3D TV prices: Yes more expensive, but not crazily so

One of the biggest questions we've had about 3D TVs has been, "So, how much are these sets going to cost?" Thanks to a few retail sites that are now promoting new 3D-ready LED LCD TVs, it looks like they'll be more expensive than a regular set, but not insanely so, with a starting price of about $2,000 for a 46-inch model.

Sony, for example, is now offering in-store demos at its Sony Style locations of its 3D LCD TVs, all of which have LED backlights and 240Hz technology. You can pre-order some of the sets, which will be available early this summer. The least expensive 3D set is a $1,700 40-inch NX700-series model (KDL-40NX700); the 46-inch version (KDL-46NX700) is priced at $2,100.

[Editor's note: We goofed—the Sony 3D models are HX700- and HX800-series sets, NOT NX-series sets. Sony says its 3D models will be available this summer, but prices have not yet been finalized.] In the step-up NX800 series, a 46-inch set (KDL-46NX800) is $2,300, and a 52-inch model (KDL-52NX800) is $2,800. The biggest model listed is the 60-inch version (KDL-60NX800), priced at $3,500. NX700 HX700 and HX800 NX800 models are 3D-capable sets that require optional 3D glasses and a 3D transmitter; models in a flagship XBR LX900 series come equipped with two sets of 3D glasses and a built-in 3D emitter.

You can get more information about Sony's plans on its 3D Web site.

On its Web site, Sears is now advertising two of Samsung's 7000-series sets, and is accepting pre-orders. Like the Sony sets, these have LED backlights and 240Hz technology. The 46-inch model (UN46C7000WFXZA) is priced at  $2,600, and the 55-inch version (UN55C7000WFXZA) is $3,300. Both sets will be available in March. These are Samsung's entry-level 3D models, though not entry-level sets, and you have to buy the 3D glasses separately.

The only other 3D TV pricing we've seen is from Vizio, which at CES announced three XVTPRO-series models. The 47-inch XVTPRO470SV will be $2,000, a 55-inch version (XVTPRO550SV) will be $2,500, and a giant 72-inch flagship model (XVTPRO720SV), which include 480Hz technology, a full-array LED backlight that has 480 separate zones that can be locally dimmed, and built-in wireless networking. That set will be just $3,500. However, these models won't be available until the end of the summer.

Since all these 3D sets tend to be flagship models loaded with bells and whistles, it's hard to say exactly how much more 3D is adding to the cost of the TVs. But it appears to be in line with what we've seen when other new features, like 240Hz technology and LED backlights, first make their way into a manufacturer's TV lineup.

You can bet we'll get our hands on one of these sets as soon as they are available, so keep checking in with our blog for a First Look at a 3D TV. We'll be looking to see not only how well these TVs perform with 3D material, but also whether enabling a TV for 3D playback has any deleterious effect on its performance with standard HD programs.

—James K. Willcox