Samsung: Consumers Are Ready For 3D TV

"Even at 2 million, it's a conservative target and we are planning to create the market with aggressive marketing," said Kim Yang-kyu, senior vice president of Samsung's visual display sales and marketing team, according to Reuters.

Samsung became the latest company to tout its upcoming 3D-ready products, a day after Sony Corp. and Panasonic Corp. laid out their 3D TV plans.

Sony aims to sell about 2.5 million 3D TVs globally over the next 12 months, while Panasonic hopes to sell 500,000 3D TVs in the United States in the first year and 1 million globally.

Each of the companies is banking on 3D TVs to boost sales " and margins " after a lackluster 2009 that featured dropping sales and profits. But research firms expects 3D TVs to account for a small percentage of overall TV sales, between 1 million and 6.5 million, according to Reuters. In comparison, DisplaySearch expects sales of 200 million TVs globally this year.

To help boost interest, Samsung has reached an exclusive 3D content deal with Dreamworks Animation SKG, according to Reuters, and was talking to other studios, broadcasters and game developers for similar deals to enhance offerings of 3D content.

Samsung's Web site touts a 55-inch model, the UN55C7000, for $3,300. "Along with a visually stunning picture, it also features web-connected Samsung Apps so you can stream movies, play games, flip through photos, and more while you watch TV. And Real 240Hz Clear Motion Rate virtually eliminates all motion blur so your picture is crisp. Add a 6,000,000:1 Mega Dynamic Contrast Ratio and you'll experience a truly exceptional home entertainment experience," according to the Web site.

Samsung also unveiled an entry level 46-inch 3D model, coming in May for $1,700, according to USA Today. Included is a "3D Starter Kit" containing two pairs of 3D glasses, plus a 3D Blu-ray copy of DreamWorks Animation's Monsters vs. Aliens.

The kit also will be included with Samsung's more expensive new 3D TVs, such as the top-of-the-line 55-inch $7,000 LED model UN55C9000, due out in April , according to USA Today.