Add-ons will take cost of 3D TV to another dimension

CONSUMERS will be hit with numerous expensive "add-ons" if they fork out for a 3D television, technology experts warned yesterday.

The first 3D sets have been made available for pre-order in the UK as Sony leads the charge in venturing into the market. Samsung, LG and Panasonic are due to launch their models in the coming weeks.

Ben Stevens, senior online researcher and writer for consumer group Which?, said the price of the set itself was only the beginning.

He said: "It isn't just the 3D TV that you need. You're going to need a Sky subscription and 3D Blu-ray player and a transmitter that works with the glasses. There are going to be a lot of add-ons."

Prices for the Sony model start at 1,999, and viewers also need a pair of glasses which are 99.99 and a 3D transmitter for 74.99.

Manufacturers are pushing the new technology ahead of the World Cup, and Sky will broadcast one Premier League game per week on its 3D service until the end of the season. A number of films will be released on 3D Blu-ray DVD this year, including Avatar and Alice in Wonderland.