The first wave of 3D televisions will go on sale in the United States this week and then here in Canada at the end of the month. It began this morning with Samsung unveiling two 3D LED HDTVS (C7000 series) - a 46" model for $2,600 US and a 55" $3,300 US which will start rolling out to stores immediately and reach wide distribution by the end of month to include Canada. The televisions will use Samsung's own self-designed 3D Active shutter glasses (sold separately) and as part of a limited time offer, the company will include 2 pairs along with a copy of Monsters Vs. Aliens on 3D Blu-ray as a free Starter Kit for those who buy a television and either a 3D Blu-ray player or home theatre system.

Beyond March Samsung will release a number of 3D televisions in both LCD and Plasma models. Following this, Panasonic has announced that their first 3D HDTV will go on sale tomorrow, but has yet to provide further details including any possible Canadian availability. Sony confirmed today that their first 3D HDTVs will go on sale in Japan before launching in the US this June, no word yet on when a Canadian release date. 

Samsung C7000 series LED HDTV 

Of the manufacturers making the big push for 3D, Samsung is currently the only one offering specific details. After the release of their first two LED 3D sets, the company will have a second wave in April with four more models - a 46" at $2,800 US, 55" at $3,500 US (both C8000 series), a premium 46" at $6,000 US and 55" at $7,000 (both C9000 series). Their final and largest set will arrive in July, a 65" at $5,000 US (C8000 series).

For those wondering how much the 3D Active Shutter glasses might costs, Samsung estimates the value of their free starter kit which includes two pairs and a copy of Monsters Vs. Aliens on 3D Blu-ray at $350 US.

Samsung is supporting the new 3D tvs with the launch of its first 3D Blu-ray players the BD-C6900 at $400 US. It includes a Wi-Fi connection, 1 GB of embedded memory, USB port, and 7.1 channel audio out. 

Samsung BD-C6900 3D Blu-ray Player 

Monsters Vs. Aliens will be the first title released on 3D Blu-ray and Dreamworks announced today that they will follow that up with the release of all the Shrek films on 3D Blu-ray later this year. Those movies will also be packaged as part of a deal for select Samsung products.