[by Editor ©RapidTVNews]

A new report from IHS Screen Digest has confirmed the view of many that despite the hyperbole generated by equipment makers, 3D had a disappointing 2010. Indeed the analyst used the word ‘bleak’.

In its After One Year of 3D in the Home report IHS Screen Digest found that even though major brands initially projected sales in the ballpark of 6 million to 7 million sets bought globally, the actual figure was more likely to be in the region of 3.3 million sets.

Yet despite the current disappointing figures, taking a longer view, IHS Screen Digest believes that by 2014 at least a fifth of households in developed markets will be 3D enabled, that is having all the components around the display to actually watch 3D TV. The key drivers, says the analyst will be competitiveness driving brands allied to technology being easy to deploy and accessible.

In addition the analyst says that resulting shipments will see 3D built into around 20% of TVs shipped in 2013 and more than 40% in 2014. This, says IHS Screen Digest, will likely increase the penetration of 3D to 15-20% in parts of Europe and 25% in the US, up from merely a single percentage in 2010.

Addressing the key issue of 3D content, which many analyst sees as the key current stumbling block to rapid 3D adoption, IHS Screen Digest concurs that content is still an issue yet notes that 3D Blu-ray players, titles and game consoles are ramping up to support 3D and will not be a limiting factor in the home. It adds that as 3D becomes more available in televisions, consumers will also have equal sources of opportunities to provide 3D content directly to the living room through the set top box, Blu-ray players and game consoles.
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