LG Poised to Launch First THX 3D Plasma TVs

LG today announced its first THX-certified 3D plasma TVs would go on sale next month in NZ.

The 50- and 60-inch models will be launched in the second week of October but will be previewed in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch shopping malls over the next two weeks as part of LG’s annual consumer roadshow.

The LG Infinia 50PX950 will sell for $3,499 and the 60PX950 for $4,999.

Price-wise, this will place them between Samsung and Panasonic’s 3D plasma TVs.

But unlike Panasonic’s, LG’s will be much slimmer — only 2.1 inches thick — and unlike Samsung’s, will be THX-certified.

According to LG, to earn the THX 3D Display certification, the PX950 had to pass more than 400 laboratory tests evaluating left and right eye images for colour accuracy, cross-talk, viewing angles and video processing performance.

Users only have to select the THX 2D or 3D Cinema modes, and the PX950 plasma will automatically optimise colour temperature, luminance and gamma levels.

Like Panasonic’s 3D plasmas, the PX950 series works with active shutter glasses via an emitter built in to the TV and has 600Hz Max Sub-field Driving to handle the fastest action sequences in gaming, sports and movies (LG claims its 3D plasma “also quickly phases out light to produce images that are practically blur-free”).

The PX950 sets will come with NetCast Entertainment Access for direct viewing of YouTube and Picasa Web Albums; the PX950 also supports the Multi Picture Format function, so users can connect their 3D cameras to the TV and view their 3D pictures on the big screen.

For a limited time, LG will bundle one set of 3D glasses with each plasma TV but, unlike Panasonic and Samsung, won’t throw in movies as a sweetener.

LG’s 3D plasmas will expand its line-up of 3D TVs in NZ to seven — already on sale are two LED models (47LX9500, 55LX9500) and three LCD models (42LX6500, 47LX6500, 55LX6500).

Later in the year it will expand its range of 3D Blu-ray players beyond its $699 BX580.