Is the Industry Souring on 3D TV?

[HD Man]

Saw this article on TV Predictions.com and thought it might be of interest to the group.

Is the Industry Souring On 3D TV?
TVPredictions.com
Washington, D.C. (May 26, 2010) -- In recent days, more TV executives and industry analysts are expressing doubt that 3D and 3D TV will be a big hit.

BBC chief Danielle Nagler told an industry conference in London that it may be years before 3D TV overcomes certain technological hurdles. She added that she's not ready to commit her network to producing 3D programming until she learns more.

“We are excited about the developments of 3D but we need to see what the long term benefits of 3D to broadcasters is, before we commit”, Nagler said, according to the web site, News In Tech. “We are not clear on what makes good 3D and are certainly not clear on what makes good 3D television. The trials we are doing are a bit like early color -- it looks interesting but there is a long way to go”

CBS CEO Les Moonves told an industry conference in Beverly Hills that he has seen 'prototype' conversions of old Star Trek shows to 3D and they did not "knock him out."

"Does the experience get good enough on television to work? I'm not sure it's going to be economically viable for the near future," Moonves said, according to Reuters
And Wall Street analyst Richard Greenfield this week even cast doubt on whether 3D will continue to be successful in movie theaters. Home Media Magazine reports that Greenfield noted in a blog post that the new 3D Shrek movie generated box office revenues far below Avatar and Alice in Wonderland during its opening weekend.

There were even reports that many consumers decided to watch the 2D version of Shrek because it was priced lower than the 3D edition. Greenfield said consumers may not be willing to pay a premium to see a sub-par film in 3D.

“The last thing the industry needs is consumers starting to believe that 3D is simply ‘not worth it,’” Greenfield said. “The movie industry cannot afford a wide-spread consumer backlash against (3D)."

[Tok]

Originally Posted by HD Man

Saw this article on TV Predictions.com and thought it might be of interest to the group.

Hopefully.... I just don't want 3D to succeed. It's little more than a money grab. I just have not been that impressed with today's 3D offerings. Warner Brothers' attempt at a quick grab for cash with CotT may have detrimental effects on 3D.

Hell, it sounds like some of the studios want to do quick 2D to 3D conversions for catalog content for 3D BD due to infinitesmal catalog of native 3D films. IOW, they want to use 3D to jack up the price for catalog BD.

[Taat]

Hope it is true they should just stick with 2D bluray.

[UTVOL06]

I believe 3D is another fad manufacturers are trying to push to improve sales in a stale economy. 3D is best left to the Theaters with giant screens. I'd rather see research and development go towards improving current 2D 1080p screens and research into 2160P resolution. IMO 2160P has just a good of a chance at succeeding right now as 3D TV. Both would require a new tv set and new player. Also 3D hardly has any content right now. It would not be hard to make 2160P content. we have film scanned at 4k and 8k res digitally. We also have all digital 4k RED one cameras already in use for movies.

However the current market is not ready for 3D or 2160P at this time IMO.

[lghaze42]

Originally Posted by HD Man

Saw this article on TV Predictions.com and thought it might be of interest to the group.

Seeing that Panasonic can't keep their 3D sets on the shelves and that starting this month Directv will have three new 3D channels I say it is off to a good start.

[jangofett]

Well, we have 3d projectors, cameras, TVs , etc now, as well as emerging technologies like the OLED TV's that promise to deliver things like 3d at what will ultimately be a 20% off of what we have with LCD and better color to boot.

Of course, this is all secondary to the economy because if we have a crash, then all of these enhancements and things won't matter as people won't have the funds to buy luxuries such as 3d.

[Tok]

Originally Posted by jangofett

Well, we have 3d projectors, cameras, TVs , etc now, as well as emerging technologies like the OLED TV's that promise to deliver things like 3d at what will ultimately be a 20% off of what we have with LCD and better color to boot.

Of course, this is all secondary to the economy because if we have a crash, then all of these enhancements and things won't matter as people won't have the funds to buy luxuries such as 3d.

I have not seen any real 'designed for HT use' 3D projectors. The current ones are a joke.

