3D movies. 3D televisions. Even 3D video games.
3D has not seen this kind of rage since the mid 80’s when we were treated to ‘classic’ films such as ‘Friday The 13 Part 3’
and ‘Jaws 3’ both of which were released in 3D.
Flash forward and the eyes are being treated to spectacles such as ‘Avatar’ and ‘Toy Story 3.’ Companies such as Samsung are heavily advertising their 3D television offerings:
Can 3D be sustained? Or it going to go the way of the dinosaurs?
Though 2D conversion is expensive and time consuming, the fact that consumers pay more for tickets to 3D movies provides some incentive. But in the theater, 3D is a novel outing. At home, 3D can be a distraction. You can’t multitask while watching a 3D film, and you can’t wear any glasses besides those intended for the specific television set you purchased.
“Will consumers wear glasses in the home?” asked Robert Mayson, president of RealD. “Speaking as someone who has worn glasses in the home since 11 years of age, the answer is yes. But the content has to be good enough.” Just because Mayson is willing to wear another set of glasses doesn’t mean everyone will be. And don’t hold your breath for a glasses-free 3D TV anytime soon.
“Autostereo, or glasses-free, is of course the holy grail, but you have to get there at the right quality,” said Mayson. “Nobody really knows when that will come. My personal opinion is that it has to do with quality of image–and when that happens at a price us mere mortals can afford.”
I’m not sure it will work. The problem is, I don’t have enough faith in movie studios and even television studios to consistently produce the kind of content where I’ll want to purchase a 3D television or pay the additional money to see a move in 3D. I just got around to watching ‘Avatar’ for the first time and it was ok.
Yes, the visuals were stunning. But the story was something we’ve seen before. Even my daughter said the theme was like ‘Pocahontas.’
Do you think 3D can be sustained and what would give you the boost to purchase a 3D television?
Mike Shields says
I have to say, that until such time as glasses are no longer needed, I won’t be purchasing a 3D TV. Of course, the next generation may think differently….
BrianNotess says
I’ve read some very good an passionate posts on 3D. I’m not convinced it’s here to stay.
As Stu Maschwitz says: “3D is an imperfect technology that has failed to win the love of moviegoers twice before.”
I’d be surprised if maintains its current popularity.
Stephen Bateman says
Well 1. serious movie people will buy them, because it really is cool.
2. A 3D movie will be a social experience & they will want to share even more because they have 8 pairs of unused glasses.
3. Price comes down (25%/year ish?), content producers see that this makes sense, and it’s all tipped.
Plausible at least.
Matt Phelps says
I’m still not convinced that 3D is going to be around for any decent amount of time. It’s already came and went before.
For 3D, especially at home, to really take a foothold I think they need to standardize the glasses and more companies need to get on board with affordable 3D TVs.
I’m personally going to wait it out. In time companies will refine the technology, and studios will figure out how not to give people motion sickness.
youngdesign says
“…and you can’t wear any glasses besides those intended for the specific television set you purchased.”
This is where consumers will get totally annoyed.
You invest in your 3DTV and a couple pairs of glasses, but can’t go round to your mates house to watch ESPN 3D cos his TV is different?
3D technology needs industry standards and fast.
I don’t think it will last, but I wish it could.
Ben Miller says
I should probably buy an HDTV first.
Oops, did I just say that out loud on a tech blog?
Eric Frisch says
I don’t see this catching on. Avatar was stunning in 3D, but equally stunning in 2D. To me, it’s just a gimmick. I actually work hard to find theaters showing in 2D rather than deal with the extra cost, glasses (which are especially complicated since I already wear glasses), etc. I definitely have no interest to put on 3D glasses just to watch TV at home.
James Brooks says
I personally think it’s going to be a fad.
Marcus Williamson says
The potential is there but at the current speed of things it may turn into a fad before long. If 3D were only reserved for more epic movies and went at a slower pace it could be more desired by viewers. What’s funny is that there are a ton of people that don’t have HD TV, (me included) so why upgrade to 3D when I don’t have HD?