Do we actually want or need 3DTV?
CES 2010 has seen two major trends – the Apple tablet and 3D technology. I’ve already spelled out what I think of the vaporware that is the iSlate, and now it’s time to address the issue of 3DTV. Does anyone actually want or need 3DTV? Because I for one don’t.
It feels to me as if 3D is being foisted upon us because the technology has now caught up with the concept, so why shouldn’t we have it? But manufacturers are forgetting one important thing – that 3D is generally rubbish.
When I was growing up there’d be the odd experimentation with 3D, and we’d all rush off to the cinema to watch the latest blockbuster film. We were handed those stupid glasses and sat in our seats expecting something amazing to dazzle our eyes and our brains. And all we got was the odd scene that made objects vaguely appear as though they were coming towards us.
And to be honest, things haven’t got much better. You still need glasses, and the 3D movies which are now ten a penny still fail to fulfill our wondrous expectations. Has anyone emerged from the cinema after seeing a 3D movie and wished they could emulate the experience at home on their television?
Maybe some have, but I haven’t. And even those who have done so would likely only want to watch movies in 3D. And most of us watch a couple of films a week at best. The rest of the time being devoted to soaps, and news, and sports, and a whole host of other content that doesn’t need to be broadcast in 3D.
But that isn’t stopping ESPN launching a 3D sports channel, or Sony putting 3D at the heart of its business plan for the next 12 months.
People have been banging on about 3DTV for years now, and it’s still not become reality. And I don’t know anyone who has been counting down the days until it does so. People just generally don’t give two hoots about it, especially as they’ve probably just spent a small fortune on a new, large television for their front room.
Maybe 3DTV is the future, but it’s not technology that is anywhere near the top of my list of wants.
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January 9th, 2010
I think you are the minority
January 10th, 2010
Obviously you haven’t seen recent films such as Avatar which is absolutely phenominal in 3D. 3D films are now very good at the cinemas, although I’ll hold my reservations as to whether 3D TVs will be able to replicate the same visual effects as cinema projectors can.
January 10th, 2010
I’m with Akers – 3D in the cinema is incredible, like going from B&W to colour, but i still feel it only makes sense with large cinema screens. Bringing it into the home is a bit pointless for all but people with substantial home theatre setups.
January 10th, 2010
I’ll put up with the glasses to watch a 3D movie in theaters once in a while, but not at home. At least not for more than the rare special. Solve that problem and I’ll express interest in home-theater 3D.
January 10th, 2010
Naw, Dave, we should stop innovating, creating, and rot in our complacency instead…