Where are the offerings from JVC, Runco, Sony, Epson, etc? Not to mention let's see pricing. I am guessing many of these 3D capable offerings are going to be priced at over 5k by the time the glasses are added to the package. Again there is not enough content to justify the price.

[coolmilo]

I hope so. The current solution for the home market, active shutter, is flawed. The CE's and studios opted for the cheap route and not many people care. Also, there is no consideration for people who wear glasses.

I was thinking that the 3D home market would have been built around the Real3D solution using polarized 3D. I was also hoping that this would allow for people who wear glasses to have their prescriptions added to the glasses.

The current active shutter solution gives me a headache after 30 minutes of usage. The price for 3D movies is more expensive (I am sure that prices will fall). The current CE products (displays and such) are low quality and the glasses are cheap and expensive. I am not sure, but can you mix and match 3D Blu-ray players with 3D displays? In other words, can I buy a Samsung 3D TV and use it with a Sony 3D Blu-ray player?

The Blu-ray industry should focus on BD 4K and stop recycling poor masters (or applying DNR/EE to subpar masters and pawn that off as HD quality).

Finally, they continue to change the specifications forcing people to repurchase their equipment. They should move to a standard that is firmware upgradable and does not require new cables.

Overall, this implementation of 3D reminds me of the failed tech called HD DVD (cool but flawed).

[proxpilot]

i hope not i hate 3D

[steve1971]

I have said it before and that is that I feel that the major manufacturers have put the cart before the horse on 3D and I hoped they wouldnt loose money because of it. They just might because not everyone is happy with the 3D craze. I would personally go to the big screen movie theater to see a 3D movie then watching it at home and on top of that I cant stand wearing those stupid glasses! I would rather see the manufacturers work on making Blu ray and HDTV's better then wasteing their time on 3D but thats just me. If the Industry is souring on 3D Tv then its no surprise to me but all it is is a cash grab and nothing else.

[clone]

wait till star wars comes out in 3D.

then you will see the acceptance by the masses.

[tollickd]

From what I can tell it is here to stay! I don't think satellite companies would start channels and invest in the very expensive equipment if it is going to fail!

[indianajones1]

I seriously hope 3D is a dud.

[warrenoates61]

Originally Posted by clone

wait till star wars comes out in 3D.

then you will see the acceptance by the masses.

baloney heck im still waiting for cockfighter on 3d

[webw]

To all the doubters, naysayers, etc on 3D - please try it for yourself first! 3D will not flop/die. Have you seen a TV broadcast in 3D? Sky UK has a dedicated 3D channel showing sport, movies and TV shows filmed in 3D. Twice a week, there is live international sport - once you've seen live Rugby or live Football in 3D, the impact is the same as going from SD to HD. The other day there were highlights of US Open 2010 - simply amazing. Twice a week the most recent 3D movies are on air - Coraline, M v A, Cloudy Meatballs, My Bloody Valentine, Ice Age 3 and so on. Alice in Wonderland and Clash of the Titans are due to air in December in 3D. Adoption happens when there is content, and there certainly is content.

Sure, as with all technologies there are teething issues, and this will only get better. Not everyone will buy a 3D TV or subscribe to Sky, but those who can afford the kit are certainly enjoying it. My request to the naysayers, try it for yourself first before declaring the death of 3D!

[garlad]

Originally Posted by webw

To all the doubters, naysayers, etc on 3D - please try it for yourself first! 3D will not flop/die. Have you seen TV broadcast in 3D? Sky UK has a dedicated 3D channel showing sport, movies and TV shows filmed in 3D. Twice a week, there is live international sport - once you've seen live Rugby or live Football in 3D, the impact is the same as going from SD to HD. The other day there were highlights of US Open 2010 - simply amazing. Twice a week the most recent 3D movies are on air - Coraline, M v A, Cloudy Meatballs, My Bloody Valentine, Ice Age 3 and so on. Alice in Wonderland and Clash of the Titans are due to air in December in 3D. Adoption happens when there is content, and there certainly is content.

Sure, as with all technologies there are teething issues, and this will only get better. Not everyone will buy a 3D TV or subscribe to Sky, but those who can afford the kit are certainly enjoying it. My request to the naysayers, try it for yourself first before declaring the death of 3D!

