sync with the TV very rarely thus preventing flickering and eye-strain.

The combination of both the low cross-talk and good sync between the 3D glasses and the HDTV makes the TC-P42GT25 an excellent 3D TV. Additionally, the TC-P42GT25 has an additional feature missing in the VT25 series, namely, conversion of 2D content into 3D.

3D Gaming on the TC-P42GT25

The TC-P42GT25 has a “game mode” that significantly reduces lag when displaying video or game content on the screen. This makes it very well suited for 3D Gaming. The only downside is that many consumers are still apprehensive of using a Plasma 3D TV for gaming hours on end due to the concern about screen burn-in. It should be noted that screen burn-in is not a real issue any longer with all the advances in Plasma screen technology. While the Plasma panels might exhibit some amount of image retention, this is purely a temporary effect. However, if you play video games 4-5+ hours a day, then we would recommend that you consider a LCD/LED based 3D TV instead of a plasma 3D TV like the TC-P42GT25.

Media, Internet and Connectivity

The Panasonic TC-P42GT25 is an internet cable 3D TV that has an Ethernet port and the ability to also connect via WiFi (separate adapter required). It features Panasonic’s popular VIERACast feature that includes apps and widgets for services like Netflix, Amazon VOD, Twitter, Skype and a host of other services. If you purchase a separate Panasonic Webcam, you can use the Skype application to video chat with friends and family on your TC-P42GT25. This TV can also connect to your DLNA home network and stream video directly. The Panasonic TC-P42GT25 can also play photos, videos and music from SDHC cards or USB thumbdrives.

Price and Verdict

The TC-P42GT25 probably has all the competition scared stiff. While it might not have a fancy cabinet and styling and also have slightly lower specs when it comes to contrast ratio, one thing is abundantly clear from this review of the Panasonic TC-P42GT25 – Panasonic has hit the 3D nail on its head with the VT25 and GT25 line of Plasma 3D TVs. They definitely provide the best 3D experience out of all the 3D TVs released to date. What is amazing is that the GT25 sells for such a low price while providing amazing 2D and 3D image quality. While it lacks some of the higher end features of the VT25 series (see our article on the difference between VT25 and GT25 3D TVs), the TC-P42GT25 is our pick for the best value 3D TV currently available.

Related posts:

1. Panasonic VT25 vs GT25 Differences Explained

Highlights of the Panasonic TC-P50GT25 Review

Strengths

• Excellent Black levels and Color accuracy
• Amazing 3D Performance with minimal cross-talk and sync mismatches
• Excellent viewing angle
• Very aggressive price point makes it a great pick for consumers on a budget
• Internet capabilities are quite well though out and implemented

Weaknesses

• Styling and aesthetics while attractive are a bit dated and reflect the lower price of this panel
• Some extra motion noise as compared to the VT25 series
• Some judder due to 3:2 pulldown processing of 24fps video content

Panasonic TC-P50GT25 Screen Size and Appearance

Design

The aesthetics of the TC-P50GT25 is perhaps one of the only major complaints against the TC-P50GT25 TV. While it certainly isn’t unattractive, it has a bit of a dated look as the bezel and casing is similar to Plasma TVs from 2008 and 2009. The bezel is a glossy plastic with a brownish tinge and the base is a disc shaped glossy plastic piece. This Plasma 3D TV is also a bit thicker than most of the 3D TVs released in 2010, measuring 3.5 inches deep. While the TC-P50GT25 certainly isn’t sexy like some of the ultra-slim 3D TVs in the market, it still has an attractive if dated look. Also, one has to keep in mind that this is a consumer-range 3D TV that is significantly cheaper than most of the premium 3D TVs offered by other manufacturers.

Flatpanel Resolution and Viewing Angle

The TC-P50GT25 Panel is a 1080p (1920×1080 resolution) display capable of displaying Full HD 3D. It is also an HDMI 1.4 capable TV so it can handle all the 3D formats listed under the HDMI 1.4 specification.

One of the areas in which the TC-P50GT25 shines is when measuring the Viewing Angle. Since this is a Plasma 3D TV, it has the inherent viewing angle advantage of Plasma TVs and displays images with good contrast ratio even at angles as large as 70 degrees on either side of the TV.

