Will The 3D TV Mania Sustain Its Momentum?

3D viewing has been around for many decades now, but just recently, this innovation has been taken to a whole new level by the movie Avatar and other 3D-specialized movies like Alice in Wonderland and Toy Story 3. All these movies were blockbuster hits, and if that's any indication, it looks like the 3D craze is about to raise the ante in the years to come. In fact, with the release of the 3D TV, 3D viewing can now be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home. All the giant TV manufacturers have joined the fray and are hard at work in delivering the best possible 3D TV products for the consumers. 

However, there are those who are pessimistic about the 3D TV takeover, and for logical reasons too. For one, the 3D Television sets are a bit pricey for the average person, not to mention that most have just purchased their own respective HDTV's already. Another reason is not a lot of people won't be comfortable wearing 3D glasses at home. Last but not least, the amount of programs geared for 3D viewing is still scarce. Why spend all that money just to watch a few programs over and over again, right?

So it begs the question: Is 3D TV just a gimmick?

The answer is both yes and no. While it's true that big corporations (not just the TV manufacturers) are dipping their hands into the hype in order to cash in, it's that same reason why a string of developments have been made that is geared towards the establishment of a 3D Empire. The wheels and cogs are jostling for position; connections are being made. LG and Skylite inked a partnership in Korea; the Sony Corporation struck up a deal with Real3D; Panasonic made an agreement with Direct TV; Comcast Digital Cable had talks with ESPN 3D. Different types of industries are teaming up to create an integrated web that should give the 3D TV industry a strong foundation and the components for further advancement. If that's not a good sign, then I don't know what is. 

The biggest leap made by the growing industry so far in terms of getting into the mainstream is the inclusion of 3D broadcasting in the recently concluded World Cup. Granted, the coverage has left some unimpressed, but all things considered, it's still a step in the right direction. I see it as a pilot-test that gives the corporations the data needed to decide on the next best step.

The video game industry is also expected to fuel the sales of 3D TV. Video games are the perfect fit for 3D TVs since they give you control on what happens on the screen. The sensation of "being there" can help the gamer become more immersed in the game play.

It's entirely up to you whether to buy a 3D TV set now or just save it for later. But one thing's for sure: 3D TV is gaining ground. Sooner or later, you'll realize that you'll be doing yourself a big favor if you are there along for the ride.
