Additionally, switching 3D mode on the TV itself requires four clicks on the remote. While it automatically handles 3D from sources that are ready for HDMI 1.4 protocols like newer 3D Blu-ray players and the PlayStation 3, if you're getting 3D from an older cable box or Xbox 360, it has to be manually switched on and off with a separate remote. Until recently, the Mitsubishi TV required a converter, available by itself or packed in with glasses as part of a 3D starter pack, which does add a layer of complexity to the proceedings. Samsung does offer different glasses, but we only tested the versions that ship with the first 3D kit. The Mitsubishi and Samsung glasses were actually exactly the same except the logo on the side, and they hurt the bridge of our nose the most despite being light. The Panasonic glasses were the only ones with different nose pieces, which might be essential to you to get a comfortable fit, but it is also removable and thus, easy to lose.
We say they're the same because they all seem light and flimsy - especially considering how much they cost - and are open on the sides which lets in lots of distracting light. The Samsung, Mitsubishi and Panasonic specs are all about the same, with the Panasonic edging out since they include a strap and a nice case. The Sonys also have loops that make it easy to use a strap with, which is great for kids since the glasses tend to fall off the little ones. Next up are the Sony glasses, which also block the light from the sides but are much heavier and uses a watch battery. The power button is a little harder to find than some of the other glasses but not a problem to hit without looking. They fit very comfortably on the bridge of our nose. Overall we prefer the LG glasses because they are light, include rechargeable batteries and a USB cable to charge via the TV.
All of the consumer 3DTVs shipping today use active shutter glasses, and while this means they are heavier, we also believe it delivers a superior 3D experience - that is, of course, until someone ships a consumer 3D set with passive glasses that proves us wrong. And since the glasses that ship with one TV aren't compatible with other 3DTVs, choosing a brand based on the specs is just as good of a reason as any. The reality of the situation is that, for us at least, 3D with glasses is better than no 3D at all and decent, glasses-less 3D is still years away. If there is one thing that everyone can agree on, it's that having to wear glasses to enjoy 3D sucks - there, we said it. The Sony ships with two pairs of active shutter glasses, the Panasonic with one, while the LG, Mitsubishi and Samsung, the glasses are sold separately.
Then there are the two plasmas: Panasonic's TC-P50VT25 ($2,599) and the brand new THX 3D-certified LG INFINIA 50PX950 ($1,799), plus a Mitsubishi WD73838 ($2,799). In the LCD category, we have the LED backlit Samsung UN40C7000 ($1,999 MSRP) and the LED backlit with local dimming Sony XBR-46HX909 ($3,499). With one exception, these were all the top-of-the-line models. We're not talking about any slouches here either. So instead, we took on two plasmas, two LCDs, and one DLP. We would've loved to have tested every 3DTV out there, but logistically that's simply beyond our capabilities.
Check out our full impressions after the break. Right now, there's barely enough 3D content to support more than a couple of hours viewing per week, much less support a full viewing conversion to all-glasses, all the time - but more about that later.
With that said Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, Mitsubishi and LG's finest have had their moment and on the next page we've done our best to compare them in a way that makes sense for the average HDTV buyer who might also want to take in a 3D event or movie from time to time. That's an important distinction to make, since nothing about the 2D performance of these TVs suffers because of their ability to do 3D, and in many cases they cost the exact same price as their comparable 2D-only models from last year. After a year of hearing about 3DTVs nonstop we finally got some of the main contenders in house to examine, although we'll start by pointing out that this isn't so much of a "3DTV" roundup, since a more apt description of these displays is 3D-capable HDTVs.