Understandably, viewers who’ve already bought 3D TVs have been taking to forums and social media to express concerns over the long-term value of their investment.
The good news is that 3D’s future is a lot more positive than some headlines have suggested.
While ESPN and the BBC are exiting the market, pay-TV giant Sky has made a clear commitment to the format, which it says gives customers better value from their existing subscriptions.
In a recent blog, Sky’s 3D boss John Cassy, said: “3D has been a great way of helping our customers get move value from their Sky subscription by providing a unique, immersive 3D experience at home for no additional cost.
“This is because – unlike some other providers of 3D programming in the UK or US – we are a platform operator as well as a content producer. This means that a significant proportion of the value of providing great TV in 3D lies in how it helps attract new customers to join Sky, and in how it provides another reason for existing customers to stay with Sky.
“Secondly, according to our research, Sky 3D viewers are among our most satisfied customers, with sports, movies and natural history their favourite genres. That’s why those areas – big event TV – are our focus moving forward.”
Sky’s not the only company to keep the 3D faith, rival Virgin Media has announced plans to double the amount of content it offers to subscribers to 50 hours worth of films and TV shows.
Announcing the increase, Kevin O’Neil, head of TV product management at Virgin Media said: “3D offers a unique and often breathtaking experience and our customers are making the most of Virgin Media’s 3D On Demand line-up to sit down and try it for themselves.
“We offer our customers a wide choice of content and 3D at no extra cost is proving to be a valuable addition for many of our TV fans.”
And of course, those with a 3D Blu-ray player can look forward to plenty of new content coming from Hollywood – the next few weeks see the cinema releases The Wolverine and The Lone Ranger, both likely to be on 3D Blu-ray by Christmas.
So while the format has had a few knock-backs, there are still plenty of reasons to buy a 3D TV.
