First Samsung 3D HDTVs available for pre-order on Amazon.com

The good news from Samsung if you are interesting in 3D TVs: The company's first models will be available in a couple of weeks, and aren't priced in the stratosphere compared to its usual offerings. The bad news: The new sets aren't what you'd necessarily call cheap.

Online retailers are already posting details about the new models, which comprise the C7000 line of 240Hz LED-based LCDs. The 46-inch UN46C7000 is available for pre-order at Amazon.com for $2,599.99 with a release date of February 26. Also available on the same day is the 55-inch UN55C7000 for $3,299.99. There's also a 40-inch set in the series, but neither Amazon nor other retailers have it available yet. The prices are nowhere near the magic $1,000 price point necessary for mainstream success, but there doesn't seem to be a huge price premium given the prices for Samsung's non-3D 240Hz LED sets.

Of course, you'll need the right material to make use of these TV's 3D capabilities. While Amazon had posted the new Samsung BD-C6900 3D Blu-ray player a couple of weeks ago, it's now off the site and it's not available anywhere online for pre-order. I posted earlier this week that Sony's 3D-capable Blu-ray players will be available soon, but they'll require a firmware upgrade this summer to show 3D movies in 3D. In other words, there's no rush to get these Samsung 3D sets on their release date, save for bragging rights.