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The 3DTV Hype Race Gets An Early Start
Verizon continues to take shots at cable 3D efforts...
Last week Verizon took a few jabs at Cablevision's decision to air the first hockey game in 3D, complaining that the cable operator was just "hoping to make headlines." Verizon took the opportunity to again complain that Cablevision is withholding MSG HD from competitors, while promising that a better Verizon FiOS 3D TV launch would be coming later this year. This week, Comcast grabbed headlines for demonstrating the Masters golf tournament in 3D, staking claim to the first live national next-generation 3D broadcast of a major sporting event on TV:
quote:
...this event will mark a series of industry firsts - the first live national next-generation 3D broadcast of a major sporting event on TV, the first live simulcast of a next-gen 3D event online, and the industry's first live multi-camera next-gen 3D production. . . To make the experience possible, Comcast will use our fiber network to carry a 3D production feed provided to the Comcast Media Center where we will package it for distribution to our systems and the Masters website. Sony and IBM are playing critical roles in working with us and the Masters to make this 3D broadcast available to consumers.
Given the limited number of 3D sets out there right now, 3DTV is a niche segment carriers are getting an early jump at bickering over -- and Comcast expects only a few thousands Masters 3D viewers next week. Verizon is pretty clearly concerned that they're not getting out in front of the hype, and that with cable carriers withholding access to 3D sporting events, they're going to be left behind. A Verizon press release calls Comcast's 3D efforts "hype," and again promising consumers a "Quality 3D TV Experience" -- just not yet:
quote:
3D content is just now becoming available from a handful of providers like ESPN. As it becomes available, TV service providers like Verizon will negotiate deals to telecast that content. We are in active discussions with a number of companies in the emerging 3D value chain...There are content distribution companies that own content and that are simply running demonstration events early in the evolution of 3D. These early events seem to be aimed at the viewers who just went through the challenge of getting the best HD sets. Some content owners have elected to specifically exclude Verizon and other competitive distributors from carriage of these 3D events in an effort to advantage their distribution businesses.
Verizon continues to insist they'll have their own 3DTV service available before the 2010 holiday season. We're a pretty bleeding-edge crew around here, and the general response to 3DTV by many of our users seems to be a series of yawns. How many people are really chomping at the bit to buy another HDTV during a recession?
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Sabre
Di relung hatiku bernyanyi bidadari
join:2005-05-17

1 recommendation

Sabre

Member

Who needs it?

I don't even own an HDTV, let alone have any interest in 3D (and I'd probably drop TV altogether if it wasn't for my wife's love of the NFL network and its gloriousness that is Red-Zone) and I really can't see more than a tiny niche market that would care, at least for a long time.

3D will become feasible and popular in the home when (1) it's not prohibitively more expensive than 2D, and more importantly (2) when it doesn't require wearing something for it to work AND it's able to convince people that they don't need to wear anything on their eyes. The convincing is likely to be harder than the technology itself.

Exodus
Your Daddy
Premium Member
join:2001-11-26
Earth

Exodus

Premium Member

Re: Who needs it?

If you dont have an hdtv, then its tough for you understand why this technology has the potential take off. 3d has done wonders for movie theaters and that could eventually lead to a huge hit at home as well.

TuxRaiderPen
A Warm Embrace
join:2009-06-02
Outer Rim

TuxRaiderPen

Member

Re: Who needs it?

said by Exodus:

3d has done wonders for movie theaters and that could eventually lead to a huge hit at home as well.
This is a "fad" that movie companies drag out about every ten years or so.

I've been to my fair share of "3D", the results have always been sub-par.

I'm not wearing glasses on top of my glasses in my own home or getting prescription "3D" glasses or contacts to watch TV, and I'm not paying any more for movies that are "3D".

Again, "3D" is a "fad".

woody7
Premium Member
join:2000-10-13
Torrance, CA

woody7

Premium Member

Re: Who needs it?