The GT25 series also features a pretty effective anti-reflection technology on the front panel that does a good job at battling glare from reflection of ambient light. Keep in mind that the TC-P50GT25 has a glossy screen finish, so even with a good anti-glare filter, it can only do so much to get rid of ambient reflections.

Panasonic TC-P50GT25 Picture Quality

Black Levels, Brightness, Color Accuracy and Contrast

The TC-P50GT25 features Panasonic’s Infinite Black Panel technology that reduces electrical pre-discharging in the plasma cells in the display. This ultimately helps produce deeper blacks. While the GT25 series does not feature the Infinite Black Panel Pro technology that is available in the premium VT25 series, it still performs exceptionally well when it comes to Black levels. The TC-P50GT25 still has one of the best black levels out of the 3D TVs released in 2010, bested only by its elder sibling, the VT25 series. This is very impressive considering that the TC-P50GT25 is targeting consumers who are on a budget.

The Panasonic TC-P50GT25 is actually brighter than the VT25 series and is actually very bright in comparison to other Plasma 3D TVs. However, it is obviously no match for LED/LCD based 3D TVs that have the inherent advantage of being able to run brighter. If you plan on viewing your 3D content in bright environments at all time, then you might consider getting an LED 3D TV such as the Sony KDL-55NX810. The dimmer peak brightness of plasma TVs lowers their net contrast ratio specification, but they still provide beautiful images.

When it comes to Color Accuracy, the Panasonic TC-P50GT25 holds its own and does a great job of showing great color accuracy and range. It also maintains very stable and precise color temperature and also has a virtually perfect color gamut. This might have been expected since the GT25 series of 3D TVs are THX certified, thus guaranteeing  excellent out of the box color performance and calibration.

Backlight Uniformity

Being a Plasma 3D TV, the TC-P50GT25 has no issues with any non-uniformity in “backlighting” as it does not rely on backlighting to produce an image.

Refresh Rate and Videoprocessing

The TCP50GT25 features 600Hz sub-field drive technology which means that it has a very quick screen response time. This HDTV is excellent at displaying fast moving images and video content. The TC-P50GT25 display features the same fast-decay phosphor technology that is present in the premium VT25 series thus enabling fast screen response times.

However, the GT25 series does have a tendency to have a tad bit more in terms of noise artifacts around the edges of some moving objects. This gives a slight perception of graininess, but this is very hard to catch during regular viewing.

The TC-P50GT25 also has to use 3:2 pulldown to display 24fps content (blu-ray) which isn’t as smooth as the 4:4 pulldown  technique used in the higher-end VT25 series.

3D Performance of the TC-P50GT25 Reviewed

The TC-P50GT25 really excels when it comes to 3D performance, just like the VT25 line of 3D TVs. Panasonic has received many accolades for producing the best implementation of 3D in their 2010 lineup of plasma 3D TVs and the TC-P50GT25 is certainly no exception.

The TC-P50GT25 exhibits very minimal cross-talk, which is great news as it is perhaps one of the most annoying defects that can ruin the 3D experience. The other area where Panasonic has done better than the competition is in the way their 3D glasses communicate with the television set. The glasses lose sync with the TV very rarely thus preventing flickering and eye-strain.

The combination of both the low cross-talk and good sync  between the 3D glasses and the HDTV makes the TC-P50GT25 an excellent 3D TV. Additionally, the TC-P50GT25 has an additional feature missing in the VT25 series, namely, conversion of 2D content into 3D.

3D Gaming on the TC-P50GT25

The TC-P50GT25 has a “game mode” that significantly reduces lag when displaying video or game content on the screen. This makes it very well suited for 3D Gaming. The only downside is that many consumers are still apprehensive of using a Plasma 3D TV for gaming hours on end due to the concern about screen burn-in. It should be noted that screen burn-in is not a real issue any longer with all the advances in Plasma screen technology. While the Plasma panels might exhibit some amount of image retention, this is purely a temporary effect. However, if you play video games 4-5+ hours a day, then we would recommend that you consider a LCD/LED based 3D TV instead of a plasma 3D TV like the TC-P50GT25.

