The first 3D-capable televisions from Samsung will begin to hit Australian stores from 19 April, the Korean manufacturer said today, giving it a head start over rivals in bringing the new technology Down Under.

The company plans to introduce a range of televisions with 3D capability, ranging from its LED Series 7, 8 and 9, which also include edge lighting using LED technology, to its series 7 LCD screens and Plasma Series 7. Recommended retail prices will range from $2,499 to $4,799, with an additional Blu-ray player going for $599.

According to a statement issued by the company, associated with the televisions’ launch in the lush facilities of the Ivy Penthouse in downtown Sydney, all of the 3D-capable TVs will be compatible with multiple 3D standards, including half and full HD resolution, and will also use the Blu-ray Disc Associated-ratified Blu-ray 3D standard.

“The new Samsung 3D TVs create a new dimension literally for image quality and image realism,” said Mark Leathan, Samsung Electronics Australia’s head of marketing for its Consumer Electronics division. “We are excited to be the first company to provide 3D TV to Australia.”

The news comes as other TV manufacturers such as Sony and Panasonic are also planning to bring 3D TVs to the Australian market, with Panasonic’s gear slated to hit local shores around mid-year, while Sony’s offerings will similarly arrive in the July timeframe.

Samsung will offer three different models of 3D glasses. Users will need to buy a pair to be able to get the 3D experience. One model takes batteries, while the other will be rechargeable and come in two different sizes.

“At launch two sets of glasses are included with every TV purchase and additional sets can be purchased from $129 RRP,” Samsung’s statement said, noting that it would also include one 3D Blu-ray disc of the Monsters vs Aliens film for a limited time with every TV purchase.

Separately, Samsung also joined other manufacturers in announcing a content partnership for material to be streamed directly from the internet to its televisions.

There’s nothing concrete yet, but Samsung has inked an in-principle agreement to bring Telstra’s BigPond TV platform to its TVs. Samsung’s 2010 television line-up includes a built-in Ethernet networking connection “and wireless-ready capabilities” that will allow content to stream from the internet — applications available on the TVs in Australia include YouTube, Twitter, Skype, Picasa, Texas Hold’em Poker and more.

Rival manufacturer LG recently announced an agreement to bring BigPond Movies to its TVs, while Sony has partnered with Yahoo!7 and SBS for internet video.

Note, the image above is a generic picture, not a Samsung 3D television. Image credit: Michal Zacharzewski, royalty free

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