Thats what I had to do at Avatar, annoying but was ok, just wouldn't be doing it on a regular basis. If I could wear contacts it would be more enticing, but as others have stated, a fad. Now HD and Bluray are as the kids would or used to say the "bomb". I won't even buy DVD's unless Bluray. I don't watch tv that much, but HD is light years ahead of the regular broadcast. Peace
gorehound
join:2009-06-19
Portland, ME

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to TuxRaiderPen
i agree.i will pass on any tech that will make me wear glasses to enjoy it.
this is a fad and will be an expensive on at that.
kaimana
Premium Member
join:2010-04-01
Suisun City, CA

kaimana to TuxRaiderPen

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I went to watch my first movie in 3D this past weekend..."How To Train Your Dragon" ... It was a great experience for me and my daughter. Initially when 3D first reappeared a couple of years ago, I thought it was hype. After experiencing it for the first time this past weekend, I was really impressed. The glasses are something I am willing to get used to... and just as long as I can get 3D prescription glasses in an oakley frame, I'm good!

It'll probably be a while before I can get a 3D television, since I just recently purchase a new LCD TV.

~my .02
kaimana

kaimana to TuxRaiderPen

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to TuxRaiderPen
I went to watch my first movie in 3D this past weekend..."How To Train Your Dragon" ... It was a great experience for me and my daughter. Initially, when 3D first reappeared a couple of years ago, I thought it was hype. After experiencing it for the first time this past weekend, I was really impressed. The glasses are something I am willing to get used to... and just as long as I can get 3D prescription glasses in an oakley frame, I'm good!

It'll probably be a while before I can get a 3D television, since I just recently purchase a new LCD TV.

~my .02

mod_wastrel
anonome
join:2008-03-28

mod_wastrel

Member

Re: Who needs it?

Hmmm... 2 posts? Are you still seeing double?

antdude
Matrix Ant
Premium Member
join:2001-03-25
US

antdude

Premium Member

Re: Who needs it?

said by mod_wastrel:

Hmmm... 2 posts? Are you still seeing double?
A side effect from 3D.

Sabre
Di relung hatiku bernyanyi bidadari
join:2005-05-17

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Fair point. I do think though that it will take off. It just won't be for several years yet. We, as consumers, aren't quite ready yet, nor do I think the technology's mature enough yet.

Exodus
Your Daddy
Premium Member
join:2001-11-26
Earth

Exodus

Premium Member

Re: Who needs it?

said by Sabre:

Fair point. I do think though that it will take off. It just won't be for several years yet. We, as consumers, aren't quite ready yet, nor do I think the technology's mature enough yet.
No, it'll be like HDTV was. It'll take years for everyone to get TV's and for broadcasts to go out in HD. Even now, HDTV is still growing and expanding.

Andy from CA
Premium Member
join:2008-09-05
Anaheim, CA

Andy from CA

Premium Member

Re: Who needs it?

said by Exodus:

said by Sabre:

Fair point. I do think though that it will take off. It just won't be for several years yet. We, as consumers, aren't quite ready yet, nor do I think the technology's mature enough yet.
No, it'll be like HDTV was. It'll take years for everyone to get TV's and for broadcasts to go out in HD. Even now, HDTV is still growing and expanding.
Actually HDTV has a huge advantage over 3DTV as anything shot on film is high definition, especially when compared to NTSC. Motion pictures and TV shows shot & edited on film are all ready to be seen in HD. Plus the fact shooting in HD is no different than shooting on NTSC video, except for the wider screen which over the years has proven to be not an issue.

OTOH the amount of 3D content is so small if a video format tried to rely on 3D only it would fail due to lack of content. The only thing that keeps 3D sets from being laughed out of the market is they can be used for 2D like stereos in the 50s could be used for mono listening.

3D & HD, different in many ways.

cableties
Premium Member
join:2005-01-27

cableties to Exodus

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I have HDTV (57") and I don't see this as anything more than a "niche".

Maybe interesting for gaming, but alot of folks I know (20s-40s) had eye-strain or nausea when at the theater for Avatar.

And I would think there will be alot of 3D hyped re-releases that are useless for 3D. Some bloggers wrote that it doesn't impact as it does on a HUGE theater screen too.

If you are a sports fan, this will be interesting. Even a console gamer. But the bandwidth needed for 3D, the "new" TVs and updated "media players" will result in a spike, then settle down to small "I want 3D" niche.

