Monday 6 December 2010
The 3D World: Insight, analysis, rant!
A good discussion came up over the weekend in breaking down the newly emerging technology of 3D television. While browsing the Sony Store I came to imagine what is to become of this ever so raw technology that has yet to fully establish itself into the consumer market. By that I mean through building trust into the product and technology that will persuade the consumer to believe that it will survive the market for a long duration, unlike Toshiba's HD DVDs who got absolutely floored by Sony's Blu-ray Disc. Yet since there are still so many flaws and gaping holes I can poke at towards 3D technology that maybe it isn't time to invest into a new 3D television just yet.
James Cameron and co at Avatar showing in Japan.
Call this a rant, a protest against things that don't make sense or whatever you like, but some obvious things that primarily come to mind are those bulky 3D glasses that will cost you at least a $100 each. Now you don't have to be a genius to know this but does it really make sense to have to be forced to pay for and wear such an accessory to be able to watch such content? Anaglyph technology through glasses has been around since the 1970s. The approach to today's 3D glasses is somewhat similar to that but just without coloured filters. In my opinion, glasses shouldn't even be here anymore. What if you have a party? Are you going to spend $1000 on 3D glasses so that everyone can enjoy the movie or let it be known that you could only afford two because they came with your TV purchase and to your guests' dismay let it be known that they can't watch the movie because they'll see a ghosting effect when 3D is turned on. What if you turn off the 3D feature and just watch the film in 2D? Then everyone can watch it. Why did you even buy a 3D TV in the first place? What if I wear prescription glasses? Would I need to wear the 3D glasses on top of my prescriptions? Would it even fit? Do I look like a total dork with 2 pairs of glasses on? Okay, this technology is not stable after all.
I'm sure most people have watched Avatar by now, the first movie to make 3D ground breaking in the film industry. Hey guess what, you can take home Avatar 3D with two "rechargeable" (not sure why you would need to charge your glasses) 3D Glasses for only....wait for it...$300+! Ultimately, that is just r-i-d-i-c-u-l-o-u-s!
With the industry calling for glassless 3D TVs in the near future starting off with Toshiba's small screen sized models, I can tell you that it would be a good idea to hold off on purchasing a new 3D TV for a few grand at this point in time while the market for it is still unstable. Generally speaking, the prices still remain high and who knows if glassless technology may arrive as soon as 5 years from now. Although Samsung claims 5-10 years, I'm putting my safe bet on Sony that you will start to see these sets emerge within the next year or two. All in all, save your money and wait for the glassless sets. Those glasses you bought for $100 will soon be collecting dust and you will be the real fool when the time comes for when you want to unload your old newish glasses-required 3D television set.
Labels: technology
# posted by G. Bruce Stratton Architects : 12:42
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