As the TV industry promotes HDTVs and Blu-ray players with 3D support, a new report from In-Stat predicts one in five TVs sold by 2013 will be 3D-capable models.
Specifically, In-Stat believes year-over-year 3D shipment will be a whopping 231 percent from 2010 to 2011 -- I know 3DTV is on the rise, but think 231 percent still may be too high of an estimate.
"High definition did create a wave of activity in the U.S. market not seen since the introduction of color," said Stephanie Ethier, In-Stat analyst, in a statement. "3DTV promises to be the next significant innovation wave for living room entertainment."
ESPN is broadcasting the World Cup in 3D, while other sports broadcasters plan to show American football, soccer, and other sports in 3D.
Meanwhile, 3DTV hasn't been too popular in Europe, and the problem isn't expected to go away soon. Sony, Samsung, and other major TV makers expect North America and Europe to help drive the 3D market, but a lack of content and higher prices still have consumers concerned.
The NPD Group indicated initial 90-day sales figures of 3DTVs and Blu-ray players with 3D support at $55 million -- and that number should increase -- but there is still much left to be done. Microsoft and others are willing to wait for the 3D market to mature and develop, and I expect other companies to follow suit.
Companies such as Microsoft may not have a long-term impact into consumer 3D adoption, but cautions observant consumers that maybe they should wait for the market to mature.