Media, Internet and Connectivity

The Panasonic TC-P50GT25 is an internet cable 3D TV that has an Ethernet port and the ability to also connect via WiFi (separate adapter required). It features Panasonic’s popular VIERACast feature that includes apps and widgets for services like Netflix, Amazon VOD, Twitter, Skype and a host of other services. If you purchase a separate Panasonic Webcam, you can use the Skype application to video chat with friends and family on your TC-P50GT25. This TV can also connect to your DLNA home network and stream video directly. The Panasonic TC-P50GT25 can also play photos, videos and music from SDHC cards or USB thumbdrives.

Price and Verdict

The TC-P50GT25 probably has all the competition scared stiff. While it might not have a fancy cabinet and styling and also have slightly lower specs when it comes to contrast ratio, one thing is abundantly clear from this review of the Panasonic TC-P50GT25 – Panasonic has hit the 3D nail on its head with the VT25 and GT25 line of Plasma 3D TVs. They definitely provide the best 3D experience out of all the 3D TVs released to date. What is amazing is that the GT25 sells for such a low price while providing amazing 2D and 3D image quality. While it lacks some of the higher end features of the VT25 series (see our article on the difference between VT25 and GT25 3D TVs), the TC-P50GT25 is our pick for the best value 3D TV currently available.

Related posts:

1. Panasonic VT25 vs GT25 Differences Explained
2. 50″ Panasonic GT25 3D TV for $999!

3D TV Deal Details

• 55-inch LED 3D HDTV with excellent image quality and 3D performance
• Full 1080p resolution, and 240Hz Trumotion provides excellent quality for sports and action movies
• Ability to display judder free 24p content (Bluray)
• Features LG’s excellent Netcast feature which enables internet connectivity and a number of neat internet widgets.
• Connectivity: 4 HDMI, 3 Component, 2 Composite, 1 optical, 1 digital out, 2 USB and 1 Ethernet LAN
• Measures 54.8 x 35.6 x 2.8 inches with stand; Energy Star 4.0 qualified

Is this a Good 3D TV Deal?

If you have a family or tend to have friends over for watching movies and sports, then this is a great deal. 3D Glasses can be quite expensive and to get 4 free 3D Glasses on top of a discounted rate for the 55″ LG 55LX6500 LED TV is a pretty great deal! Happy shopping!

Related posts:

1. 46″ Toshiba 3D TV, Free 3D Glasses and Blu-Ray Player for $1200
2. FREE 3D Blu-ray player & 3D Starter Kit with Samsung 3D TVs!
3. Free PlayStation 3 and 3D Deluxe Starter Kit with Sony NX810 Purchase

3D TV Deal Details

• 58-inch Plasma 3D HDTV with intensely vivid 2D and fully immersive Full HD 3D viewing
• Delivers incredible picture performance and 3D at full 1080p resolution
• Samsung Clear Image Panel Technology to reduce on-screen glare from reflections.
• Inputs: 4 HDMI, component, composite, USB, optical digital audio output.
• Measures 54.8 x 35.6 x 2.8 inches with stand; Energy Star 4.0 qualified

This is the lowest price we have yet seen on the PN58C680 3D TV. Paying less than $1200 for a 58 inch 3D TV is certainly a pretty nice deal. The fact that it is a Samsung Plasma 3D TV that has excellent reviews both from professionals and users alike makes this an even sweeter deal.

How to get this deal

• Visit the product page at TigerDirect
• Apply Coupon Code MVO18139
• Proceed to checkout and pay via PAYPAL to get an extra $100 discount

Is this a Good 3D TV Deal?

We think that this is a great 3D TV deal and we would recommend jumping on this ASAP if you are in the market for a 58″ 3D TV. We have never seen such a low price for a very well reviewed and liked 58″ Plasma 3D Ready TV set. Happy shopping!

Related posts:

1. Panasonic Plasma 3D TVs for as low as $429!
2. FREE 3D Blu-ray player & 3D Starter Kit with Samsung 3D TVs!

As with everything else, price plays a huge role in the adoption of any technology. When 3D TVs were first introduced, the much higher price point of 3D HDTVS deterred many consumers from  making a purchase. However, things have changed significantly over the last year and many manufacturers have begun offering  cheap 3D TVs at very attractive price points.

While our top 3D TV list lists the very best 3D TVs at the very high-end, this article will list cheap 3D TVs that still provide great 3D performance at a low price. So read on for our list of cheap 3D TVs.

