As you might know from our previous blogs, we’ve been testing the first new 3D TVs on the market—Samsung’s 46-inch 7000- and 8000-series LCD TVs with LED backlights and 240Hz technology, and Panasonic’s 50-inch VT-20 series 1080p plasma. We bought the Samsung 7000-series set at retail, and purchased the 8000-series model and Panasonic’s plasma as pre-retail samples directly from the company.

For the purposes of our tests, we connected the TVs to each company’s new 3D Blu-ray player, and then switched them to see if the Samsung Blu-ray would work on the Panasonic TV, and vice versa. (They did.) While the Monsters vs. Aliens 3D Blu-ray disc played on both players—as it should per the Blu-ray 3D specification—the 3D demo disc from Panasonic, which includes clips from the Astro Boy movie, plus some sports and nature live sequences, would only play on the Panasonic Blu-ray player.

While we haven’t completed our comprehensive tests on these sets, we have already seen some performance differences between the models, which in the 3D mode are mirroring some of the differences we see when we test LCD and plasma TVs with regular high-definition programs.

So how did the TVs perform? As we’ve reported, when displaying 3D all three sets delivered impressive three-dimensional effects in full 1080p resolution. All were were able to provide a reasonably bright picture, which is advantageous when using 3D shutter glasses, which can make images appear dim.

Overall the Samsung sets provided excellent picture detail, with satisfying colors and contrast. But we did notice some cloudiness on both the 7000-series model—which uses a conventional edge LED backlight—and the 8000-series set—the first set we’ve seen that uses an edge LED backlight with local dimming—which can be distracting when viewing dark scenes. Also, both Samsung sets exhibited a degree of “crosstalk,” or ghosted images, on 3D content, indicating that the images for each eye weren’t being kept completely separate. It wasn’t so noticeable as to be distracting on all scenes, but when visible the image echoes diminished the 3D effect. We also noticed that if you tilted the 3D glasses, such as you would if you were lying down watching the TV, the picture would increasingly get dimmer.

Panasonic says its VT20 sets (as well as the VT25 models that will arrive soon) have new features designed to help boost performance. One is its “infinite black” technology, intended to improve black-level performance. In fact, this TV’s black levels were excellent, the best we’ve seen from a TV since our review of Pioneer’s Kuro models. We also found picture detail to be excellent. Unusual for a plasma set is the inclusion of blur-reduction circuitry, which was extremely effective. Based on our preliminary tests, this TV may have the best anti-blur performance of any plasma we’ve ever tested (although we wonder why it’s a feature that has to be activated).

When viewing 3D content, the TV was absolutely free from crosstalk, with sharp, clean edges on objects in scenes. Also, the set’s virtually unlimited viewing angle with regular high-def programs held true with the 3D content we played, so even those viewing the screen from an angle could see a great picture. Also, there was no change in the picture if the 3D glasses were tilted sideways, unlike the LCD sets.

So what’s our initial reaction to these sets? All the tested sets can produce compelling, realistic three-dimensional images that can duplicate the excitement you’d get in a movie theater. But based on our preliminary tests, we give the Panasonic the edge. In the 3D mode, its lack of crosstalk and great black levels really made three-dimensional images pop. It also didn’t have any issues with backlight cloudiness, and offered a very wide viewing angle. But remember that we haven’t completed our final tests, and haven’t seen enough 3D sets to make any judgments about whether plasma or LCD is inherently a better technology for displaying 3D. But we can’t wait to get more sets into our TV Lab.

—James K. Willcox and Claudio Ciacci

3D TVs arrived in stores this week, and consumers have lots of questions. The big one, of course, is whether these new TVs can recreate the 3D excitement we’ve been getting in movie theaters in our own homes. Based on our exclusive tests of the first models available, the answer is a resounding “yes,” as our video demo clearly shows.

Here are seven things you need to know about 3D:

1. It looks great. The results of our preliminary tests of two Samsung LCD sets and a Panasonic plasma TV have been impressive. The high-definition, 1080p images on these TVs have excellent three-dimensional depth, color, and detail—especially with animated content—creating a compelling and realistic three-dimensional experience. You’ll be ducking when that Frisbee comes flying toward you!

