The popularity of Avatar and other 3D movies will put 3D TV on the map for consumers, according to the research firm In-Stat. 2010 will be a big year for 3D entertainment, as movie studios release more 3D films shown in a growing number of 3D-equipped theatres.
In-Stat is a bit more optimistic than its colleagues at NSR, as Broadband TV News reported yesterday (see here), who are cautious about the uptake of 3D TV sets in the home.
“Exposure to 3D films is important to the debut of 3D TV, because consumers who have seen 3D films are more interested than the general population in being able to view 3D content at home,” says Michelle Abraham, In-Stat analyst, in a statement. “In-Stat’s 3D consumer survey shows that 64% of consumers are at least somewhat interested in 3D in the home. For those who have seen a 3D movie in the last 12 months, the percentage increases to 76%.”
In-Stat projects worldwide 3D TV shipments will reach 41 million in 2014 and 3D Blu-ray player shipments will track closely with 3D TVs. But the research also shows that pricing is a major barrier, as survey respondents are not willing to pay much of a premium for 3D TV sets and Blu-ray players.
Many pPay-TV operators will use half resolution 3D as a stepping stone and learning opportunity for full HD 3D in the future. On a regional basis, North America will be the largest market, according to In-Stat’s report 3D TV Coming Soon to a Home Near You.