1. Panasonic Viera TC-P50GT25 50” Plasma 3D TV – Recommended Pick

The Panasonic GT25 series is our recommended pick for the cheapest 3D TV that still provides excellent 2D and 3D image quality. The GT25 features the same fast-decaying R,G,B phosphors invented by Panasonic specifically for their 3D Plasma TVs to increase refresh rates, lower image retention and virtually eliminate all cross-talk when viewing 3D content. Additionally, it has the bonus 2D to 3D content conversion feature that is missing in the VT25 series. Check out our VT25 vs GT25 differences guide for a complete list of the differences between these two excellent 3D TV lines. The GT25 series is the cheapest Panasonic 3D TVs but they still retain excellent image quality and 3D performance in comparison to the highly acclaimed VT25 series that made it to the top of our Top 5 3D TV list. With the 42 inch TC-P42GT25 selling for less than $750 on Amazon, we would be hard pressed to recommend any other 3D TV over the GT25 series when it comes to cheap 3D TVs with great performance.

2. Samsung PN50C490 50-Inch 720p Plasma 3D TV

The PN50C490 is a great plasma 3D TV from Samsung. It is the cheapest Samsung 3D TV, selling at prices below $900. However, this should not deter you from this 3D TV as it has both excellent 2D and 3D performance.  One of the great features that makes it into this budget 3D TV is the 2D to 3D content conversion which actually works reasonably well. One of the key points to take note of is that this is a 720p 3D TV and not a 1080p 3D TV. However, depending on your viewing distance, this might not be an issue. Unless you plan on sitting very close to the TV, a 720p 3D TV should be more than ample. It also does not feature internet connectivity, but for the price, this should not be a major factor. In addition, almost all 3D bluray players feature internet connectivity making this less of an issue. With great picture quality and black levels and excellent viewing angles thanks to the Plasma panel, this is a cheap 3D TV that provides excellent bang-for-the-buck.

3. Samsung LN46C750 46-Inch 1080p 3D LCD TV

The Samsung LN46C750 is the entry level LED based 3D TV offering from Samsung. It supports full 1080p resolution and 240Hz refresh rates and unlike some of the other budget 3D TVs even features internet connectivity and support for widgets like Facebook, Youtube, Amazon Video on Demand, etc. It also features Samsung’s 2D to 3D upconversion implementation which can be hit or miss, but still fun to play around with when viewing 2D content.

The LN46C750 has been very well received by consumers for providing great 2D and 3D image quality at a low price point. This is the cheapest LED 3D TV from Samsung and while the 3D works very well, there are some issues with ghosting and cross-talk in some cases.

4. Mitsubishi 60, 65 and 73 Inch 1080p 3D-Ready DLP HDTVs

Mitsubishi is often overlooked by many consumers, but they make fantastic DLP 3D Ready TVs that are also exceptionally cheap in comparison to LED and Plasma 3D TVs. DLP technology still lends itself extremely well towards making Large 3D TVs and Mitsubishi has a fantastic offering of 60”, 65” and 73” 3D Ready TVs. These TVs have great picture quality, smooth pictures, ultra fast screen response times thus resulting in minimal cross-talk when displaying 3D content. Mitsubishi has also been very good about supporting 3D on these TVs and now supports all 3D formats on these DLP 3D TVs. The one drawback is that they use the checkerboard pattern to display 3D content, so you lose some resolution when viewing 3D, but the quality is still excellent as attested by many users of these 3D TVs.

If you are in the market for a huge 3D capable TV for your home-theater setup, these TVs are ideal candidates that provide excellent 2D and 3D quality without costing you an arm and a leg. The only drawback of DLP technology is that it is not very bright and also sensitive to viewing angle, so it would work much better in a light-controlled room or a specific home-theater setup. When it comes to the price-per-inch of screen size metric, the Mitsubishi 3D TVs are certainly the cheapest 3D TVs available.

Honorable Mentions for Cheapest 3D TVs

Related posts:

1. Panasonic VT25 vs GT25 Differences Explained
2. 73″ Mitsubishi 3D TV for under $1200!
3. 50″ Panasonic GT25 3D TV for $999!

Size of VT25 and GT25 series

Firstly, the VT25 series is available in the following sizes: 50 inch, 54 inch, 58 inch and 65 inch.

These are the largest 3D TVs offered by Panasonic at the moment and it makes sense that their premium line of Plasma 3D TVs are also their largest.