I think some folks would rather have lower HDTV costs than this ...

ssj4android
Redefining Reality
join:2002-04-14
Wyoming, MI

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I can't see the difference myself due to eye problems, so I hate all this 3D stuff. I have to wear glasses over my glasses just to see the same thing I'd see in 2D (although it's still darker). They have 2D versions of these movies, but I'd likely have to go alone as everyone else will want to see the 3D version. And I don't really want to watch movies by myself.
fiberguy2
My views are my own.
Premium Member
join:2005-05-20

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I tried one out at Best Buy... like I'd enjoy battery powered bulky glasses on my face in order to watch and "experience" 3D television... I really didn't see anything that "wow'd" me when I tried it.. not to mention, I found it REALLY hard to watch.. they were showing a scene where there was a city in Roam.. the smaller detail of the city became really distorted with all the detail.. it just wasn't a good experience.

Some have told me "it's first generation - it will improve"... in this day and age, I don't buy that.. either improve it and make it work.. make it work with out glasses... or don't release it yet... I find this as a way for them to skate by, let people early adopt and pay through the nose to improve their next generation... how about bringing out 'the next generation' first... IOW: improve before you sell.. that may have been the way of the past, but technology has really improved since the 1980's, for example, so I think they just need to spend more time in the labs and get this right before they try to launch anything.

antdude
Matrix Ant
Premium Member
join:2001-03-25
US

1 recommendation

antdude to Exodus

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to Exodus
said by Exodus:

If you dont have an hdtv, then its tough for you understand why this technology has the potential take off. 3d has done wonders for movie theaters and that could eventually lead to a huge hit at home as well.
For me, 3D effects don't work with my eyes. I couldn't see 3D effects in Avatar (Real3D in Arclight Dome), CA Adventure's 3D Muppets show, Super Bowl's three TV ads. and Chuck The Third Dimension episode, stereograms, red and blue glasses, etc.

FFH5
Premium Member
join:2002-03-03
Tavistock NJ

FFH5 to Sabre

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said by Sabre:

I really can't see more than a tiny niche market that would care, at least for a long time.
The 1st regularly scheduled HDTV broadcasts in the US started in 1996. And it wasn't until last year that HDTV has reached the 50% mark of US homes with it.

So 3D starts this year. but it may take 10 years before it starts to become a major player in the marketplace.

mod_wastrel
anonome
join:2008-03-28

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Some people just "need" to play with the latest and "greatest" (and I use the term loosely) tech toy they can get their hands on. Outside of some heavily CG'd movie (and maybe porn), though, exactly how will 3D, presuming it's done well, improve the viewing experience? When I think of 3D, I think of fins on cars in the '50s... "wow, all cars are gonna have fins... wow!" ...yeah, that lasted. Movie studios and theaters and TV manufacturers and electronics stores just want some new gimmick every "model year" to get you to buy more stuff... more stuff you don't need that never really satisfies, so you keep buying yet more stuff. HD is something that customers, en masse, wanted--it totally satisfies; 3D is just something "they" want customers to want. They're just kidding themselves... and few others.

BodyBumper
join:2004-06-21
Beverly Hills, CA

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I don't want or need this POS "technology". Don't know why they keep forcing it down consumer's throats.

Exodus
Your Daddy
Premium Member
join:2001-11-26
Earth

Exodus

Premium Member

Re: Who needs it?

How exactly are you being forced to watch 3D?

BodyBumper
join:2004-06-21
Beverly Hills, CA

BodyBumper

Member

Re: Who needs it?

said by Exodus:

How exactly are you being forced to watch 3D?
I'm not and I never implied that I was.

Exodus
Your Daddy
Premium Member
join:2001-11-26
Earth

Exodus

Premium Member

Re: Who needs it?

said by BodyBumper:

said by Exodus:

How exactly are you being forced to watch 3D?
I'm not and I never implied that I was.
said by BodyBumper:

Don't know why they keep forcing it down consumer's throats.
??

mod_wastrel
anonome
join:2008-03-28

mod_wastrel

Member

Re: Who needs it?

Maybe he means from a marketing standpoint... which is sort of true: (1) 3D (2) LED (3) Yellow (Quadtron or something--like we've never seen the color yellow on our TVs before)

Exodus
Your Daddy
Premium Member
join:2001-11-26
Earth

Exodus

Premium Member

Re: Who needs it?

