As a video producer my family and friends come to me for advice about consumer electronics. Lately everyone has been asking about 3D televisions. Specifically if they should buy a 3D enabled television. My answer is don’t pay extra for the 3D feature. If the television you want has 3D then great. But don’t pay more just to get the model with 3D. The reason why is that watching television for most people is a shared passive experience. 3D requires everyone to wear a special pair of expensive glasses to share in the experience. Most people just want to plop down on the sofa and relax while watching television.
Another reason is that great 3D content is not abundant. People expect the same 3D experience that they got watching Avatar at the theater and that isn’t what’s currently being delivered to our homes with 3D enabled televisions.
Recent reports from the CES shows confirm my opinion of 3D. Manufactures have shifted their focus away from 3D towards smart televisions. Smart TVs show a lot of promise and are the future I believe.
Here are links to some of the CES reports: