Samsung's $1,000 3D plasma HDTV coming soon

HDTV manufacturers have long promised that adding 3D technology to sets shouldn't affect their pricing significantly, but most of the first generation of 3D TVs have nonetheless cost well over $1,000. But Samsung appears to be making good on that promise very soon.

The company showed off two new 3D lines in Korea this week -- the 680 Series and 490 Series plasmas -- and details about the PN50C490 have already emerged stateside. Unlike the first round of 3D sets, this 50-inch plasma is a 720p model, and 3D glasses are sold separately. For those trade-offs, the plasma is priced for preorder at one retailer for $989. The online store says the set will be available starting next month.

No doubt the remaining details about the rest of these new 3D sets will be filled in by Samsung or other etailers anxious for preorder dollars. But by hitting that magic $1,000 for a 50-inch set (even if it's only 720p), Samsung is dangling 3D in front of mainstream consumers with thinner wallets. Is that price low enough to get you to jump to 3D HDTV?