What are you paying for when you choose a pricier set? We tested three active-shutter 3D TVs from different manufacturers--of varying display types and prices--in order to determine whether 3D enthusiasts should pay more for a prettier picture.

The verdict: You should.

We chose the 43-inch plasma Samsung PN43D490 ($550) for our low-priced TV, the 50-inch plasma LG Infinia 50PZ950 ($1500) for our midrange model, and the 46-inch LED-backlit Sony KDL-46HX820 ($2000) for our highest-end set. With this mix of TVs, we were able to tease out the factors that make the difference between a 3D movie and a 3D headache, including the screen size, display technology, refresh rate, and so on.

Keep in mind that all three sets require active-shutter glasses, not polarized 3D glasses (read our "" feature for our comparative testing of the two types of 3D technology). Active-shutter 3D relies on expensive, powered glasses that alternately block the image from reaching your left eye and right eye, which forces your brain to put together two separate images from a slightly different perspective to create the 3D illusion.