3D TV A Premature Waste at this Point or Not?

[thekid]

I think the biggest issue is content. Looking at most programs that are on TV now how many of them would be substantially improved or be more compelling by being in 3D?

As Sir T pointed out some Sports programming would probably draw an audience as would Sci-Fi fare and few other programs but the majority of programs would not be enhanced by the 3D experience. Anderson Cooper in 3D or American Idol 3D is not going to make people run out and buy TV sets. Another possible factor on the programming side could be cost. I don't know what the additional cost would be to a network to shoot a series in 3D but the rise of "Reality TV", Prime-time game shows and animated series in prime time is in part a direct result of the rising cost of producing a TV series. I see 3D only making that problem worse.

The last point I would make on content would be from the creative side of it. For certain genre's when and where to insert a 3D effect is somewhat an easy call but if you are now going to be producing a weekly TV series with 3D effects will the writers, directors etc know when to use 3D? This technology is a little different than say the switch from Black and White to Color was and I would venture that if used incorrectly or in a predictable manner by the creative team putting a show together it will turn audiences away.

[bfalls]

Our Media Test Center here at Sony just received a prototype 3D TV to use for testing 3D movies. They are using it with both Sony and Samsung 3D players and have also purchased both NVidia and Samsung 3D glasses. The receiver is a STR-DH810 with HDMI 1.4.

On Friday we received the 3D version of "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs". I was able to view several test sessions. All I can say is WOW! The effects are incredible. This is not a passing phase. The prototype TV is a 46" Sony and had a price of $3000. Not sure of a model number. There are still some artifacts, but overall the 3D effects enhance the viewing experience extremely well.

Although the effects are excellent, I doubt I run out and buy a new TV very soon. I have signed up for the pre-order of a 3D player from our family website for $139. The price is right and it has network streaming. I may plan to go 3D sometime next year when I purchase a TV for the bedroom, or possibly rearrange TVs and put it in the living room. Not sure, but sooner or later I will have one.