Well said!!

I really want to get my hands on a 3D TV.. What one did you get? Sky's 3D channel on my Sky box is annoying me because I cant view it!! Must get a tv! And what's more, it's free!!

Live footy every week, like you said, and movies galore. Avatar premiers Christmas Eve on Sky and that could be in 3D too? Last weekend's boxing match was in 3D too! A world first! Darts and golf are unreal too! So you are right, there is plenty of content.

Don’t forget the PS3's ability to support 3D games and movies. I don’t think this will flop. I was speaking to a sales rep in the Sony centre who said that initially sales were very slow, but now, with all this content, the sets are flying out of the stores! If I had the cash I'd get one today! And I could start watching 3D content this evening thanks to Sky.

[webw]

I picked up the PS50C6900 as Plasma is meant to support 3D visuals the best out of LCD/LED. You are right, the PS3 supports 3D, but if one looks hard enough, most 3D TVs on retail sale are being bundled with a free 3D Blu Ray player. If one already has a PS3, great, take the free BR player and sell it! I got 3 pairs of 3D glasses bundled in for free along with the BDC 6800 3D BR player.

[garlad]

Originally Posted by webw

I picked up the PS50C6900 as Plasma is meant to support 3D visuals the best out of LCD/LED. You are right, the PS3 supports 3D, but if one looks hard enough, most 3D TVs on retail sale are being bundled with a free 3D Blu Ray player. If one already has a PS3, great, take the free BR player and sell it! I got 3 pairs of 3D glasses bundled in for free along with the BDC 6800 3D BR player.

Im looking at this beauty. The Sony KDL-46NX713. This comes with the transmitter and glasses too (up for €150.00 if bought separately).

Im so tempted. Would love it! Looking at approx €2200/£1999

If - sorry, when! - I get it, I will definitely see it as money well spent

[Suntory_Times]

Originally Posted by coolmilo

I hope so. The current solution for the home market, active shutter, is flawed.

It is no more flawed then what cinemas are doing at the moment. Technically everything but a crt that they edit on is flawed. Unless your talking about cost, which a polarized screen would make the cost of active shutter glasses seem cheap.

The CE's and studios opted for the cheap route and not many people care. Also, there is no consideration for people who wear glasses.

Pansonic make several kind of 3d glasses, and you cna get ones designed to fit over your current classes.

I was thinking that the 3D home market would have been built around the Real3D solution using polarized 3D. I was also hoping that this would allow for people who wear glasses to have their prescriptions added to the glasses.

The current active shutter solution gives me a headache after 30 minutes of usage. The price for 3D movies is more expensive (I am sure that prices will fall). The current CE products (displays and such) are low quality and the glasses are cheap and expensive. I am not sure, but can you mix and match 3D Blu-ray players with 3D displays? In other words, can I buy a Samsung 3D TV and use it with a Sony 3D Blu-ray player?

Yes you can. Customer ignorance is not a reason to be nagative towards 3d. 3d tv's and blu-ray players work exactly as a normal tv does, just that you need both (of any brand) to watch 3d.

The Blu-ray industry should focus on BD 4K and stop recycling poor masters (or applying DNR/EE to subpar masters and pawn that off as HD quality).

Finally, they continue to change the specifications forcing people to repurchase their equipment. They should move to a standard that is firmware upgradable and does not require new cables.

3D does not require new cables, the hdmi 1.3 cable syou have will work just fine for 3d. The reason new players where neaded is 2d players where not powerfull enough for two 1080p video streams, and tv's couldn't accept a high enough refresh rate. You need at least 120, but you really want 240 minimum.

Overall, this implementation of 3D reminds me of the failed tech called HD DVD (cool but flawed).

Fail of a final point there. Thoguh i'm guessing you have never seen a 3d tv in a dedicated set-up, which is what you really need. You can't judge based on what you see at the stores.

answers in bold.

[GunZenBomZ]

.... as a dodo

Biggest fail of the 20th century. Launching 3D into a world recession & making people ill from watching it.