Top 5 3D TVs Currently Available

All the television manufacturers have released several lines of 3D TVs in 2010 and if there is one thing that has been evident this year during CES 2011, it is that the manufacturers are embracing 3D in a big way and are all set to release a ton of 3D HDTVs. While we provide 3D TV reviews of many 3D ready TVs, it can be a bit daunting to read hundreds of reviews and articles trying to figure out which 3D TVs are the best.

Here we have picked the top 5 3D TVs that are currently available in the market. We have put a lot of careful consideration into making these picks and have considered multiple sources of reviews on these 3D TVs to determine this list of the best 3D TVs currently available.

Note – While we have chosen the top 3D TVs in the 50”-54” size range, the rankings should be treated as rankings of the entire series and not just these specific models since all TVs within a series have pretty much the same performance (i.e., for example – The Panasonic P54VT25 is the same as the P58VT25)

1. Panasonic TC-P54VT25 Plasma 3D TV

The Panasonic VT25 series is the premium line of 3D TVs that have been on offer by Panasonic in 2010 and 2011. The VT25 has been universally acclaimed for its “Kuro-like” black levels (i.e., extremely dark blacks), amazing picture quality and the best implementation of 3D amongst the first generation 3D TVs.

With 600Hz Sub-Field drive technology with fast decaying phosphors for ultra-smooth video display and the ability to display 24fps content (Blu-Ray/DVD) natively at 96Hz using 3:3 pulldown techniques for judder-free movie watching. This is a great feature that is lacking in many other TVs. In addition, the THX mode offers a well calibrated picture that matches THX specification right out of the box. Finally, the VT25 is very competitive on price in comparison to some of the more expensive 3D TV offerings from Samsung, Sony and other 3D TV manufacturers.

The only drawbacks are the lack of support for native 2D->3D conversion of video content and a bezel and design that doesn’t look as sleek and sexy as some of the other 3D TVs in the market.

2. Samsung PN50C8000 Plasma 3D TV

2^nd place was a tie between this Samsung Plasma 3D TV and the Sony local-dimming backlit LED 3D TV. The PNC8000 series is the premium line of Plasma 3D TVs from Samsung and they have been very well received by reviewers and consumers alike. It features great aesthetics with a sleek brushed metal cabinet that is just 1.5 inches thick. The PN50C8000 also features Samsung’s Real Black Filter technology for extremely deep blacks and significantly reduced glare from the screen. This is an internet ready TV that has many internet widgets available including ones from Netflix, Pandora, etc.

2. Sony XBR-52HX909 Local Dimming Backlit LED 3D TV

The Sony XBR-52HX909 is an amazing 3D TV that is often overlooked by many. This is one of the only 3D TVs available that features “true” local LED backlight dimming for significantly improved black levels. While a lot of edge-lit LED TVs also claim to feature local dimming technology, it should be noted that edge-lit 3D TVs are inferior in this department as the edge-lighting compromises the ability to locally dim the backlight at specific points on the screen. The Sony 52HX909 features great picture quality, amazing black levels and jaw-dropping aesthetics. It also has the ability to convert regular 2D content to 3D and this actually works quite well on the HX909 series.

The main drawback on this TV is the higher price point and the fact that the 3D Glasses and transmitter have to be purchased separately (although you might get lucky and score a free or cheap bundle).

4. LG 47LX9500 Local Dimming LED 3D TV

The LG 55LX9500 is a very attractive 3D TV that features full array LED backlighting like the Sony XBR HX909. Unlike Edge lit TVs, the LG 55LX9500 features much improved local backlight dimming thus giving exceptional black levels, excellent shadow detail and very good color fidelity. This 3D TV is only 1.3 inches thick and is extremely well designed. The 3D Performance on this set is not as strong as the TVs listed above, but it is still a great all round TV for your living room.

5. Panasonic TC-50GT25 Plasma 3D TV

The Panasonic TC-50GT25 is a very highly recommended mid-range 3D TV that provides best bang for the buck. Panasonic definitely nailed the 3D TV market with their VT25 and GT25 series of plasma 3D TVs. The GT25 is the mid-range Plasma 3D TV offering that features a lot of the same features that are present in the VT25. While you do sacrifice a bit in the way of black levels and the ability to play 24fps content natively (via 96Hz processing for a judder free viewing) in comparison to the VT25 series, the Panasonic GT25 series does have the bonus of including 2D to 3D content conversion, something that is lacking in the VT25 series. It also has all the regular goodies like Panasonic’s VIERACast internet TV that allows you to Skype, watch Netflix amongst other things. The GT25 series features the best 2D and 3D performance you can get out of a 3D TV at this price point and like the VT25 is THX certified. Be sure to also check out the smaller 42 inch TC-P42GT25.