If it weren't successful, they wouldn't advertise.

mod_wastrel
anonome
join:2008-03-28

mod_wastrel

Member

Re: Who needs it?

Marketing has never been restricted to successful products. If it were successful, they wouldn't need to advertise... as much. Success breeds more success, with less advertising. (One or two hugely successful movies that would have been successful anyway is hardly a sure sign of success. Check back with it a year from now at least, maybe two. The market will decide.)

somebodeez
MVM
join:2001-09-24
here

1 edit

somebodeez

MVM

Verizon, I just want -

- TCM HD. That's not so much to ask, is it?

I saw my first IMAX 3D movie a few weeks ago.
Despite the claims of it being "crystal clear", it wasn't. While 3D seems to have come a long way, there was a lot of blurriness and the experience left me feeling disoriented for a couple of hours afterward. Oh, and having to wear the special glasses over top of my own wasn't very comfortable.

Edit: In regards to a comment above mine - we have a 50" and a 63" plasma HD TVs.
axiomatic
join:2006-08-23
Tomball, TX

axiomatic

Member

No one I know wants it

I have actually asked most of my friends and co-workers if they plan on ever buying 3D HDTV's for their homes and all I ever get back is a unanimous "No."

Who exactly is either the TV or the 3D TV signals market demographic?

PLEASE, just give me better HD color representation and resolution in the TV's and for the love of all that is good in the world, just a good quality consistent 1080p signal.

Is this really too much to ask for? How did we skip true 1080p signals and jump straight to 3D signals that require more bandwidth?

In the immortal words of George Jetson, "JANE! Stop this crazy thing!"

Frank
Premium Member
join:2000-11-03
somewhere

Frank

Premium Member

I tried them at a store


3d glasses included w/sega master system.
It felt as if I was thrown back to the 1980's because their 3d was practically the same thing as the 3d glasses I used when I was a kid w/the sega master system. The only difference is that the glasses were way lighter and the picture was obviously sharper and better (because it was on an led hdtv versus a regular old sdtv w/8-bit graphics).
alfnoid
MVM
join:2002-02-18

alfnoid

MVM

No thanks

I'm all for technology advancing, but I don't like the idea of this taking off either...of course I have the choice to not buy it, but I don't want it to be the only thing I have a choice to buy.

3D has always been gimmicky, but seems to have some momentum this time.
Having to wear special glasses (over my own glasses??, no) ...not lose them, not break them, not have the kids or dog mess with them...too much if you ask me.

Jon5
Premium Member
join:2001-01-20
Lisle, IL

Jon5

Premium Member

So how soon

before we start seeing the 3D channel tiers. It'll be another add on package that they can charge you for.
"Get all your favorite 3D channels in one package for just $19.99 a Month!"

I also wonder how long before someone comes up with glasses that will work on any set. I'm sure the providers would be happy to rent you those too, at $5 a month, per pair.
glinc
join:2009-04-07
New York, NY

glinc

Member

How?

I wonder how these people will make it work in live sports. They would have to basically get angles and record it that will make it look like the ball is coming to you through the tv. If it will be all the same and just broadcasting in another format is just lame.

SpaethCo
Digital Plumber
MVM
join:2001-04-21
Minneapolis, MN

SpaethCo

MVM

Re: How?

said by glinc:

I wonder how these people will make it work in live sports. They would have to basically get angles and record it that will make it look like the ball is coming to you through the tv.
It's recorded using 2 cameras with a fixed lateral offset.

It's basically a camera feed for each eye, and your brain creates the 3D depth perception the same way it does with your eyes naturally.
tired_runner
Premium Member
join:2000-08-25
CT
·Frontier FiberOp..

tired_runner

Premium Member

They gotta get people to start spending somehow

The credit machine is alive and well. This 3D fad will get stupid people in the stores. There won't be a 3D TV supply shortage, but you bet there will be some sets leaving the stores.

