Kogan Technologies might be a purveyor of budget products, but that hasn't stopped it from embracing new technology. This year, the company has launched Android tablets and Chromium OS netbooks, and now it's adding 3D TVs and 3D Blu-ray players to its arsenal.
Kogan’s new 3D range consists of the 55" Full HD 3D LED TV with PVR ($1699), 46" Full HD 3D LED TV with PVR ($999) and 3D Wi-Fi Blu-ray Player ($209).
For a limited time, Kogan is offering all three products at discounted prices as part of its LivePrice scheme. LivePrice allows you to purchase a product while it is in the process of manufacturing or shipping. At the time of writing, the prices for each product were $1499, $899 and $189, respectively.
3D HD TV for under $1000
As their names imply, both HD TVs are equipped with an inbuilt PVR (external HDD required) and boast 3D capabilities, along with Wi-Fi & USB inputs.
The 55in model is purportedly constructed from a Samsung Widescreen Full HD 3D LED (Edge lit LED LCD panel). - though the Kogan website fails to mention what series or generation the panel belongs to. Either way, this is a good quality assurance.
Other highlights include extensive multimedia playback support (AVI, JPG, PNG, BMP, MP3, WMA, AAC, MPG, RM, RMVB, MP4, MOV, MKV), four HDMI ports and 2D-to-3D conversion.
Kogan 46" Full HD 3D LED TV with PVR
“3D has been used by big name brands to continue to charge more than they should for the latest TVs," Kogan CEO and founder Russlan Kogan claimed.
“We quickly realised that the actual technology in a 3D TV that enables this feature is relatively inexpensive, and we’re entirely transparent about the added costs. Essentially, it’s just an additional infared receiver that communicates with your 3D glasses to ensure they are in sync."
To be fair to the big name companies, they've managed to keep the prices of 3D technology surprisingly low - indeed, most current 3D HD TVs cost less than their 2D counterparts from the previous generation.
Kogan’s 3D TV range can be ordered from the Kogan Technologies website for a $70-$120 premium over its regular 2D models (depending on which size you opt for).
If you're specifically looking for a 3D TV, we'd recommend waiting for an official review of these products before making your purchase. Otherwise, $70-$120 is a reasonable price to pay for the extra functionality.
A full list of specifications for the 55" Full HD 3D LED TV with PVR is as follows:
| Specifications |
|
| Panel Size (Diagonal): |
55in/140cm |
| Panel Type: |
Samsung Widescreen Full HD 3D LED
|
| Panel Response Time: |
6ms |
| Panel Refresh Rate: |
100/120Hz |
| Tuner: |
Integrated HD Digital Tuner
|
| TV System: |
PAL/SECAM
|
| Native Panel Resolution: |
1920 x 1080 (Full High Definition)
|
| Native Panel Aspect Ratio: |
16:9 Widescreen
|
| Aspect Ratios Supported: |
Panorama, 16:9, Letterbox 4:3, Auto
|
| Signal Compatibility: |
480i, 576i, 480p, 576p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p
|
| Colours: |
16.7 Million Maximum |
| Computer Supported Resolutions: |
640x480 @ 60Hz, 800x600 @ 60Hz, 1024x768 @ 60Hz, 1366X768 @ 60Hz, 1920X1080 @ 60Hz
|
| Actual Contrast Ratio: |
5,000:1 (ANSI)
|
| Dynamic Contrast Ratio: |
50,000:1 |
| Brightness: |
400 cd/m²
|
| Viewable Angle: |
178o (Horizontal) × 178o (Vertical) |
| Pixel/Dot Pitch: |
0.63mm (H) × 0.63mm (V) |
| 3D Comb Filter: |
Yes
|
Inputs
|
|
| HDMI: |
4
|
| VGA (D-sub): |
1
|
Audio In:
|
1 |
Antenna In:
|
1 |
| AV (Composite): |
2
|
| Component (YPbPr): |
1 |
| USB: |
2 |
| Outputs |
|
Coaxial Audio Out:
|
1 |
AV Out:
|
1 |
Headphone Out:
|
1 |
| Other |
|
Speaker System:
|
Built-In: 2 x 12W Speakers
|
Energy Star Rating:
|
5.5 Stars
|
Energy Consumption (kWh per year):
|
551
|
Dimensions of TV with Stand (approx):
|
W:130.4cm x D:28.9cm x H:85.8cm
|
Weight of TV with Stand (approx):
|
25.5kg |
TV Stand:
|
Swivel |
Wall Mount Hole Pattern:
|
400mm x 400mm
|
Wall Mount Screw Size:
|
Metric M8
|
Side Buttons:
|
Power, TV/AV, Menu, Channel Up/Down, Volume Up/Down |
Television Depth (approx):
|
Thickest: 50mm
|
USB:
|
|
Supported Formats (USB):
|
AVI, JPG, PNG, BMP, MP3, WMA, AAC, MPG, RM, RMVB, MP4, MOV, MKV
|
| Supported USB Devices: |
Powered External Drives up to 2TB |
PVR:
|
|
Built-in PVR Function:
|
Yes (through USB input)
|
| Timeshift: |
Yes |
| EPG: |
Yes |
3D:
|
|
| Shutter/Polarisation: |
Yes (SG)
|
Kogan 3D Wi-Fi Blu-ray Player
Rounding out Kogan's new 3D range is the Kogan 3D Wi-Fi Blu-ray Player. Until free-to-air television networks increase their 3D coverage, a 3D-capable Blu-ray player is an essential addition to any 3D TV purchase.
The Kogan 3D Wi-Fi Blu-ray Player costs $209.
Kogan's offering comes with a solid array of features, including built-in Wi-Fi, Dolby TrueHD audio, DVD upscaling and a USB input with media player support. If Kogan is to be believed, its player has faster than average BD disc loading times.
All three products are available to buy now from the Kogan Technologies website.
