Quote:
Originally Posted by
texasrattler 
I think people still don't understand that 3D is way more than a fad. It's a new feature, like it or not. That is what 3D is. Don't like it, don't get that model that has it.
This is simply just a feature that's built into the tv, just like any other feature. In alot of ways it's the same as wifi. Some 2010 models have a feature called wifi that lets you go online to certain sites. You still have to have a wifi adapter for the 2010 models. Now 3D comes along, it's a new feature in tvs like wifi but requires glasses to view 3D content. Similar to how wifi works as you have to use a adapter to get the apps on your tv. Now most of the 2011 models will have built in wifi. 3D will still require glasses but everything is supposed to be better. We'll see on that soon enough. 3D is a feature, it isn't going anywhere, if anything it will evolve into something better. Maybe glasses free 3D or something all new.
The way it's being implemented now I think it's right to think of it as a new "feature" more than as a major shift in video and broadcast display.
If you define a "fad" as something that experiences a surge of popularity and then will simply fade away, then I doubt this "feature" will qualify as a "fad" and simply fade from usage.
I have 2 3DTV's now for the record and am quite happy with them, plasma and LCD. Both TV's are fine 2D displays so nothing at all is lost by adding the 3D except a few dollars on the purchase price.
I find the experience a MAJOR boost to the presentation for both movies and games assuming it's well done. At the same time it's only consuming *maybe* 10% of my total TV usage. Most material is still in 2D and I would not want to bother with glasses for all material anyway, nor to tire my eyes.
To fade away at this point as a feature it would seem that the movie industry would have to stop making 3D movies, which I see no signs of that occuring, esp. when they can produce 2D and 3D together anyway. Sanctum by the way I thought was spectacular at times using 3D.
So with
major movies coming out in 3D for the foreseeable future,
blu-ray 3D (and even some 3D streaming) now translating that feature to home for consumers that have
3D features in their televisions, this looks like a supply chain that will survive at LEAST as a profitable niche for some time.
Add to movies High quality games like Black Ops, Motorstorm and Killzone, a Nintendo 3D handheld, along with even a small amount 3D broadcast offerings should be enough to keep the niche of consumers satisfied.