3D is here. Whether we like it or not, the push to drive 3D capable televisions into the home has begun, and there’s nothing any of us can do to stop it. But a conversation I had with Panasonic’s Group Marketing Manager for Viera, Matt Pearce, at their AV launch down in Melbourne the other day may have persuaded me that despite the fact that 10 percent of people can’t see 3D and the technology gives me headaches, it’s actually really good for TV technology on the whole.
When Panasonic launches their new range of Blu-ray TVs, including the VT20, there’ll be a few bonus things thrown in the box. Like a pair of 3D glasses. And a couple of bonus 3D Blu-ray movies.
A mystery 3DTV has turned up on Amazon, sans picture but with a retail price of $US6000. Who’d have the nerve to charge that much, Sony? Samsung? No – it’s StreamTV. Whoever they are.
One of the biggest hurdles for the upcoming release of 3D televisions in Australia is the lack of content. Sure, there’ll be a handful of 3D Blu-ray discs, but Foxtel aren’t planning on doing anything until next year, and the free to air networks are struggling enough with the concept of high definition, let alone 3D. Except that last part may not be true… According to Lara Sinclair in the Australian, SBS is looking into the possibility of broadcasting the FIFA World Cup in 3D later this year.
With rather lofty ambitions, LG has said it hopes to sell one million 3DTVs this year, securing it 25 per cent of the market. The LX9500 model was announced yesterday as going on sale May, when it could cost $US4000 if it’s anywhere near a direct conversion from the Korean price. (Though a retailer has contacted me saying it’s already in their system as $US3599.99.)
Best Buy is known for charging a lot of money to do very little with its setup services, but its “3D glasses syncing” seemed to bring things to a whole new level. They’ve responded.
If you drop a few grand on a 3DTV package, the Geek Squad will “sync” those 3D glasses for you free – part of a “$149.99 value”. The problem? Syncing shutter glasses only requires that you LOOK AT THE SCREEN.
I’ve been sceptical of the big push for 3D in TVs and movies. But I just played the first 45 minutes or so of Metro 2033 on a top-of-the-line 3D-enabled gaming rig and, well, wow.
