If there is one company out there who are seemingly doing more to champion the cause of 3DTV entertainment, it is Sony. Already bringing us some top specification 3D TVs, 3D Blu-ray players, and of course 3D gaming through the PS3, Sony are now looking to take advantage of that pre-installed Blu-ray user base by announcing a new firmware update enabling 3D Blu-ray playback will be available as early as September 2010.

There is no doubt that a substantial percentage of uptake of the Blu-ray system was due to the Playstation 3. With many consumers opting for the more expensive system over the XBox 360, or Wii because of its inbuilt Blu-ray player. As such by bringing 3D Blu-ray playback to an already existing user base through means of a simple free firmware update would look to be a master stroke on Sony’s part. It also ensures that with HD playback largely accessible to the XBox 360 already through an online connection, it ensures that the Sony entertainment system still has an ace up its sleeve.

As of now, shoppers can buy Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs on 3D Blu Ray as a standalone purchase, and not accompanied by a 3D TV, Blu-ray player, or starter kit.

This film was originally received fairly well by critics, and currently has a score of 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, giving it an overall rating of “Fresh”.

As the film was originally created to be shown in 3D there shouldn’t be any quality issues with regards to the stereoscopic effect, and although aimed more at children it’s entertaining enough to to act as a good introduction for the whole family to the world of 3D films.

It’s not often that companies release things ahead of schedule, and that’s most certainly not an accusation that would have been levelled at the Sony Playstation 3 when it was released. None the less it seems that Sony have rolled out the 3D firmware update for their Blu-ray packing console early, and indeed ahead of their expected launch of the 3D Bravia range in June.

The update will allow the PS3 to play both 3D movies and games. Although there isn’t anything to try it out with just yet, with the Avatar 3D Blu ray not due until November, and the first 3D Blu-ray title, the three dimension animated film Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs, due in June you wouldn’t bet against some online or downloadable content being made available to tempt consumers into taking the 3D plunge early.

John Lewis has today launched 3D TV on their online site and to celebrate are offering some great bundle deals including two free pairs of 3D Glasses.

Priced at just under £1,800 the 3D Samsung C7000 is the first consumer 3D TV to hit store shelves in the UK. This 40″ TV is available from both John Lewis’s flagship store on Oxford Street as well as at John Lewis online. John Lewis are also offering a special deal, while stocks last, giving you 2 free pairs of Active 3D Glasses (normally £149) when you also purchase a Samsung BD-C6900 3D Blu Ray player with the TV.

The 3D Ready HD television has received great reviews and is praised for giving great quality images whilst remaining slim and attractive. It also packs in numerous features aside from 3D Display, including built in Freeview HD for viewing non-subscription HD channels. The set is also web enabled to allow connection to internet@TV which provides access to a wide range of entertainment media ranging from video, music, social networking, news and games content, all you need is to connect the TV to the internet.

The Blu-Ray player is no slouch either, playing 3d Blu-Ray discs, standard Blu-Ray discs, and even processing and improving the quality of traditional DVDs to near HD standards. The free Samsung 3D Glasses are lightweight, stylish, and every bit the sort of quality you would expect from the Samsung name.

At just £2148 this is a great bundle with which to make your first foray into the world of home 3D theatre. Not only does it give you everything you need, but it will do it with a quality of equipment that will still be impressive for a long time to come.

Main Bundle Features:
Samsung UE40C7000 LED 1080p 3D TV
40 inch display
Built-in Freeview HD
3D Blu-ray Player
3D Glasses
Samsung 3D TV: Free 5 year guarantee
Samsung BD-C6900 Blu-Ray Player: Free 2 year guarantee
Samsung 3D Glasses: Free 1 year guarantee