Samsung SSG-3050GB 3D Active Glasses - Black

One of the major sticking points with the adoption of 3D at home is the need for 3D glasses. I've seen the latest glasses-free 3D TVs (Toshiba's 4K 3D sets at this year's CES), and while they were impressive, they are still a far cry from what I would consider "acceptable picture quality". The need to split the resolution across multiple viewing spots, and the need for viewers to sit in very specific locations in order to see 3D properly limits their viability. For the foreseeable future, those who want to enjoy high quality 3D content at home will need to wear glasses.So with 3D glasses a requirement, the additional annoyance factors are both the cost and the discomfort involved in wearing glasses. With the SSG-3050GB, Samsung has handily overcome both of these obstacles. At under $20/pair, these glasses can be purchased in quantity without breaking the bank. And weighing less than 1.2 ounces (33 grams, with battery), you barely notice that they're on your face. Their open design means that they aren't great about blocking out any ambient light (so we'd recommend dimming the lights), but it makes them fit easily over most prescription glasses.Samsung told us at a press event that their expect usable life for a single CR2025 battery is upwards of 70 hours. We haven't used them this long so we'll have to take their word for it. It would be nice if they were rechargeable but the rechargeable models sell for appreciably more. We'd recommend picking up one or more five packs of Maxell CR2025 batteries which are extremely affordable on Amazon. Stick them in a drawer and if you ever see the light on the batteries start flashing on and off repeatedly, just swap out the battery and get back to watching the movie.We used these glasses primarily with a 2011 model Samsung LED TV, the UN55D8000, and they paired properly and worked well with that set, producing a nice bright 3D image with virtually no crosstalk and excellent detail. They'll also work with any of Samsung's other LED, LCD or plasma 3D TVs made in 2011 or later. They will *NOT* work with Samsung's 2010 model TVs as Bluetooth/RF connectivity was only introduced in Samsung's 2011 model line-up. They also will not work with other brands' 3D TVs as they respond to and sync only with Samsung TVs.Overall, I'm impressed that Samsung was able to lower the price so dramatically (Panasonic's and Sony's active 3D glasses still sell for 3X the price or more) and still make the glasses light and reliable. These glasses may not usher in a huge wave of excitement for 3D TV, but at least they'll make it easier for those who do enjoy watching 3D content at home to do so without having to make a major investment in the glasses.

The glasses are lightweight and stylish. They work perfectly with Samsung's 2011 models. The battery fits in the middle between the lens and disappears completely. They sync easily and turn off automatically when the 3D content is disabled. At less than a third of the price of the more expensive Samsung 3D glasses like the $120 a pair SSG-3700CR, the SSG-3050GB is a steal. The batteries are not expensive and last a long time.

We have a Samsung UN46D8000 3D TV and received two pairs of glasses with it. They are the rechargeable variety. They fit well, and work great, but if they aren't fully-charged, you have to interrupt your viewing and get a pair that is charged. I saw the price on these newer glasses and bought two pairs as backups. I tried these on just to make sure they work, and they do. The only difference I detected was that they seem slightly 'brighter' than the originals, i.e. the scene seems a bit brighter, which is good. The 3D effect is similar. However, they do not feel as comfortable as the originals, especially if you wear eyeglasses. They seem to sit further away from your face and are not as stable. My biggest gripe is that the lens don't cover as much area as the originals, and you can easily see peripheral lighting which I find distracting. With a darkened room, this won't be as much a problem. For the price, these are good glasses, but not as good as the originals I received with the set (sorry, I don't have the model number).Update 4/29/2012After reading some of the other reviews, I realized that the nose piece on these glasses is removable. They snap off from the frame and can later be installed. I find that when you do this, the fit is MUCH better if you are wearing eyeglasses. They fit much closer to your eyes and are comfortable. The side lighting is still a bit distracting (even in the dark), but this is my personal feeling. Guests don't seem to mind. I've added another star to this review as a result of this discovery.

We've had a 2011 8000-series TV for a while but had not tried watching a 3D movie on it until today, when we booted up a Morgan Freeman-narrated nature documentary called, I think, Animal Babies 3D.My two older kids, aged 5 and 7, popped out of their seats to try to touch the images coming out of the screen. They've both seen 3D movies in theaters but the images through these glasses are so much sharper and brighter and more impressive than "Real 3D" in a theater, that it was as though they had never seen anything like it before.My wife and I were also impressed. The glasses are a little goofy looking, but comfortable enough for the four of us.The outlier was our youngest son. He is three years old and wears glasses. These 3D specs are designed to be easily adapted for people who have to wear them over prescription lenses, but between his small face and the hassle of wearing two pairs of glasses at once, he found it not worth the trouble, and left. (I am upstairs playing with him right now, as the others continue to watch).The glasses need to be paired to your TV when first used. The process takes only a few seconds.I don't care for the on/off switch. It's too hard to know if the things have been left on. Otherwise, a technical marvel for the money.

This item arrived with a thrift store sticker on with a price of $2.99. The battery is dead and will cost additionally money. Who knows if it will even work. Would not recommend seller.