As 2010 winds down, it is clear that 3D has become visible to the worldwide consumer on multiple fronts.
The number of 3D screens in theaters increased worldwide from 6,700 in 2009 to 19,700, with the US 3D screen count jumping from 3,349 in 2009 to 7,441 as of October 25, 2010. From November 2009 through the end of 2010 there will be 25 major 3D releases, including six 3D theatrical releases in this holiday season.
E3, the Electronic Entertainment Expo that showcases the latest videogames, platforms, and peripherals, highlighted stereoscopic 3D as one of the top hot tech trends going forward at last summer’s convention. Call of Duty: Black Ops, a 3D-optimized game, exceeded $650M in retail sales in its first five days (although many gamers will be playing it on 2D devices). Sony announced that more than 50 3D games are coming to the PS3.
By the end of 2010 there will be over 30 channels worldwide distributing 3D content on a regularly scheduled or VOD basis via satellite, cable, OTT, or Internet distribution. Sports content and movies in 3D dominate the announced offerings, but there are also art, nature, reality series and dramatic series announced.
Recognizing both the trend to 3D and the added retention that 3D appears to induce in the viewer, advertising firms are developing stereoscopic 3D campaigns (example here) for theatrical and 3D TV release, special events, and billboards.
The terms “3D” and “3D capable” are currently being used to describe two very different capabilities; the stereoscopic viewing experience, and the ability of a device to render and display 3D graphics. This ambiguity will be a source of consumer confusion.
Our reporting team will provide live and post show analysis of the 3D offerings at CES, but if you are planning on being in Las Vegas you may want to check out the following:
- The 3D@Home Consortium is organizing a 3D@Home TechZone at LVCC, South Hall 2. Click here for the link to exhibiting vendors.
- Boo-Keun Yoon, president and general manager of Samsung’s Visual Display Business, will deliver a CES 2011 keynote address on Thursday at 4:30 PM. Yoon will articulate Samsung’s vision for the future of visual display technology, including 3D. He is the only CES keynote speaker to explicitly mention 3D in his keynote description.