Samsung sees big jump in 3-D TV sales so far this year

SUWON, South Korea (AP) — Samsung Electronics said today it expects to sell up to 10 million 3-D TVs this year and vigorously defended the technology behind its lineup amid intensifying competition with rivals including LG Electronics.

Samsung and LG are expecting sales of 3-D sets to jump this year, with both rolling out new models and touting technologies they say enhance the 3-D experience.

Suwon, South Korea-based Samsung Electronics Co. is the world's largest manufacturer of flat screen TVs. LG Electronics Inc., headquartered in Seoul, ranks No. 2. They also compete with Japanese companies such as Sony Corp.

Samsung's 3-D sales target, if achieved, would mark a fivefold jump from the 2 million sets sold last year. LG says it expects to sell 5 million 3-D TVs in 2011, though is not releasing its results for last year.

Yoon Boo-geun, president of Samsung's visual display business, told reporters that the company expects to rack up 3-D sales of between 9-10 million in 2011 and hailed the so-called active shutter glass technology it uses.