TVGuide: "How Soon Before 3D TV is a Reality?"

[JamesG]

How Soon Before 3D TV Is a Reality?
Jul 22, 2010
by Mickey O'Connor


Now that 3D technology has established itself as a box office moneymaker (Avatar and Alice in Wonderland, to name two recent hits that utilized the technology), when will three dimensions come to television?




There are, of course, 3D HD television sets for sale on the market, but at a price point that is not for every consumer. (Samsung's models, for example, still hover around $3,500, though it has future plans for a plasma 3D set to retail for less than $1,000.)


Nevertheless, the Consumer Electronics Association estimates that more than 2.2 million 3D HD TVs will be sold within this calendar year, including a big push around Christmastime.






In January, Discovery Communications announced that it was teaming up with Sony and IMAX to launch the first 24/7 dedicated 3D television network.

The network, which is scheduled to debut in January 2011, will feature movies, documentaries and children's programming.


ESPN launched a 3D channel in June that allowed soccer fans to watch World Cup matches in 3D. They plan to continue providing the service for such special events as this summer's X-Games.






While the benefits of the technology are evident for sci-fi, sports and other action-packed programming, it's still unclear how the technology might benefit, say, the average episode of "Desperate Housewives" or "Mad Men".

http://www.tvguide.com/News/3D-TV-Network-1020842.aspx