Are 3D T.V.’s The Wave Of The Future?
3D exploded in popularity in the last few years at the movie theaters. it seemed like virtually every blockbuster release had two versions. The standard definition and the 3D cut. In the beginning, cinema goers were spending the extra dollars on the 3D to get the full experience. It seemed like 3D was here to stay. Then came the 3D televisions at home complete with their own set of glasses. Industry analysts began calling it the wave of the future. However, the reality is that the trend is nothing more than a passing fancy. It has already started its downward spiral.
The first sign that things weren’t as great as expected on the 3D front was movie theater ticket sales. After about one solid year of 3D surpassing the 2D offerings, it has reversed and people are refusing to spend the extra dollars on tickets. This may not mean much, but it does mean that public opinion is shifting away from 3D.
The 3D televisions that you can currently purchase are at least 500 more than a normal HDTV. This price premium is extremely difficult for consumers to swallow in this economy. To top it all off, to get the 3D effect everyone must be wearing a set of 3D glasses. These glasses start at about 50 dollars a pair. Can you imagine the costs incurred by having a family movie night with one of the neighboring families? It would get extremely expensive extremely fast.
Movie makers and directors have begun shunning the 3D and calling it merely a marketing tactic that doesn’t add to their work. All signs currently point to 3D not being the wave or trend of the future. It could bounce back with lower prices and more innovation on the theater front, but it does not seem like it is going too.
