Keith Jack's Blog

According to CEA’s 17th Annual CE Holiday Sales and Forecast study, among consumers planning to buy a TV as a gift, LCD continues to dominate, with 73% considering this technology. Perhaps the most intriguing—and anticipated—story will be the success of 3DTV. The study reveals 26% of potential TV buyers will or may pull the trigger on a 3DTV. The performance of 3DTV sales this holiday season will reflect overall consumer sentiment and will lay the groundwork of what the industry can expect going forward.

Although getting a lot of press lately, glasses-free (autostereoscopic) 3DTVs do have their share of issues.

First, the viewer must sit in a specific area. In the case of Toshiba’s glasses-free 3D TV, the recommended viewing angle is 40 degrees (20 degrees on each side), and a distance of three feet for the 20-inch model, and two feet for the 12-inch model. Second, normal 2D programs become “a messy blur.” For these reasons, the target markest for such devices for awhile is likely to be digital signage and gaming.

3DTV is set to be one of the major attractions at IFA in Berlin, so SES Astra is broadcasting a daily report from the show in 3D.