They're here: 3D TVs, Blu-ray players hit retailers' shelves

In separate press events in New York this week, Samsung and Panasonic officially announced that 3D-capable TVs and Blu-ray players are now on sale, with even more models expected over the coming months.  Despite the hoopla and some rosy projections over how many sets will be sold this year and in years to come, there's still more than enough skepticism to go around. Some new bumps in the path to 3D have also surfaced, such as concerns that Samsung's first 3D Blu-ray players might not actually be able to show content in 3D. For now, at least, we have a clearer picture of what 3D will actually cost early adopters, and that's a mixed bag.

Samsung

Samsung is offering the widest array of 3D-ready HDTVs by far, with the feature available in 15 different sets, including LED-backlit LCD TVs, conventional LCD TVs and plasma TVs. We've previously discussed Samsung's first two 3D TVs, the 46-inch UN46C7000 (*Est. $2,600) and 55-inch UN55C7000 (*Est. $3,300), both of which are now on sale. Samsung's other 3D-ready televisions will hit retailers in the coming months at prices ranging from $1,700 for the 46-inch LN46C750 conventional LCD TV to (gulp) $7,000 for the 55-inch UN55C9000 LED-backlit LCD TV. For content delivery, there's the BD-C6900 3D-capable Blu-ray player (*Est. $400) and the HT-C6930W 3D-capable Blu-ray home theater system (*Est. $800); both are available now.

As far as glasses go, the one bit of good news is that shoppers who buy both a 3D TV and a 3D Blu-ray player (or home theater system) will get a 3D starter kit including two pairs of glasses and a copy of the movie "Monsters vs. Aliens" for free. The bad news is that if purchased a la carte, Samsung's 3D glasses will cost $150 each.

Panasonic

Panasonic's 3D offerings are more limited for now. There's just one 3D TV set and one 3D Blu-ray player, but additional models are expected later this year. The Panasonic TC-P50VT20 (*Est. $2,500) 3D-capable plasma TV is available exclusively at Best Buy, and it has already received its first review. Other than some minor feature and styling differences, it's identical to the Panasonic TV-P50VT25 (*Est. $2,600), which will be available at other retailers beginning next month. Joining the TV is the Panasonic DMP-BDT300 3D Blu-ray disc player (*Est. $400). The two components are being offered in a $2,900 bundle that includes one pair of 3D glasses. Additional 3D glasses will again set you back $150 each.

Sony

Not to be left out, Sony also announced that its first 3D HDTVs arrive in Japan this June, with a worldwide launch following soon thereafter. U.S. pricing is not yet officially announced, but if Japanese pricing is any indication, a 40-inch set with two pairs of 3D glasses will likely run about $3,200. At around the same time, Sony also plans to push out an upgrade that will make existing PlayStation 3 consoles 3D-compatible. Other makers will join the fray latter this year, and Mitsubishi has been busy reminding everyone who'll listen that several of its current and upcoming rear-projection TVs already have 3D capability.