Ron Schenone

Is 3D Mostly Just Hype? I Think It Might Be, But You Decide

Posted by on Jan 9, 2010 | 4 Comments

For the past month or so we have been hearing quite a bit about the new HDTV’s that are going to be making there way into our homes. On paper we are being promised a new experience that can only be offered by 3D. In addition we are being promised that 3D channels will be coming our way soon. Some articles I have read also indicate that if we don’t run out and purchase a 3D enabled TV we will be losing an opportunity to enjoy what is being described as a stellar experience.

But is this more hype than fact? Should we all dump those new LCD’s and Plasma TV’s we bought to get 3D, or is this just a gimmick to get us to spend more money? You might think I am skeptical of 3D, that is because I am. According to an article from paidContent, this could be what happens to the future of 3D:

Reading some reports put out by the industry (see the 3-plus million estimate reported in this BBC piece from earlier today, for example), you might fall for the assertion that just because millions of people watched Avatar in 3D that they will all run right out and buy a $2,000 3D TV set. Here are the top three reality checks for 3D TV.

These reasons are exactly why I believe that consumers need to wait and see just how much the industry is going to invest in 3D, before jumping on the band wagon. This could turn out to be nothing more than hype in an effort to get consumers to buy what some are saying is going to be the future of HDTV.

I for one am still skeptical. I couldn’t believe how long it took just to get TV stations to broadcast in HDTV. As many of you know not all TV stations have made the change. Some smaller stations were granted exemptions because they had a small viewing audince or because they could not afford to upgrade their equipment.

There is another reason I am a skeptic. Back in the 80′s I bought a four channel receiver which was touted as being the future. Japan had already changed over to 4 channel broadcasts on their FM stations and I thought the U.S. would be soon to follow. The 4 channel broadcasts never happened. I ended up with a very expensive paper weight.

This time around I will wait and see if 3D really happens before I invest in new equipment.

What do you think?

Comments welcome.

  • Stef

    Definitely know what you mean.
    3D is an odd thing in that they’re trying to push it so soon after HD, and the world isn’t really ready for it.

    On the other hand, it’s good to see that there’s at least a small selection of 3D films being made each year, there’s going to be a decent amount of 3D games on the PS3, and updates to older games to enable it too, all PS3′s are still forward compatible, and that Sony are working with TV channels to bring more 3D content, mainly sports at the moment, to broadcast TV.

    3D recording and technology is definitely going to improve as time goes on too. At the moment, a lot of stuff just looks like moving cardboard cutouts on different planes. But the talk about the game demoes on the PS3 make it sound like games are going to be where things really start to pop out and look more natural.

    But on the whole, it’s still going to be a gimmick for a good few years before 3D is accessible to and wanted by the majority of people.

  • Robin

    I totally agree with you Ron!

    In my own opinion I still think “GREAT 3D” isnt as great as it is hyped up to be.
    It doesnt look so amazing as I though it would be on AVATAR.

    I will be happy with 3D when we wont have to focus hard on the screen and NOT WEAR anymore of those glasses and secondly I will wait many, many years for buying a 3D TV.

    Great article Ron!

    • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

      Thank you.

  • Peter

    They’re making their way, not “there way”.