I've said it before.. Movie server at home with 6 TB of storage + Netflix + computer connected to every TV in the house = me a happy camper
33358088 (banned)
join:2008-09-23

33358088 (banned)

Member

scam

nuff said
Phatty
join:2000-05-10
Saint Louis, MO

Phatty

Member

3D not for me

I have no interest in going 3d.. I have no interest in needing to purchase multiple glasses so that I always have enough for guests, I have no interest in being stuck wearing glasses the entire movie... Hell half the time I'm watching TV I'm multi-tasking, reading other things, or moving around.

3D is just the next big marketing thing that manufacturers are trying to get consumers to jump on now that the move to 1080p is complete.

I was just up at Best Buy the other day and thought the Demo's were 'neat', but nothing I see myself ever willing to spend money on specifically to support it.

SpaethCo
Digital Plumber
MVM
join:2001-04-21
Minneapolis, MN

SpaethCo

MVM

Re: 3D not for me

I'm with you.

When I'm watching TV it's usually hockey during the standard NHL season, and during that time I usually have a computer sitting on my lap to be catching up on work, checking stats, etc.

Throwing on a pair a 3D glasses isn't conducive to the way a majority of folks watch TV.
XknightHawkX
join:2003-02-13
East Peoria, IL

XknightHawkX

Member

3D Useless to me

I don't know if me having a problem with the color green has anything to do with it but I just don't see 3D images. 3D has never looked like anything was coming at me or that anything was sticking out. And yes I wore the stupid plastic glasses.

It's just a plain waste of time for me. I have seen explanations of what 3D video looks like. A picture showing half the content is coming out of the TV. I've never been able to see images that look like that. 3D video, images or books. Just do see the 3D in them.

••••
cableguy619
Premium Member
join:2003-06-24
Chula Vista, CA

1 recommendation

cableguy619

Premium Member

3d is a new world

The latest movies are in 3D and not the old red and blue 3D. Many people are drawn to the old school 3D concept and it by far is not.

I am game and love it with Nvidias 3D product and I am thrilled to see it coming to TV's. By far not a fad, and again people need to get off the old 3D format, this is such a different concept of 3D.

The gaming side has been cool and enjoyable and I doubted the movie side, until I seen Avatar and wow... 3D has come a long way and again it is not the tradtionial red and blue 3D glasses.
TravGSX
join:2003-02-17
Euclid, OH

TravGSX

Member

DONT WANT 3DTV

HEY let get all the stations to have HD first. Im not sitting at my home wearing 3D glasses to watch TV.

markofmayhem
Why not now?
Premium Member
join:2004-04-08
Pittsburgh, PA

markofmayhem

Premium Member

Re: DONT WANT 3DTV

Exactly! However, Sharp has been pretty advanced on the "no glasses needed" 3D front, though they are still developing the screen size for handheld devices. This crap is a fad, it will fade away. "How to Train Your Dragon" and "Avatar" were produced for 3D. Movies like "Clash of the Titans" were produced, then altered FOR 3D. It is soooo bad, awful... horrendous. THIS is what killed 3D the first 20 times it was tried and THIS is what will kill it again. Bad 3D ruins it all. You could have the best story ever told and if the 3D is bad, no one can put up with it. On the other hand, you could have a horrendous plot, boring, horrible acting move and if the 3D is implemented correctly, the entire technology makes a comeback. It will die off.... again.... because 3D just isn't enjoyable on MOST video. Without the glasses, it becomes tolerable. I'll wait.
Desdinova
Premium Member
join:2003-01-26
Gaithersburg, MD

Desdinova

Premium Member

Hmmm...

I've had HD3D on my 10' DLP projection home theatre set-up for about five years now and have been gaming on a similar set-up since 2003. 3D is as much a fad as HDTV, stereo, cell phones, faxes and surround sound were when THEY were first introduced to a consumer market and it just won't go away. It'll certainly take a number of years to reach any kind of saturation point, but there are enough folks out there who WILL spend the money on it that it'll lead to better systems (laserdiscs also never got above a niche market but they paved the way for DVDs).

