Yesterday, Korean electronics giant Samsung won the race to stock the first ever television in 3D. It’s UE40 C700 model was available yesterday in key John Lewis stores across the UK. Other establishments such as Comet will start stocking the TV in the next fortnight. However, this new style of television vision will coat us around £1,800. This is because the Samsung version comes without 3D glasses, or a cable connection device, which means you wouldn’t be able to watch anything without these key devices. So, the future is here, but will it take-off?
It seems like its a major gamble move by Samsung, considering that there will be no benefit for the first couple of months. Sky plan to launch its 3D channel and set-top box in the summer, which is probably why other giants in the electrical game, Panasonic and Sony may have the technology, but are prepared to stall and play the waiting game, until Sky makes it move in the market. Has 3D got the ideas and will it win the popularity that widescreen and high-definition TV did.
When Sky launched its HD service back in 2006, it was another risky move, but it has paid off handsomely. With Freeview also going HD in the coming weeks, it won’t be long before almost anyone in the UK will have access to this fantastic venture. 3D is without doubt, the future and a positive step in the market, but it just feels all rushed. Having experienced the 3D experience myself in cinemas, I don’t really see much benefit around it at the moment. Technical improvements within the last twelve months have meant that this vision is now possible and Sky have been trialling 3D with the option to watch selected live Premiership games in selected pubs across the country.
Since the first game broadcast in this format, Arsenal v Manchester United on January 31st, there has a positive response from fans. Sky has plans to show everyone of its 115 live Premiership matches next season. Meanwhile, the BBC and ITV has announced no plans to go down the 3D route as of yet, probably a wise manoeuvre if this turns into a spectacular flop. FIFA has already confirmed that it will film the upcoming World Cup in South Africa in 3D, though England fans will see no benefits, until at least the quarter-final stage.
To promote the software, Monsters vs. Aliens will be shown at all John Lewis stores with the TV device, so some will be able to get a glimpse of the future may hold. Figures suggest that up to 7million homes will have 3D TV sets in their homes by 2015, but I predict that uptake will be slow initially. This is the biggest change in television viewing since BSkyB burst onto our screens in February 1989, maybe even as far back as the first-ever colour television set in the 1960’s. I think that the technology will end up turning into an arousing success and 3D is the way to go for the long-term future. In the short-term however, until the price starts coming down and more channels and manufacturers embrace the technology, consumers would be better not going down this avenue path just yet.
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