Samsung finding new ways to push 3D to users

Samsung rolled out new devices including 3D TVs with screen sizes from 19 inches to 65 inches. The TVs, announced at an event in New York, will play back 3D content while providing the option to play back 2D content. The TVs will be available worldwide.

A basic 3D model -- the UN40C7000 with a 40-inch screen -- is priced at US$1,999 with availability in May. The most expensive model -- a 55-inch UN55C9000 -- is priced at $6,999 with availability in April. The pricing relates to the slimness of the TVs -- the C7000 Series measures about an inch thick, while the LED C9000 series is 0.3 inches thick. Samsung uses the term "LED" TVs to describe its ultra-slim TVs, which are LCD (liquid crystal display) panels with LED (light-emitting diode) backlighting.

There is growing interest in watching 3D content on TVs, said Dan Schinasi, senior marketing manager at Samsung Electronics. People love to watch 3D movies in theaters, and would like to bring that experience to TVs, he said. The company is trying to stream movies to 3D TVs, while also researching autostereoscopic technology to improve the 3D viewing experience.

Samsung is working with online movie providers to stream 3D movies from the Internet to television sets, Schinasi said. He declined to provide the names of service providers, but said that 3D movies may start streaming as early as the fourth quarter. Users will be able to launch an application on the TV through which a movie and provider can be selected. Online movie rental services like Netflix can already stream movies directly to some Samsung TVs.

More 3D movies will make it to theaters this year, which will ultimately trickle down for streaming to TV screens, Schinasi said.