Home Video Asylum

TVs, VCRs, DVD players, Home Theater systems and more.

It will probably be accepted in the cinema, especially for animated and SF films, but doubtful for HT.

Everything works against wide acceptance for 3D in home theater application:

1. Timing --- It's difficult marketing a new leisure technology to consumers in a period of economic uncertainty. Also, folks were just getting used to lower priced HD monitors and BD technology; it's just too soon to bring something like this out and expect widespread public acceptance.

2. Competing formats --- If the timing weren't lousy enough, the fact that one has to choose between competing systems requiring different types of eyewear is enough to make anyone's eyes cross.

3. Confusion --- Finding 3D tech savvy folks in discount chains or even A/V boutiques to explain the systems, answer questions and address concerns does little to bolster consumer confidence in the new technologies.

4. Cost --- Even though the prices have come down, 3D isn't a cheap technology and there aren't enough 3D programs available yet to build a viable consumer support base.

5. Eyestrain --- Some folks get eyestrain watching 3D, which limits applications where friends or family groups are gathered to watch programs.

6. Glasses --- This is an issue that defies common sense; it isn't just about how geeky the 3D "shades" look. You'd think that manufacturers would all gravitate towards cheaper polarized glasses to achieve a decent HT picture in 3D, ...but NO! Prospective buyers of the active shutter technology would have to purchase multiple pairs of high-end specs ($$$) for any group gathering, thus limiting the owners ability to show off their 3D set-up to friends and family. This doesn't sound like the best way to increase public awareness & interest in 3D (for HT) via word-of-mouth.

I'm sure that there are many other logical reasons why 3D won't make great inroads into the HT market. Alas, 3D is apparently a not-ready-for-prime-time player in a field where the entertainment industry has already gone back to the well too often.



Edits: 01/25/11

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