I don't doubt that we're not too far away from a glasses-less system (using a more discreet lenticular overlay) but until then, I'll happily wear glasses to experience 3D at home or in the theatre. I for one can't wait to start enjoying 3D programming.
Kiwi88
Premium Member
join:2003-05-26
Bryant, AR

1 recommendation

Kiwi88

Premium Member

3D

Hell, yes! Look at a Mitsubishi DLP. I know somebody that will pick up their 60" today for $700.00; hell I paid that for a 27" crt just a few years ago. At the beginning of last year I bought a 55" Plasma and I still often think "That was great bang for buck" I don't watch regular TV, but will stream Netflix and on a nice day buy Blu ray movies; which is like night and day when comparing against 480 resolution. 1080P.

For the nay sayers, just get out of the way and let those willing enjoy a good thing, nobody twists the the arms of those paying to upgrade and if the idea sounds bad; there will be plenty to take up the slack, move over so you don't get run over....

captnhook
join:2001-02-20
NY

captnhook

Member

ho hum

"Comcast grabbed headlines for demonstrating the Masters golf tournament in 3D"....

ah yes 3D golf

Fore

GvilleDSL
join:2009-11-12
Greenville, SC

GvilleDSL

Member

Massive flop

I cant think of a worse idea then 3DTV during the current state of the economy. People are still migrating to HDTV and have bought expensive sets within the last 5-10 years for the most part. I dont see much(any?) demand for this and i doubt anyone wants to upgrade their HDTVs anytime soon for this gimmick in its current state. Perhaps in 10-20 years when technology allows for its easy migration where you can bypass the glasses and forced specific seating position it may come to pass but as of right now its going to flop....hard.

FFH5
Premium Member
join:2002-03-03
Tavistock NJ

FFH5

Premium Member

Re: Massive flop

said by GvilleDSL:

Perhaps in 10-20 years when technology allows for its easy migration where you can bypass the glasses and forced specific seating position it may come to pass but as of right now its going to flop....hard.
They already have technology that can do 3D without glasses:
»www.mobile-tech-today.co ··· l_skip=1
Sharp has developed a no-glasses 3-D touchscreen and plans to install the LCDs in mobile devices like digital cameras and smartphones. Sharp's 3-D technology uses a parallax barrier system with images different for each eye. Sharp declined to comment on whether it will supply the screen for Nintendo's planned 3DS portable game player.

all displays will eventually be 3-D." The technology can also be used in large TVs, he said, but at the moment there are no specific plans for this kind of product.

Sharp said the no-glasses 3-D LCD display is scheduled to begin manufacturing sometime in the first half of its 2010 fiscal year. Hasegawa said the company expects half the displays for its mobile devices will be 3-D-capable within the next fiscal year.

GvilleDSL
join:2009-11-12
Greenville, SC

GvilleDSL

Member

Re: Massive flop

Yes but the models without glasses you have to sit in 1 spot directly in front of the TV to have proper 3D viewing.

JUG8314
join:2009-01-09
Downingtown, PA

JUG8314

Member

NO THANKS

Like many here, I say no thanks. I have no interest in buying a niche TV that has no content yet.

Nor do I have any patience in allowing TV manufacturers to condition me like Pavlov's dog every time something new is available.

If anyone from IO, TWC, VZ are reading - tighten up what you have first.
If anyone from Sony, et al. is reading - work on lowering energy consumption first.
Desdinova
Premium Member
join:2003-01-26
Gaithersburg, MD

Desdinova

Premium Member

Once Again...

...there are LOTS of folks forming opinions on something they really don't know anything about.

For example, this "niche product" has already sold four million 3D-compatible TVs over the past several years. Viewers have the option of turning the 3D on or off, meaning they can watch the 3D channels in regular 2D if they choose. Folks with NO 3D would see the content without issue and wouldn't even know it WAS 3D in the first place. So right now there millions of folks who already have immediate access to 3D. With the new 3DHD Blu-Rays coming out later this year, for these TV owners, it's a small step to join in the fun. When they show THEIR friends how cool it is, it's a pretty safe bet that some of those folks will also go out and pick up 3D gear, especially as the prices come down.

So if an established user-base of millions is a "fad niche" it's a pretty damn solid one.

»news.cnet.com/3d-tv-faq/ ··· tentBody

yolarry
join:2007-12-29
Creston, WV

yolarry

Member

Big Market

wants your money again.

Jon Geb
Long time member
join:2001-01-09
Howell, MI

Jon Geb

Member

Re: Big Market

Thats called business.
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