The 3D TV revolution hit Britain yesterday as the first sets go on sale, in one of the biggest changes to home viewing since the introduction of colour television.
Samsung won the race to sell the first 3D hardware and it's C7000 47-inch television will hit the shelves today for £1,800.
The television will be available from flagship John Lewis stores, but in order to experience the technology consumers will also need to shell out £200 for special 3D glasses and a cable.
A woman tests out the new Samsung 40-inch 3D television in John Lewis, the first store to offer the new technology
Viewers will also need a Blu Ray player in order to have anything to watch, as the visual effect won't be available on TV until June, when Sky launches its 3D channel.
Manufacturers hope blockbuster 3D movies such as Avatar and sports events such as the 2010 World Cup in South Africa will help drive demand.So far, 3D screenings of Premier League matches in pubs have been successful - although fans have been known to use half-time to 'get their eyes back'.
However, consumers may be deterred by a lack of programmes and the need to use special eyewear, a reason that thwarted previous attempts to push 3D.
Samsung's version will soon be followed by rival versions. Sony is already taking pre-orders in Harrods for its sets, due to launch in June, while LG and Panasonic sets will arrive next month.
Curry's and Comet will stock Korean giant UE40's C700 across Britain from next week.
John Kempner, buyer for vision at John Lewis said, '3D TV is an incredibly exciting technology, and once again John Lewis is first to market. Manufacturers like to use us as their launch partner because our customers are always early adopters of new technology.'
Customers who want to get their hands on the Samsung 3D TV will also need to buy £200 special glasses
However, the store admitted that at present there is very little to actually watch - although purchasers will also get a copy of animated Dreamworks film Monsters vs Aliens on DVD.
'It is worth remembering that even though 3DTV content is limited at the moment, this new breed of TV provides fantastic picture quality for regular 2D viewing, so a 3DTV is a great investment purchase,' said Mr Kempner.
Three-dimensional sets sold out in their first week on sale in the U.S..
Panasonic became the first major TV maker to sell 3D sets in America on March 10, selling a 50-inch HD TV with a pair of glasses and a 3D Blu-ray player for just under $3,000.
Samsung, the world’s largest TV maker, quickly followed on March 14 with a 55-inch 3D model for $3,300. Sony plans to start selling 3D Bravia TVs from June.