The GT25 series is only available at 42 inch and 50 inch screen sizes. Being the mid-range 3D TV offering, this also makes perfect sense.

Black Levels of VT25 vs GT25

This is one area where there is definitely a difference between the VT25 and GT25 3D TVs. The VT25 series features Panasonic’s premium Infinite Black Panel Pro panel technology. Infinite Black Panel Pro is an improvement in the front panel technology that reduces electrical pre-discharge allowing for extremely deep blacks and great contrast ratios. The VT25 series of 3D TVs have been universally praised for their Kuro like black levels and superior 2D and 3D image quality.

The Panasonic GT25 features the Infinite Black Panel feature which is meant to do exactly the same as Infinite Black Panel Pro technology, but is a less complex implementation of the technology. While it certainly improves black levels and image quality by a lot, it certainly can’t match the black levels of the VT25 series. However, it should be noted that the GT25 still has great picture quality, and for the price, it is a fantastic 3D TV. This is why the GT25 made it to our list of Top 5 3D TVs.

2D to 3D Content Conversion

Surprisingly, this feature is only available in the GT25 series and not the VT25 series. It is a pretty fun feature and when it works, it can be reasonably good at converting 2D content into 3D. However, this doesn’t always work (same goes for all manufacturer’s implementation of 2D->3D conversion) and will be less and less important as more and more 3D content is made available to the consumer.

Judder Free display of BluRay/DVDs at 24fps

This is one area where the Panasonic VT25 is much better than the GT25. This is primarily due to the 96Hz ability of the VT25 (not to be confused with 600Hz Sub-field motion, which both have) which allows the VT25 to display 24fps content very smoothly via 4:4 pulldown techniques (24*4=96Hz) giving very accurate motion display. On the other hand, the GT25 does not have this feature and has to use 3:2 pulldown techniques resulting in judder in smooth panning scenes or when text is scrolling across your screen.

However, don’t be alarmed by this. It isn’t a huge issue as judder due to 3:2 pulldown is something every TV has had till last year and even now, a lot of the current 3D TVs cannot manage judder free viewing of 24fps content. Also, keep in mind that content from your HD cable provider is provided at 60Hz, so judder is not an issue in the case of cable content.

Summary of Panasonic VT25 and GT25 differences

These are the primary differences between the VT25 and GT25. The VT25 is definitely one of the best 3D TVs currently available on the market. However, it is also quite a bit more expensive than the GT25. While the GT25 doesn’t have the same black levels as the VT25, it still produces a very impressive picture with excellent color accuracy, is THX certified and also has the added bonus of being able to convert 2D content to 3D. Additionally, the GT25 series features the same revolutionary RGB phosphors pioneered by Panasonic that help eliminate cross-talk when viewing 3D content. Depending on your budget, you can’t really go wrong with either one of these fine Plasma 3D TVs. Be sure to check our Panasonic 3D TV reviews to read unbiased reviews of all the Panasonic 3D TVs currently available in the market.

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1. 50″ Panasonic GT25 3D TV for $999!

All the television manufacturers have released several lines of 3D TVs in 2010 and if there is one thing that has been evident this year during CES 2011, it is that the manufacturers are embracing 3D in a big way and are all set to release a ton of 3D HDTVs. While we provide 3D TV reviews of many 3D ready TVs, it can be a bit daunting to read hundreds of reviews and articles trying to figure out which 3D TVs are the best.

Here we have picked the top 5 3D TVs that are currently available in the market. We have put a lot of careful consideration into making these picks and have considered multiple sources of reviews on these 3D TVs to determine this list of the best 3D TVs currently available.

Note – While we have chosen the top 3D TVs in the 50”-54” size range, the rankings should be treated as rankings of the entire series and not just these specific models since all TVs within a series have pretty much the same performance (i.e., for example – The Panasonic P54VT25 is the same as the P58VT25)

1. Panasonic TC-P54VT25 Plasma 3D TV

The Panasonic VT25 series is the premium line of 3D TVs that have been on offer by Panasonic in 2010 and 2011. The VT25 has been universally acclaimed for its “Kuro-like” black levels (i.e., extremely dark blacks), amazing picture quality and the best implementation of 3D amongst the first generation 3D TVs.

