Almost pulled the trigger on 3DTV

I've been eyeing this 3D set at Best Buy - a 63" Samsung Plasma.  I've been vehemently opposed to plasma for some time.  My impressions have been largely "it's never going to look as good as the day you first set it up" and that it doesn't last very long.  Well, since finding that set, I've done some research and it seems that my views may have been outdated.  Yes, it will dull over time, as will LCD and LED.  It is succeptible to burn in, but there are steps that can be taken to minimize risk.  This particular model seems to get consistently good reviews.  I was ready to bite the bullet and go for it.  I amble on down to the Buy, ask to see the set as I can't find it, they look in their computer and say they have 1.  Turns out that it's an open box.  They call a couple other stores, same situation - none available.  I then decide to try online - none in the region, so I'm basically SOL until they get more in stock. 

I don't know if I dodged a bullet or am just late to the party. 

3D options are extremely limited at the moment.  My cable provider, AT&T U-Verse has very little to offer - ESPN 3D, which will begin broadcasting 24/7 this month.  However, it does cost $10/month.  Seems to be not worth it - at least until college football season returns.  There are 3D Blu-Ray titles, but most are kids movies.  Sure, a couple would be okay.  Since I'm looking at the Samsung, I can't even get Avatar in 3D, as it's only available in the Panasonic starter kit.  Then there are games.  A handful of games on the 360 and PS3 that would be fun to play around with, but I'm not sure that it would become the way I normally play. 

The next con to all of this is that I would probably have to get a new AVR.  I just bought a nice Harman Kardon last year.  I'd either have to upgrade to one that can pass 3D, or do a direct HDMI hookup from the 360, PS3 and cable box to the TV.

The main pro is that I'd have a kick-ass screen (my 65" DLP seems dull), and would be relatively future proof for the next few years.  I saw the set at Fry's and the picture was gorgeous.

Last year, I figured glasses-free 3D would be in the marketplace this year, with attractive price points in another 2 years.  My plan was to pick up a glasses free 3D set in about 2013.  However, the news out of CES was that glasses free tech wasn't coming any time soon.  First problem, size - I believe the largest set is currently at 20".  Next, the viewing angle really sucks.  Like the 3DS, you pretty much need to be center aligned to see the effects.  Finally, it seems like the initial hopefulness around the tech has not really panned out, and the expected roll out of consumer level sets would be 2015.  The cost differential between a 3D set and an LED-LCD isn't too terrible.  It's certainly there, but it's not a factor of 2 or anything silly. 

My current plan is to hold off until the spring, see what comes through.  Maybe some good news on my tax bill would make it easier to justify it.  Just not sure.  Used to be a time where a man could go into a store, see a ginormous television and be reasonably assured he'd have a solid set for years to come.  As much as I love technology and the advances being made, I really don't want to get in the habit of upgrading every 4-5 years.  Maybe the world's just went and got itself in a big damn hurry.