First 3D televisions on sale in UK today
The first 3D television sets went on sale on the high street today.
The new technology – likened to the arrival of colour screens 40 years ago and the recent high definition – will allow consumers to enjoy the full 3D experience in their own homes, department store John Lewis said.
The retailer is selling 40-inch Samsung models from certain branches from today for £1,799 (€2,077).
Viewers will also need to pay another £200 (€230.87) for a special cable, a 3D blu-ray disc of the film Monsters vs Aliens and a pair of “Active Shutter” 3D glasses, complete with a battery and an infrared sensor on the bridge which picks up signals from the television.
John Lewis spokesman John Kempner 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.”
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.
But Mr Kempner added: “It is worth remembering that even though 3D TV content is limited at the moment, this new breed of TV provides fantastic picture quality for regular 2D viewing, so a 3D TV is a great investment purchase.”
The new hardware will add depth to the picture of normal broadcasts and blu-ray films, according to Samsung.
The sets will also be available in Curry’s and Comet in the next week.
The new sets were sold in Japan and the US at the start of this year.
