Panasonic 3D glasses - genuine or compatible?

Edelman

Hi.
I have a 42" Panasonic Plasma 3D TV. It didn't come with any glasses and only now have I decided to shop around for a pair.

You can get Panasonic ones for about £65-£75 in the medium size.

But I have seen others "from China" for about £41, mostly on Ebay.

Should I steer well clear of them, and invest in Panasonic ones, or are there UK compatible ones I could get?

Regards
Simon

Buzby

Providing they are compatible with your TV, pay the price and see. You may get a bargain, actually making a saving for the same item. Or it could be tat and not worth the money - you'll only know after receipt.

The benefit of the OEM purchase is it is a known quality, only you can decide whether the saving is worth the gamble.

Edelman

Yes I accept that - but buying from China, if it is "tat", it's a big cost to return it. Wondered if there were UK versions available, or if it is best to buy OEM with these particular things.

Buzby

You would not be returning it. Regardless of the product, the cost of returning would be met by you, and a refund never materialise.

The UK versions do not exist in the sense you mean - they'll be global, and if the design is unique enough then you may be lucky - luckier still if you are not hit by any import duties.

It will always be a gamble - if there's only a few quid in it, you are better avoiding the risk, but if more; it's worth a punt. There are no rules-of-thumb, as over the years the benefit (to me) is 75/25 in favour.