Samsung’s 3DTV Widens TransTasman Divide

Samsung’s first 3DTV in this market is dividing NZ and Australian reviewers.

“With Samsung charging no discernable premium for 3D functionality beyond additional 3D glasses, going 3D if you’re in the market for a new telly makes a whole lot of sense,” the NZ Herald’s Pat Pilcher says in his review of the LED edge-lit 46-inch UA46UA46C7000.

He was particularly impressed with its 2D-3D conversion. “It packs enough raw computing power to construct convincing 3D from 2D content. This worked well with broadcast TV, DVDs/Blu-rays, photos and best of all games, greatly extending its usefulness as a 3DTV.”

One or two “minor bugs” notwithstanding, he thought the only downside was the cost of extra 3D glasses: “At $199 a pair, the glasses are not cheap, especially should you accidentally break a pair.”

But CNET Australia reckons 3D is “probably one of the weakest aspects” of the 55-inch model it tested.

It raved about the set’s other qualities, including its HD performance, array of features, integrated PVR with the addition of a USB drive  and “natty” remote control, before concluding: “If you want to buy a 3DTV then do not buy this one.

“It may be first to market but the 3D implementation isn’t the best we’ll see this year. Also, there’s so little content available that it makes sense to wait anyway. However, if you’re looking for a fully-featured, stylish television with impressive image quality, then the C7000 is worth an audition.”

Another Aussie scribe, Eastwood Hi-Fi retailer Steve Neil, of Sydney, who runs a frank and funny website, also praises Samsung’s 7000 series for its 2D prowess but dubs the “3D thing … a total wank” and claims that after trying to watch a soccer game in 3D for 60 seconds, “I had to take the glasses off and fight off nausea with a stiff bourbon.”