3D TVs get better at 3D: Less ghosting, lower prices too

In our earlier tests of 3D TVs, one complaint we had—especially with LCD 3D TVs that used active-shutter glasses—was that we saw significant ghosting in many scenes and with our test patterns, where double images were visible even when the tester was wearing 3D glasses. But by and large, we're finding that second-generation 3D sets from manufacturers have addressed this issue to a degree where it's no longer a major problem.

In fact, in our latest TV Ratings (available to subscribers), ghosting is an issue with only a small number of sets. One reason is that some manufacturers, including LG and Vizio, are now exclusively using passive 3D technology, which works with passive polarized glasses, in all their LCD-based 3D TVs. We've found that one advantage of passive 3D TVs, which have a polarizing film on the TV, is that ghosting is minimal.

But we've also seen major improvements in ghosting from even those manufacturers, such as Samsung and Sony, that offer active LCD 3D TVs. The one exception: Sharp's 52-inch LC-52LE835U, a newer LCD set that still had significant ghosting. Unusually, that was not an issue with the 46-inch model in the same series we also tested.

Plasma TVs in general have had only minimal issues with ghosting, and they continue to do very well with 3D overall. One model—Samsung's 51-inch PN51D8000—rose above the crowd, turning in the best overall 3D performance we've seen so far.

As more 3D sets have come on the market, Consumer Reports has expanded its testing of 3D sets to capture performance in a number of areas, including ghosting, brightness, resolution, and viewing angle.

For those looking for a 3D set, the latest Ratings show that prices for 3D-capable TVs continue to fall. There are now several 3D plasma sets in our Ratings below $1,000, with one—LG's 720p 42PW350 model—selling for less than $700. But with more TVs including 3D as a feature and prices continuing to decline, you may want to consider a highly rated 3D model even if you're not especially interested in that feature.

There are other trends in our latest Ratings: For one, the number of TVs that include access to Internet content continues to grow, and companies continue to expand the breadth of the content available. Some Smart TVs" such those in flagship lines offered by LG and Samsung, now have full Web browsers, plus access to apps markets where additional content and applications can be downloaded. We expect to see more models with full Web access, including some new sets using an updated Google TV platform, later this fall. There are now also more TVs that either come with built-in Wi-Fi or with the ability to add it via an optional adapter.

If you're in the market for a new TV, make sure you check out our latest Ratings. And let us know whether there are any specific features you're looking for, or whether you're waiting for a TV with the features you want to hit a specific price point.

—James K. Willcox