Home Entertainment Shoppers Want More 3D Content

If you're planning to buy a new 3D high definition TV online, you may be interested to know that there could be a shortage of 3D media content available.

According to a consumer survey from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and the Entertainment and Technology Center (ETC) at the University of Southern California USA, 67 percent of the people surveyed, would be more likely to buy a 3D-enabled TV, if they could receive and watch 3D television programs via the conventional antenna, cable, satellite networks. Most say the primary reason to buy a 3D-enabled set is to watch 3D movies at home; 65 percent want to watch movies, 36 percent want to play 3D video games and 33 percent want to watch television programming.

The survey suggests that 3D content remains to be the key for the future adoption of 3D entertainment at home.

"2010 will be an important year for 3D in the home, with 3D-enabled sets on store shelves today and content continuing to evolve and expand," said Shawn DuBravac, CEA's chief economist and director of research. "3D content in the home shows potential as 3D-specific cable channels continue to be announced and more movies and sporting events are slated to be transmitted in 3D in the coming months."

The study also shows that interest in 3D technology continues to grow as consumers experience the newer version of the technology. If you haven't seen a 3D movie recently, go see Avatar at the cinema, it's a jaw dropping experience.

"Consumers who have seen digital 3D know that the current state of the art is unlike any 3D they have seen in the past," said David Wertheimer, CEO and executive director of the Entertainment and Technology Center at USC. "It's no surprise, given the choice, consumers want a high-definition 3D experience in their home. However, broad availability of 3D content is critical to mass adoption."

I think the 1,914 online adults surveyed do a good job to reflect the views of a general public. We want this technology, but at the same time we need the 3D content to be available.

The introduction of 3D entertainment for the home is here, and that's great to see. But consumer adoption of the new technology is completely dependent on 3D content being available when we buy the products.

Until I start seeing 3D movies for sale, 3D games, and even a few 3D television shows being broadcast, I won't be buying a 3D TV online just yet. I'll be waiting for the media to arrive first.