Re: Michael Gartenberg Doesn`t Buy 3DTV
If there was a way to retrofit existing HDTVs for 3D, such as an external box to handle the 3D signal and provide an interface for the glasses, then I might consider it. I wouldn’t go out and purchase a new 3DTV just to have it, however. There just isn’t enough 3D material to justify such a purchase, especially since my current 60″ Sony HDTV is only a couple of years old.
For people just now taking the HDTV plunge or those that are looking to upgrade an existing HDTV, then it might be something worth considering if it does not significantly raise the cost over a comparable non-3DTV set. I just don’t see where most people would go out and upgrade to a 3DTV because they feel it’s a “must have” feature.
If manufacturers start including the 3D feature across the board then I could definitely see it taking a strong foothold in the consumer marketplace. The one thing that will make or break it will be the availability of program material on 3D Blu-Ray. The movie studios will have to step up to the plate if they expect the format to flourish and grow.
I would be curious to see if existing 2D titles will undergo a 3D conversion for re-release. I can see how this would be attractive to the studios as a way to make more money from existing movie libraries. I’m not even sure this is possible but you can bet the studios will exploit the heck out of it if they can do it.