20% of Viewers Might Have Trouble Watching 3D TV

As much as 20 percent of the viewing public might face difficulties watching three-dimensional television.

There's about eight percent to 10 percent of the population that can't see the 3D effect due to a lazy eye muscle; if the person is color blind, says Bob Seidel, CBS Advanced Technology and Engineering VP.

'There is another percentage that can develop motion sickness or other motion-related issues, and then there are some that develop headaches. What percentage still requires further research, but it could be as high as 20 percent," says Seidel.

Unfortunately, I am among the percentage that will never buy a 3D set for precisely that reason.: it causes motion sickness when I watch.

Study: 20% of Viewers Might Have Trouble Watching 3D on Television - The Hollywood Reporter

How Big a Market for 3D TV?

There's always a chicken-and-egg problem when new video devices, supporting new video formats, are introduced.

Devices are useful when there is lots of content available, but lots of content isn't made available until there is a large installed base of terminals.

That isn't going to be any different with 3D television. DisplaySearch thinks those problems will be overcome over time, and they have been in the past for new content formats.

The firm forecasts that 3.2 million 3D TVs will be shipped in 2010, with growth to over 90 million in 2014. Based on this forecast, 3D will grow from two percent of all flat panel TVs shipped in 2010, to 41 percent in 2014.

Some of us wouldn't be surprised if those forecasts fell short, though. The 3D experience imposes new conditions on television viewing, which is among the easiest of all consumer content experiences. There is value, at least for some viewers. The issue is how much new value, compared to the higher cost.

If I had to guess, right now, I'd say the adoption forecast is too steep. 

3D TV Not Growing as Fast as TV Makers Expected in 2010, but Will Become Mainstream by 2014, with 90 Million Shipments - DisplaySearch