Samsung must believe all those analysts who predict a bright future for 3D TV adoption. The company last week announced a partnership with active shutter glasses innovator RealD to deliver better viewing technology to 3D LCD TV and PC monitor panels manufacturers, and announced on Tuesday a host of upcoming free and paid streaming content via its "Explore 3D" TV app. Is it a minor bonus for early adopters, or a selling point for fence sitters?
John Revie, the Senior Vice President of Samsung Electronics America's Home Entertainment division, sees it as a little of both.
"Once consumers experience the wonder of immersive 3D that we deliver on Samsung 3D LED and 3D Plasma TVs, they generally crave all the 3D content they can get their hands on," said Revie.
That 3D content will be both free and paid, he said, and will eventually encompass everything from movies and documentaries to music videos. As an added incentive to get more eyes in front of their TVs, Samsung is giving away two pairs of 3D glasses to new buyers and promises a discount on more glasses to make the transition more affordable for families eager to make the leap but wary about the cost implications.
A March study by Futuresource Consulting found that the addition of more cable 3D programming could bolster 3D TV sales. Researchers at IHS iSuppli predicted a 500% increase in 3D TV shipments in 2011.
The "Explore 3D" app is now available on 2010 and newer LED and Plasma Smart TVs - another segment of home entertainment technology that some believe will similarly explode in popularity over the next few years. (Via Business Wire)
