Models pose by 50-inch 3D plasma screen television sets developed by Samsung Electronics Thursday. Various 3D games and movies can be enjoyed on the ``PAVV Cannes 450'' model by connecting 3D-only software to PCs. / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics

By Kim Yoo-chul
Staff Reporter

Samsung Electronics has commercialized 3D PDP TVs, a world first, in partnership with Electronic Arts (EA), the world’s largest game contents provider.

Samsung said the move reflects its ambitious strategy to take the lead in the 3D contents market as more and more consumers seek easy-to-use 3D home entertainment.

The 50-inch ``PAVV Cannes 450’’ model is featured with the industry’s highest 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio and can easily revive a deep black color thanks to the cutting-edge cell light control technology, according to the company.

``Users could see the latest generation of Hollywood 3D movies by wearing a designated eyewear and play 3D games by just connecting 3D-only software to PCs,’’ a Samsung spokesperson said on Thursday.

The retail price for the 42-inch TV is set for some 1.75 million won, while the 50-inch model will sell for about 2.5 million won.

Separately, Samsung plans to introduce the full high-definition 50-inch ``PAVV Cannes 550’’ 3D model in March.

Experts say the product turns 3D-TV into a familiar `plug-and-play’ approach that is equivalent to the existing 2D-TV experience while substantially reducing manufacturing and support costs for 3D-TV manufacturers.

The deal comes as EA has been seeking a strategic partnership with a flat screen TV maker as the company needs to secure a new ``growth engine’’ in the online gaming industry.

``For now, the 3D-TV makes it possible to experience PC-based package games but we are positive that users can enjoy video gaming in the near future,’’ an EA official told The Korea Times.

``We are engaged in final talks to introduce 3D contents that fit the televisions,’’ the official added.

yckim@koreatimes.co.kr