Don’t look now, but here comes 3-D television – the latest advancement in consumer electronics and media entertainment. ESPN announced it will debut ESPN 3-D in June 2010 and show up to 85 live events in its first year – including the World Cup Soccer tournament in South Africa this summer. The Discovery Channel, Sony and IMAX Theater are looking at a joint venture to launch a 3-D television channel in 2011. The phenomenon of 3-D is not new, but the technology is far more sophisticated. The key to success here will be the content – sporting events are a perfect fit. So are exploration shows like Shark Week on Discovery Channel. The other key to 3-D success will be the pricetag. We consumers will have to purchase a new 3-D television after collectively spending millions upgrading to high-def over the past 5 years. Is it going to be worth it in the end? And what happens to those 3-D eye-glasses once they become obsolete?
Can one desire too much of a good thing?
"I think that the trend towards 3-D will just be a trend. The technology is truly innovative, but the issue of practicality may become a problem. The extra step of having to find and put on 3-D glasses every time you want to watch TV may sound exciting at first, but I know that I would eventually get tired of that extra effort every Sunday just to watch Reggie Bush or Tom Brady play football."
February 16th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
"Jai - thanks for the comment. I agree with you completely. Although I don't think the big boys like Sony would gamble on a short-term trend. And who knows? People spent hundreds for a seat at the NBA All-Star game at Cowboys Stadium but watched most of the live action on the jumbo screen. Crazy..."
February 18th, 2010 at 2:13 pm