46% don't want a 3D Television with glasses

Mike Bantick
Thursday, 07 October 2010 12:08

Opinion and Analysis

A recent survey has shown that technology manufacturers still have a way to go to win over an audience for 3D electronics.  In particular, the requirement for glasses with 3D tech was seen as a major negative, and then there is a problem with cost and confusion over the hardware requirements.

3D TV, depending on who you talk to, it's the next big thing (tech companies) and in fact happening right now (tech retail).  Or it is a passing fad (my friends and family) or simply not ready yet (the sane majority).

Much of the 3D TV success will be in the levels of content available, and it is hard to see where this will occur, possibly it will be driven by pornography, but more likely it will be 3D gaming that champions the dimensional shift.

I just don't see content such as kids or horror movies driving people to outlay dollars for a replacement big 3D TV.  Perhaps sports coverage may open a few wallets, but who wants to sit around watching the footy with mates, all wearing dorky glasses, no matter how sophisticated they are?

A study recently conducted by research firm Interpret and published over at Gamasutra reinforces the issues the 3D TV Revolution faces.  

Polling 1500 consumers between 12 and 65 showed just how fledgling the 3D TV market still is.  The study found that of those in the market for a new high-def TV, 13 percent said they "definitely will buy" a 3D-ready television, while 10 percent "definitely will not buy."  

From those that either were or weren't going to purchase a 3D ready TV the hurdles that cropped up most often were cost and eyeware.  69 percent stated that the cost of a 3D enable TV over a 'normal' HD TV was prohibitive, whilst 46 percent were not comfortable with the requirement for a pair of glasses for each viewer of 3D content.

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