When choosing 3D TVs you need to consider a large number of deals from different retailers because there is quite a competitive market on offer and prices are skewed in favour of the consumer as long as you shop around. However, if you are completely new to 3D TV then you might want to do a little research before you take the plunge so that you can invest in a deal which will be suitable.
The first thing to consider is what type of screen technology you want to choose as you can buy both LCD and Plasma 3D TVs, each of which offers a slightly different experience. LCD 3D TVs tend to be cheaper to buy and come in smaller sizes than their Plasma cohorts, with most using LED backlighting in order to be particularly slender and stylish to behold. Plasma 3D TVs are aimed at the movie lovers who want deeper colours and contrast ratios while being willing to sacrifice the light, slim designs of LCD-based rivals.
Screen technology goes deeper than simply LCD or Plasma when it comes to 3D TVs, as you also have to make the choice between active and passive 3D. These two are simpler than they sound and as always you may be limited by your budget, but it is always sensible to understand what you are getting into before you splash out your cash.
Active 3D requires that each viewer wears active shutter glasses. These can be expensive and an active 3D TV may only come with one or two pairs, so families will need to spend more on top of the basic TV price if they do not want anyone to be left out. The upside is that active 3D is perhaps best suited to living room viewing, with crosstalk and ghosting minimised once the glasses are fully synchronised with the display.
Passive 3D is the more affordable option in many cases as the polarising glasses are simple plastic affairs which do not require any power of their own and can be bought cheaply for everyone in your family and even visiting friends. You probably have some passive 3D glasses left over from trips to the cinema. The fact that the lenses do make the image darker means that you will want to pick a TV which is praised for its brightness and refresh rates are particularly important as well because some cheaper passive displays can end up being a bit blurry.
Some of the best 3D TV deals will come with added extras, whether it is free active glasses or a free 3D Blu Ray player, the latter of which can be very useful if you want to start enjoying the full capabilities of your new TV as soon as you get it out of the box. Those looking for a TV wall mount with shelf integration might be better off with an LCD passive 3D display as this will be light, thin and affordable. Plasma fanatics might have a harder time mounting their heavier sets.