While 3D technology in theaters is gaining in popularity since the release of ‘Avatar’ in 2009, the same cannot be said when it’s implemented in home entertainment. While it seems that there is still an interest in having the technology at home, the vast consensus is that the upgrade is just too expensive at this time.
An online opinion poll conducted by the market research surveys site Valued Opinions asked people whether they were interested in upgrading their television to a 3D broadcast. 46% of respondents who participated were inclined to upgrading their TV. However cost appears to be a major factor influencing the adoption of this new viewer phenomenon. Of the 46% who were likely to buy a 3D broadcast, 27% stated that they would only do so once the prices fell.
Even so, we’re at the dawn of seeing the first 3D television station released, and both broadcasters and paid subscription TV services understand the need to have more and more households upgrade to 3D televisions.
Aside from the extreme cost that obviously must come down before consumers will be willing to take this plunge, another important aspect to consider are the glasses. Right now all home viewers need to use special glasses to be able to enjoy the full 3D experience. What’s worse is that these glasses aren’t compatible from television to television. So if your neighbor invites you and your family over for movie night at his house and he only has two sets of 3D glasses for his Panasonic television, the ones from your Sony won’t work.
The issue of cost is something that will surely decrease over time as manufacturers try to ease customers into making the upgrade. But whether the public will accept the fact that glasses must be worn to watch their favorite 3D programs is uncertain. After all, 3D technology is still relatively new, and much can change in the course of a few months or years. Perhaps we will see the day before someone finds a solution to enhance the user’s experience, thus making the glasses a thing of the past.