With 600Hz Sub-Field drive technology with fast decaying phosphors for ultra-smooth video display and the ability to display 24fps content (Blu-Ray/DVD) natively at 96Hz using 3:3 pulldown techniques for judder-free movie watching. This is a great feature that is lacking in many other TVs. In addition, the THX mode offers a well calibrated picture that matches THX specification right out of the box. Finally, the VT25 is very competitive on price in comparison to some of the more expensive 3D TV offerings from Samsung, Sony and other 3D TV manufacturers.

The only drawbacks are the lack of support for native 2D->3D conversion of video content and a bezel and design that doesn’t look as sleek and sexy as some of the other 3D TVs in the market.

2. Samsung PN50C8000 Plasma 3D TV

2^nd place was a tie between this Samsung Plasma 3D TV and the Sony local-dimming backlit LED 3D TV. The PNC8000 series is the premium line of Plasma 3D TVs from Samsung and they have been very well received by reviewers and consumers alike. It features great aesthetics with a sleek brushed metal cabinet that is just 1.5 inches thick. The PN50C8000 also features Samsung’s Real Black Filter technology for extremely deep blacks and significantly reduced glare from the screen. This is an internet ready TV that has many internet widgets available including ones from Netflix, Pandora, etc.

2. Sony XBR-52HX909 Local Dimming Backlit LED 3D TV

The Sony XBR-52HX909 is an amazing 3D TV that is often overlooked by many. This is one of the only 3D TVs available that features “true” local LED backlight dimming for significantly improved black levels. While a lot of edge-lit LED TVs also claim to feature local dimming technology, it should be noted that edge-lit 3D TVs are inferior in this department as the edge-lighting compromises the ability to locally dim the backlight at specific points on the screen. The Sony 52HX909 features great picture quality, amazing black levels and jaw-dropping aesthetics. It also has the ability to convert regular 2D content to 3D and this actually works quite well on the HX909 series.

The main drawback on this TV is the higher price point and the fact that the 3D Glasses and transmitter have to be purchased separately (although you might get lucky and score a free or cheap bundle).

4. LG 47LX9500 Local Dimming LED 3D TV

The LG 47LX9500 is a very attractive 3D TV that features full array LED backlighting like the Sony XBR HX909. Unlike Edge lit TVs, the LC 47LX9500 features much improved local backlight dimming thus giving exceptional black levels, excellent shadow detail and very good color fidelity. This 3D TV is only 1.3 inches thick and is extremely well designed. The 3D Performance on this set is not as strong as the TVs listed above, but it is still a great all round TV for your living room.

5. Panasonic TC-50GT25 Plasma 3D TV

No related posts.

3D TV Deal Details

• 73-inch DLP HDTV with intensely vivid 2D and fully immersive 3D viewing
• Delivers incredible picture performance at an exceptional value
• 120Hz Sub-Frame Rate for a blur-free picture during fast action; stereo speakers (10w x 2)
• Inputs: 3 HDMI, 2 component, 2 composite, 1 USB, 1 optical digital audio output
• Measures 65.2 x 43.6 x 17.9 inches with stand; Energy Star 4.0 qualified

This is the lowest price you will probably ever find on a 72 inch 3D TV! DLP TVs are excellent TVs in general and provide great picture quality, black levels and exceptionally smooth pictures with ultra-fast response times. These features make them very attractive as a 3D TV. The primary drawback is that they tend to not be as bright as LCD/LED TVs so they aren’t ideal for a brightly lit environment. However, these are extremely good TVs to have in your home-theater set up where you can control the ambient light levels while watching TV.

Is this a Good 3D TV Deal?

We think that this is an AMAZING 3D TV deal and we would recommend jumping on this ASAP if you are in the market for a ginormous 3D TV. We have never seen such a low price for a very well reviewed and liked DLP 3D Ready TV set. The only caveat is that you will need to purchase the Mitsubishi 3D Starter kit to make use of the 3D features as glasses and 3D sync transmitter are not included with the TV. This 3D TV is very well reviewed across the board. Let us know if you have luck jumping on this deal. Happy shopping!

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1. 46″ Toshiba 3D TV, Free 3D Glasses and Blu-Ray Player for $1200
2. Panasonic Plasma 3D TVs for as low as $429!
3. 58″ Samsung PN58C680 3D Plasma TV for $1199!