As Japanese vendors like Sony and Panasonic, battle it out to be first with a new generation of 3D TV’s, the Blu ray Association has revealed that there is less than a dozen 3D Blu rays available for viewing and even less TV shows.
And with several Hollywood movie studio’s now shooting a new generation of 3D movies the big question is how long should you wait before you buy 3D TV?
Next year in Australia, Samsung, Sony and Panasonic are set to go head to head with Sony betting their future on content and 3D TV technology.
A recent survey by research Company n-Stat reveals that most consumers are set to wait and see what happens with 3D technology, 64 percent of those surveyed were at least somewhat interested in 3D technology, only about 25 percent were willing to spend extra for the new format. In fact, 43 percent said they’d like to spend less than $200 for it. However, when it came to 3D content, 67 percent of respondents said they’d be willing to pay more for a 3D version of a Blu-ray disc then a 2-D version.
So how big will the premiums be for 3D TVs, players and discs? Manufacturers are keeping pricing info close to their chests. Although Sony and Panasonic both plan to release their first 3D models in 2010, neither company would comment on the expected price tag of those units according to CE Pro.
Besides price, what else could hinder 3D sales? Having to wear those dorky glasses, perhaps? Not likely, says a study by Quixel Research. The study found that while some consumers consider the glasses a nuisance, they’re not annoying enough to most to break the deal. Still, when given a choice, many said they would pay more for a 3D TV that requires no glasses.
According to several analysts 3D technology is still a long way away from being mature enough to generate mass interest.
One of the major disadvantages of 3D technology that requires no glasses is poor viewing angle, says David Naranjo, Mitsubishi director of product development. “Once the viewing angle is off centre, the consumer loses the 3D effect.”