2. A few sets are in stores now, with more to come soon. As of mid-March, there are three 3D TVs in stores: two LCD sets from Samsung, the 46-inch UN46C7000, $2,600 at Sears, and the 55-inch UN55C7000, $2,970 at Best Buy and $3,300 at Sears. The 50-inch Panasonic TC-P50VT20 plasma we tested is available in select Best Buy Magnolia stores for $2,500. 3D TVs from other brands (including LG, Sony, Toshiba, and Vizio) are expected to arrive over the next few months.

3. You have to wear special glasses to watch 3D on a TV. Without glasses, you’ll see blurry double images. These aren’t the old-fashioned cardboard glasses you used to get at movie theaters, but high-tech active LCD shutter glasses. You can put them over your regular specs, though some might find this uncomfortable. You get one or two pairs of glasses with some 3D TVs, but other sets don’t include any. Expect to pay about $150 for each pair of glasses, at least initially.

4. A 3D set isn’t just for 3D. It functions like any standard TV with regular programs, and shifts into 3D mode when it detects 3D content. You don’t have to wear glasses to watch regular programming.

5. The only thing to watch in 3D right now are movies on Blu-ray discs. 3D TV channels from DirecTV, ESPN are expected this summer, and the Discovery Channel is expected to offer 3D at some point soon, but for now, movies are the only game in town. Monsters vs. Aliens is one of the first 3D movies available, but more are coming soon, including Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, expected in April. You’ll need to buy a new 3D-capable Blu-ray player (about $400) to play these discs. (There are some older 3D movies—such as Journey to the Center of the Earth, Polar Express, and Coraline—that use the old-style cardboard anaglyph glasses, but they’re not comparable to the new 3D.)

6. Prices aren’t sky-high. The 3D TVs announced so far cost several hundred dollars more than regular sets that have similar features (aside from 3D). The lowest-priced 3D set now on the market, a 50-inch Panasonic plasma, costs $2,500. Lower-priced models are due soon, including a 46-inch $1,700 LCD set and an $1,800 50-inch plasma TV from Samsung.

7. Buying now makes sense for some consumers. If you’re in the market for a fairly high-end TV anyway, you might want to consider a 3D set. It won’t cost much more than a regular TV, and you won't have to think about buying yet another new TV in a year or two when there’s lots of 3D content to watch, both on TV and on Blu-ray discs. There are only a few sets on the market now, but you’ll have more of a selection in a few months. However, if you don’t need a new TV, we wouldn’t rush out to buy one (unless you’re a well-heeled early adopter itching for the latest and greatest technology). Prices for 3D TVs and Blu-ray players are no doubt going to drop over time, you’ll have more models to choose from, and there’ll be more 3D to watch. Catch up with our ongoing coverage of 3D TV in our earlier posts.

—Eileen McCooey

Casio Brigade
Photo: Verizon Wireless

We've been waiting for Casio GʼzOne Brigade since December. Like other rugged phones from Casio and Samsung, the Brigade ($250 from Verizon after rebates and two-year contract), has a military spec case that's shock and water-resistant.

But this is the first such phone we've seen built for texting. Cracking open the Brigade’s sideways-clamshell case reveals a keyboard that’s handy for texting, e-mailing and anything else that requires text input. You also find a 2.9-in., 400 X 240 display that supports up to 65,000 colors.

Other phone features include a full Web browser and the ability to view Office docs, including PowerPoint and PDFs. It also has a Text-to-Speech function, which allows users to listen to their text messages, multimedia messages and e-mails.

The 3.2 megapixel camera has auto-focus, an LED flash that doubles as a flashlight, and a "tool" Casio claims reduces blur caused by shaky hands or a moving subject. The Brigade also supports push to talk and has a built-in voice recorder.

But it's a handful. Measuring 4.4-in. x 2.2 in. x 0.9 in. and weighing 6 oz., the Brigade is heavier than most conventional phones.

—Mike Gikas