Brand New Buzz

First seen in the 1920s (yes, that long ago), and now seeing a huge uptick in “trendiness”, 3-D technology seems almost as sought after as the next Web 3.0 technology. Movies and Cinemas alike are welcoming the surge in 3-D sales, given that it provides such a comfortable boost to their profit margins. Now the film industry isn’t the only one who can play this game; TV providers, video game, and mobile phone manufacturers are all looking to incorporate this newest advance in technology.

But as 3-D aims to get inside every family room, game room, and cell phone in America, one has to wonder: “Before I shell out a premium for this new technology, is going 3-D even worth it?” 

The Pros. 

Fun.

3-D may not be for everyone, but for anyone who enjoys watching any kind of screen, it’s hard to argue against the screen doing more for the audience. Viewers spend their whole lives ‘going to the movies’ or ‘watching’ TV, and now the movies and TVs are finally reciprocating. 3-D technology makes it possible for a 3rd person viewer to become a first-person PARTICIPANT in the event. On top of everything else going on, the viewer is engaged, and that is exciting.

Cutting Edge of Technology.

Whether it’s a car, a house, or a pair of shoes, some people just love to display their status, and owning the newest, most leading edge technology does just that: It conveys status….in 3 dimensional bliss.

Technological Advancement Means Technologically Better.

Just as Toto from The Wizard of Oz went from black-and-white to the color black, there’s no denying the obvious quality improvement of analog TV to digital, High Definition TV. And 3-D is the next logical extension of HD. If seeing each blade of grass during a football game improved the experience, imagine watching the star running back dive through the living room for the first down.

The Cons.

Health Concerns.

3-D technology derives from stereoscopy, a method of showing 2 distinct images to the left and right eyes, thus creating the illusion of depth. Some people however, about 1 million in the United States, have stereo blindness. Their eyes cannot combine the 2 separate images and so 3-D viewing is impossible for them. Add to those others who suffer from epilepsy, vertigo and a host of other problems and one can see how health concerns might nullify the benefits of going 3-D.

Cost.

Companies are still introducing 3-D technology to the marketplace, and at the same time trying to figure out the most cost effective ways of delivering 3-D content. Until they do, however, prices for 3-D ready devices will likely remain high. That premium price alone may induce some to hold off until the technology becomes more widely integrated.

Availability.

Currently there is a limited amount of 3-D content available, and that alone could be enough to push off the purchase date for a 3-D capable device. But as more and more studios, game developers, and manufacturers embrace it, this won’t be an issue for long.

3-D technology is on the rise, but its staying power is yet to be seen. The cost and the limited availability may be holding it back for now, but the day when it is readily and easily available is not far off. Can movie-goers, sports fans, and gamers pass altogether on seeing their favorite content up close and in their face? Time will tell.

What do you think about the latest 3D technology and the future trends?

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