Samsung LED 3DTV in Fnac and my inbox

Last week I got a mailing from Fnac promoting Samsung's new line of LED-lit 3DTVs. Just sharing because we get to know some localized prices now.

Looks like a 40" version of the 8 Series line will set you back €2199, while the 7 Series 40" screen manages to just stay under the (not very) psychological border of €2000. In this case I don't immediately see the difference between the 7 and 8 Series, apart from the color of the bezel, but I'm guessing this has to do with number of HDMI-ports and such. After that, it's bigger screens, bigger prices.

This price point was to be expected, but what I was more curious about were the infamous glasses. Looks like Samsung will want €79 for glasses with batteries and €99 for a rechargeable set, so if you're going to make an economic decision, you're going to want those rechargeable ones.

Both the 7 and 8 Series sets can convert 2D content to 3D on the fly and I've read that this effect can be quite convincing depending on the source content. They also have integrated Skype support, so you have to wonder if you'll be able to make 3D calls. Of course the other party will see you sitting on your couch wearing those ridiculous glasses... ;-)

Fnac also adds Samsung's 3D-capable Blu Ray player, priced at €399. So if you're starting from scratch and want the 3D experience you're looking at:

€1999 for the cheapest and "smallest" screen

4x €99 if you're not watching Monsters vs Aliens alone

€399 for a 3D capable Blu Ray player

bringing us to €2794, only for hardware.

This may take a while.

By the way, it's no coincidence the sets are advertised with Sony's Monsters vs Aliens as it is currently the only real 3D Blu Ray you can actually buy. For an updated list, go here.