Like all new technologies, time is on the consumer's side when it comes to how much the latest and greatest drains the bank account. As new features are introduced and offered in the "high end" models, the advanced features of yesterday's models trickles down in to models lower down the food chain. And sure enough, the prophecy has come to pass. Samsung has let loose the PN50C490, which will be the very first 3D capable TV to reach a magical (and highly affordable) $999 retail price point.

I know it seems like only yesterday the very first 3D capable flat panel TVs hit store shelves, and now...

Wait!? It pretty much was yesterday. What the heck is going on here?

Samsung's foray into 3D at a sub $1000 price point this year is an unprecedented move few really saw coming. Compared to other manufacturers of 3D capable flat panel displays, Samsung and Panasonic have been the price leaders by a wide margin, and Samsung's current plasma TVs are competitive to Panasonic's Viera lineup.

What does Samsung dropping the bottom out of 3D so fast really mean? Most will make one of two conclusions. It either means their 3D efforts have been super successful, and they believe pushing the 3D price envelope will drive crazy sales this holiday. Or, it means 3D isn't as successful as they'd like and this is a last ditch attempt to save it.

Personally, I don't think it's either. Looking at what the $1000 3DTV is, I'd say it's something else.

All the details regarding the PN50C490 recently hit Samsung's website. We're looking at a 720p plasma, 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio (which really means nothing), Anynet+ (HDMI CEC) support, 600Hz sub-field motion tech, and the dark blue "Touch of Color" design.

It's okay if you glazed over most of that, but the really important number to look at is the first one. This is a 720p (referring to the display's resolution of 1280x720) Plasma set with 3D capability, something I honestly never expected to see at a 50" size... ever. I assumed there would be 720p 3D sets at smaller sizes eventually, but perhaps I'm just the kind of guy who doesn't see the point of 720p when 1080p (1920x1080 resolution) sets aren't much more.

Figured it out yet? With a 720p 3D set at a low price point, they accomplish three things:

First, they have a product they can offer as a loss leader to drive interest in 3D.  No doubt they'll sell quite a few at that price, but many will want to move up to a 1080p LCD set... particulary if it's 3D mode looks looks the way I'm expecting it to.

Second, they'll be able to hold out introducing lower priced 1080p LCD sets for a while longer, perhaps even through next year. That helps them maintain a greater margin in for their LCD line, perhaps opening up the door for greater promotions like the "free 3DTV starter kit with purchase."

Third, they're really putting the hurt on Panasonic, who may be forced introduce a competitive product, but who doesn't have a line LCD sets to really keep their 1080p and 720p offerings differentiated.

I want to say Samsung's 720p 3DTV is a win for consumers, and in some ways it is, but coughing up low-res plasma panels at a lower price isn't that much of one. Until I get a chance to see what some of the half-res 3D formats looks like at 720p this isn't even a TV I can recommend buying as a primary set.

Of course, if you're looking for something "cheaper" to enjoy what little 3D programming, movies and games that are available right now, this may just be your ticket.

Samsung PN50C490 Product Page at Explore3DTV.com