Panasonic and Samsung start the in-home 3D experience

by Stevie Smith - Mar 10 2010, 04:17

So you think 3D is a gimmick that will never catch on, Avatar’s success was built on the weak foundations of novelty value, and this new technology won’t sway the high street? Well, we’re about to find out if that’s true.

Moreover, consumer electronics giant Panasonic will today unleash a whopping 50-inch 3D television upon the masses, which will retail through leading American chain store Best Buy for around $2,500 USD.

And Panasonic, clearly not sharing your scepticism regarding 3D’s chances, expects to shift 500,000 3D-equipped TV units in the United States alone within the technology’s first year at market.

According to Reuters, Panasonic’s 3D televisions will be part of special Best Buy promotional displays where customers will be encouraged to step up and experience in-home 3D for themselves.

Panasonic is not alone in its push to drive the appeal of 3D televisions, with fellow industry heavyweight Samsung also set to unveil its first 3D sets this week; one of which will cost around $3,000 USD and comes complete with two pairs of 3D glasses and also a 3D-ready Blu-ray player.

In terms of assessing 3D as a flash-in-the-pan attraction that won’t enjoy long-term traction, Tim Burton’s 3D re-imagining of Alice in Wonderland recently took $116 million USD at the box office during its opening weekend, which outperforms the opening weekend posted by James Cameron's Oscar-winning Avatar.

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