The widespread availability of 3D enabled Blu-ray players is set to become a significant driver for the adoption of 3D TV.
Although the emergence of 3D TVs in UK stores has not been matched by a significant amount of 3D content, the buying public has been able to identify a clear 'roadmap' through which this content will emerge; they identify 3D enabled Blu-ray players as a significant element of this roadmap along with the introduction of Sky's dedicated 3D TV channel later this year.
The Blu-ray Disc Association’s were quick to recognize the potential of 3D and were in a position to announce the finalisation of a 'Blu-ray 3D' specification last December.
Unlike emerging technologies such as OLED, 3D technology is relatively easy to integrate into existing hardware. Within a few years, it is expected that the majority of Blu-ray players sold will have 3D capability.
Jim Bottoms, director at the technology research organisation, Futuresource, commented: "We expect that a high percentage of Blu-ray disc players will ship with 3D capability next year, and within a few years it will probably be difficult to buy a player without 3D."
Big manufacturers have been quick to identify the potential of 3D Blu-ray. Samsung with their recently introduced BD-C6900 and Panasonic with their DMP-BDT300 have both released 3D enabled Blu-ray players in the UK. Owners of Sony's PS3 games console will also be able to play 3D Blu-ray discs with a firmware upgrade later this year.
Although quite sparse at the moment, over the next 18 months 3D Blu-ray content will gradually expand with the likes of Toy Story 3; Space Chimps 2; How to Train Your Dragon; Shrek Forever After; Cats & Dogs: The Revenge Of Kitty Galore; The Hole; Legend Of The Guardians; Saw VII; Jackass; Tron: Legacy; Yogi Bear; Step Up; Piranha; Resident Evil: Afterlife; The Cabin in the Woods; Tangled; Drive Angry; Gnomeo & Juliet; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II; Cars 2; The Smurfs; and possibly even Avatar.
With a gradual increase in the availability of 3D content and cheaper screens, the uptake of 3D TV is predicted to become stronger as the year unfolds.
Although Samsung have been first to the UK market with a 3D enabled TV, other manufacturers such as Panasonic and Sony have invested heavily in the technology. Sony, who are to begin selling 3D sets in June, aims to sell 2.5 million 3D TVs by March 2011, around one tenth of all its worldwide television sales.
Although some critics have labelled the technology a fad, early reviews of 3D enabled TVs suggest that the technology delivers a more than credible extra dimensional experience and that manufacturers investment and high hopes are justified.
If you would like to find out more about 3D TV you might like to read our 3D TV, Cinema & Gaming Guide.
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