6m 3DTVs to ship this year
July 13, 2010
The penetration of 3D-capable consumer electronics devices is expected to grow quickly between now and 2015, with 5.99 million 3DTV sets to be shipped worldwide this year, according to a report from IMS Research.
The report adds that over 218 million 3DTV sets will ship cumulatively between 2010 and 2015. IMS Research identifies the popularity of 3D theatrical releases and intense competition in the home entertainment space as being some of the key drivers behind the deployment and aggressive pricing of 3DTV sets.
“Within five years, the majority of high-end large-screen TV sets and Blu-ray Disc players are likely to offer 3D capability,” said Anna Hunt, principal analyst at IMS Research. “The price premium of 3D models in these markets over similar 2D products is expected to diminish quickly. Without a significant price premium, consumers are likely to future proof their purchases by opting for devices with 3D.”
IMS Research is also predicting that by the end of 2015, over 241 million homes will have a 3D Blu-ray Disc player and over 280 million TV households will have an HD set-top box. “Aside from Blu-ray, many HD set-top boxes can facilitate delivery of 3D service from operators that use a frame compatible format,” added Hunt. “With such a large installed base of 3D-capable devices, content makers should see enough of an incentive to aggressively pursue 3D content creation.”
Numerous pay-TV operators around the world are believed to be offering or planning to offer 3D content to HDTV subscribers at no additional cost over their existing HDTV package, and this is expected to be common practise until more 3D content is available and the market grows.
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