Video Asylum

Posted by Audiophilander (A) on January 25, 2011 at 00:11:52

In Reply to: RE: Is 3D television ahead of it's time? Or will it be accepted at all... posted by Mr. Dick Hertz on January 11, 2011 at 12:26:21

Everything works against wide acceptance for 3D in home theater application:

1. Timing --- It's difficult marketing a new leisure technology to consumers in a period of economic uncertainty. Also, folks were just getting used to lower priced HD monitors and BD technology; it's just too soon to bring something like this out and expect widespread public acceptance.

2. Competing formats --- If the timing weren't lousy enough, the fact that one has to choose between competing systems requiring different types of eyewear is enough to make anyone's eyes cross.

3. Confusion --- Finding 3D tech savvy folks in discount chains or even A/V boutiques to explain the systems, answer questions and address concerns does little to bolster consumer confidence in the new technologies.

4. Cost --- Even though the prices have come down, 3D isn't a cheap technology and there aren't enough 3D programs available yet to build a viable consumer support base.

5. Eyestrain --- Some folks get eyestrain watching 3D, which limits applications where friends or family groups are gathered to watch programs.

6. Glasses --- This is an issue that defies common sense; it isn't just about how geeky the 3D "shades" look. You'd think that manufacturers would all gravitate towards cheaper polarized glasses to achieve a decent HT picture in 3D, ...but NO! Prospective buyers of the active shutter technology would have to purchase multiple pairs of high-end specs ($$$) for any group gathering, thus limiting the owners ability to show off their 3D set-up to friends and family. This doesn't sound like the best way to increase public awareness & interest in 3D (for HT) via word-of-mouth.

I'm sure that there are many other logical reasons why 3D won't make great inroads into the HT market. Alas, 3D is apparently a not-ready-for-prime-time player in a field where the entertainment industry has already gone back to the well too often.

Edits: 01/25/11