First 3D Televisions Go On Sale

The dimension of a third kind is now available to own from today as 3D televisions hit the high streets of Britain and Ireland.
The launch is being helmed as the biggest thing since the introduction of the colour television.
For a mere £1,800 the illusion of depth perception can be yours. The first 3D hardware and it's C7000 47-inch television 3D has been launched by Samsung, but consumers will have to shell out an additional £200 for cables and 3D glasses for the true experience. Sky will be launching its 3D channel in June to embrace the introduction but until then, consumers will have to rely on Blu Ray for viewing.
3D has well and truly re-entered the mainstream market from last year with the launch of Avatar, Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland and Dreamworks Animation's How To Train Your Dragon encouraging sales.
Up and coming sports events such as the 2010 FIFA World Cup will also drive demand.
3D films have existed in some form since 1890, but until 2010 had been largely relegated to a niche in the motion picture industry because of the costly hardware and processes required to produce and display a 3D film, and the lack of a standardised format for all segments of the entertainment business.
Now that is set to change as we enter the second "golden era" of 3D.
However under a weak economy, can people afford to have a clearer vision? Is 3D set to stay in our homes? Only time will tell.
Rival versions of the 3D TV are currently in the pipeline with Sony launching in June, while LG and Panasonic sets will be introduced next month.
(BMcN/BMcC)