IS 3D TV WORTH THE HYPE?

 
It seems like decades, but it wasn’t really that long ago that HD TV’s came on the market. For awhile, it was hard to find any programming on TV broadcast in HD. But now Companies like DirectTV and Dishnetwork claim over 160 each.

But, that’s yesterday’s technology news. Now, 3D is coming to a living room near you! But, is it worth the hype – and the cost? Good Question!

This weekend, moviegoers paid $27 million to see the newest incarnation of “Clash of the Titans.” What most of those people saw was much more interesting than your average movie; they saw this flick in 3D. From “Avatar” to “Alice in Wonderland” and on down the line, 3D movies have accounted for 33 percent of movie theater ticket sales this year. So, there’s only one logical next step, right?

“I hear a lot, am I going to be able to watch this without glasses sometime soon?” says Bret Suter, who has worked at Huppins in downtown Spokane since 1982. Maybe that’s getting a little ahead of ourselves. But, he showed us what is already available; 3D-TV, ready to buy. Right now.

“It has only been a week and a half since we started selling them. But, we’ve sold a few,” Suter says. “People are very interested.”

I had to see it for myself. It’s hard to explain – or show you with our broadcast cameras – but, it’s really cool. The depth is similar to what you see in the theaters, though it will cost you a lot more than a $13 movie ticket.

The average 3D-TV will cost you about $3,000. You also need a source like a 3D Blu-Ray player, which will run you about $350. And, you have to buy the glasses separately. They cost more than $100 a pair.

The bigger question: what can you watch? Right now, not much. Huppins is showing “Monsters vs. Aliens” in 3D in the downtown store, and a handful of additional movies will be available in 3D by the end of the year. But what about regular TV?

“Every network is talking about providing some sort of 3D content,” says Suter. “I imagine initially, it will be like high-definition was when it first came out. Sporadic. But, this has already moved much faster than the introduction of high-definition.”

Broadcasters are definitely moving in that direction, though. COMCAST showed portions of the Masters Golf Tournament this weekend in 3D, but it was only two hours each day. ESPN 3D is expected to launch this summer, promising 85 3D broadcasts this year beginning with the World Cup in June. How long before you hear “kxly4 3D News?” I wouldn’t hold your breath.

And, keep in mind: stereo blindness means five to 10 percent of the population can’t even see 3D.

The good news? Like all technology, the options will eventually go up and the price will go down. By that time, you may be seeing all of us as if we’re sitting beside you in your living room.

Posted in: about the technology,worth of 3d television