I have just started to assume that 3D was included in most HDTV sets. I never really went out to stores to look.
Well, based on a recent report from NPD, it looks like that isn't the case and that one could question how likely 3D HDTV sets will become prevalent.
NPD has reported that nearly 30% of LCD TV panels shipped worldwide this year will be 3D compatible. 3D HDTV has failed to catch on in the US as quickly as anticipated with only 12M 3D HDTV's sold in the US thus far.
Sales in the US for 3D HDTV sets are slowing. While sales surged 32% in 2012, they only grew 5% in Q1 of 2013. Consumer polled by NPD, only 14% expect to buy a 3D HDTV, down from 25% in 2011.
Conversely, this downward trend is not occurring in Asia, particularly in China where the government is subsidizing content in 3D. Note that China just stopped a subsidy program for consumers to purchase LCD HDTV's, thus causing the worldwide glut in LCD panels.
Add to that ESPN is stopping 3D coverage by EOY. On 7/5/13, BBC announced that they would stop 3D broadcasting indefinitely based on "lack of public appetite" for 3D. Ten Network, which owns the Australian rights for the 2014 Olympics in Russia has no plans for 3D. NBC still hasn't announced plans on if they will cover the 2014 Olympics in Russia in 3D.
However, there are still supporters. Discovery, Sony and IMAX are still doing content in 3D.
Whatever side of the fence you are on, there still is the glasses issue. For me personally, I get a headache with active glasses. I don't with passive glasses, with are typical in movie theaters. Toshiba has introduced glass free versions of 3D HDTV, but the viewing angles are severely restricted. The cost of these sets is also currently very expensive, ringing in around $10K in Europe last year.
Have you bought a 3D HDTV? If you have, do you actually watch 3D content? If you do, what percentage of your viewing time is spent watching 3D?
I haven't bought a 3D HDTV yet because of the glasses issue. There also isn't enough content out their for me to have 3D be a purchasing decision. I way much more on the video quality of the set.
Well, based on a recent report from NPD, it looks like that isn't the case and that one could question how likely 3D HDTV sets will become prevalent.
NPD has reported that nearly 30% of LCD TV panels shipped worldwide this year will be 3D compatible. 3D HDTV has failed to catch on in the US as quickly as anticipated with only 12M 3D HDTV's sold in the US thus far.
Sales in the US for 3D HDTV sets are slowing. While sales surged 32% in 2012, they only grew 5% in Q1 of 2013. Consumer polled by NPD, only 14% expect to buy a 3D HDTV, down from 25% in 2011.
Conversely, this downward trend is not occurring in Asia, particularly in China where the government is subsidizing content in 3D. Note that China just stopped a subsidy program for consumers to purchase LCD HDTV's, thus causing the worldwide glut in LCD panels.
Add to that ESPN is stopping 3D coverage by EOY. On 7/5/13, BBC announced that they would stop 3D broadcasting indefinitely based on "lack of public appetite" for 3D. Ten Network, which owns the Australian rights for the 2014 Olympics in Russia has no plans for 3D. NBC still hasn't announced plans on if they will cover the 2014 Olympics in Russia in 3D.
However, there are still supporters. Discovery, Sony and IMAX are still doing content in 3D.
Whatever side of the fence you are on, there still is the glasses issue. For me personally, I get a headache with active glasses. I don't with passive glasses, with are typical in movie theaters. Toshiba has introduced glass free versions of 3D HDTV, but the viewing angles are severely restricted. The cost of these sets is also currently very expensive, ringing in around $10K in Europe last year.
Have you bought a 3D HDTV? If you have, do you actually watch 3D content? If you do, what percentage of your viewing time is spent watching 3D?
I haven't bought a 3D HDTV yet because of the glasses issue. There also isn't enough content out their for me to have 3D be a purchasing decision. I way much more on the video quality of the set.