Along with the whole issue of wearing 3D glasses, the single biggest question people have about 3D HDTV is, "What can I watch on it?" An obvious answer is regular standard- and high-definition television, since the 3D-capable flat panels now hitting the market are truly outstanding 2D TVs. But consumers who are ponying up for a high-def 3D plasma or LCD would like some 3D content as well.

This fall, LG and Fuji will be giving buyers an interesting option: shoot your own 3D content. Starting in mid-September, purchasers of LG's LX6500 and LX9500 3D-capable LED-illuminated LCD HDTVs will receive two pairs of matching 3D glasses plus a Fujifilm FinePix W3 Real 3D digital camera. As covered previously on this site, the W3 is equipped with dual lenses and sensors, enabling it to capture 10-megapixel 3D stills and 3D high-definition video at 1280x720 pixels (720p).

The extra merchandise has a retail value of $1,000. The promotion, which will run through the holiday season, will be fulfilled in-store, and covers all three screen sizes (42, 47 and 55 inches) in both the LX6500 and LX9500 series.

"Content has been a barrier to 3D adoption," stated Kevin Andrews, Brand Marketing Manger at the Home Entertainment Division of LG Electronics Inc. "We're going to give customers a way to create their own 3D content. No one else will be able to say that this holiday season."

Purchasers of LG flat panels will have some other interesting options, including wireless networking, wireless audio/video and DLNA capability. "LG is looking for ways to bring more freedom to home theatre," commented Frank Lee, Senior Manager, Public Affairs for LG Canada.

The wireless A/V kit, which just began shipping, sells for $399. The compact receiver fits at the back of the TV and connects to a USB input. The transmitter has a full suite of inputs, including HDMI and broadband component video. It can send HD video and 5.1-channel audio up to 100 feet, and does not require line-of-sight communications with the receiver. However, signals will not penetrate concrete.

The wireless kit allows installers and consumers much more flexibility about where they place their TV and source components, Lee noted. "Some people are even keeping building shelves for source components into a couch, so they can change games and discs," he elaborated.

Another option, also connected via USB, is a Wireless-N networking dongle. In addition to Internet services like YouTube and Picasa, both of which are included in the Netcast menu on LG's current TVs and Blu-ray players, the Wi-Fi option allows viewers to stream content from PCs and other devices on their home networks. LG is offering DLNA 1.5 capability of many new TVs and Blu-ray players for 2010, for simplified connectivity with other DLNA devices, such as Windows 7 PCs. "Broadband TV has the potential to change consumer behavior," Lee observed.

Some Netcast services that LG announced at CES in January, including Skype videoconferencing, have been delayed to 2011. And LG will not be supporting Netflix streaming video in its 2010 line. Those capabilities will be rolled out next spring.

Photo Caption: Kevin Andrews, Brand Marketing Manager, and Frank Lee, Public Affair Manager, LG Electronics Canada Inc.

Article Tags:  LG, Fuji, 3D, FInePix, W3, LX6500, LX9500, DLNA, Wireless-N, LED, LCD, HDTV, Kevin Andrews, Frank Lee