3D TV Sales Continue to Increase
Posted on: 07/17/2012 07:49 PM

GIA has released a comprehensive global report on 3D TV markets. The global market for 3D TVs is projected to exceed 200 million units by 2018, primarily driven by increased consumer interest, falling prices of 3D TVs, and the introduction of 3D standards. GIA has released a comprehensive global report on 3D TV markets. The global market for 3D TVs is projected to exceed 200 million units by 2018, primarily driven by increased consumer interest, falling prices of 3D TVs, and the introduction of 3D standards. Other growth drivers include soaring demand for digital media entertainment, growing penetration of high-bandwidth broadband services among households, and rapid increase of Internet enabled devices such as smart TVs, smartphones, and tablets.

The TV industry witnessed several revolutionary changes since the dawn of our new millennium, with ‘digitalization’ being the most prominent. The government mandates ordering termination of all analog TV broadcasts have helped drive increased adoption of digital television and new 3D TVs. Even though its still a niche market, 3D TVs have evolved into one of the fastest growing television formats. Similar to smartphones, 3D TV technology is generating more and more consumer interest. Major TV manufacturers including Samsung, LG, Sony, and Panasonic entered the 3D format in 2010 and launched several 3D TV models, and all of them continue to grow their product lines. The transition to 3D technology in the television sector is fast gaining popularity too, as compared to previous transitions from LCD to LED. Since the process of creating and delivering 3D content is complex, 3D standards are required for ensuring interoperability, promoting innovation, and optimizing product planning. Standardization is expected to play a key role in increasing the adoption of 3D TVs in the consumer sector. We saw CEA release some 3D standards just a few days ago.

In the past, LCD TV panel manufacturers introduced advanced features in 3D technology such as direct-lit LED backlights and ultra-slim form factors. Such enhancements in TV panels are expected to stimulate replacement demand, satisfying consumer preferences and creating a niche market segment. Apart from offering varying screen sizes starting from 32”, 3D technology is expected to decrease the total cost of ownership, along with offering more user friendly glasses. By 2015, passive 3D sets are projected to exceed active 3D shipments, and we should see some glasses-free consumer displays available, too. Don't forget how manufactures tend to drop their prices on TV's. Manufacturers are already reducing prices, which is also forecast to fuel demand for 3D TVs among buyers.



Increasing bandwidth speeds also help 3D TV sales, and thanks to successful rollouts of (Verizon's) fiber-based high-capacity broadband connections, the 3D TV market will get an additional boost. High bandwidth network enables seamless transmission of high quality live television content over the Internet. As stated by the new market research report on 3D TVs, the US represents the largest regional market for 3D TV in terms of shipment volumes. Asia-Pacific, on the other hand, is the fastest growing regional market for 3D TVs with shipment volume from the region waxing at a CAGR of about 122% over the analysis period. Growing consumer affluence, increasing penetration of internet enabled devices such as smartphones, connected TV sets, and Tablet PCs, fast improving broadband penetration levels and soaring demand for high-quality premium TV content are primary factors driving 3D TVs adoption in the region. Technology-wise, Passive Film Patterned Retarder possess a competitive edge over Active Shutter Glasses in terms of price competitiveness, ease-of-use, lower cost of production, low image flickering, and lighter glasses.

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