3D is ‘not just a gimmick’

Consumer electronics expert Stu Lipoff has defended the performance of the 3D market against accusations that it has not met expectations.

Lipoff, who is also a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers in the US, told PCR that falling prices and the increasing prevalence of 2D to 3D conversion software are likely to keep the sector on course for an emerging technology.

“I wouldn’t be surprised to see sales reach the one million unit shipments mark over the course of the Christmas period,” he said. “The Japanese manufacturers are planning to hit the three to four million shipment mark by the end of March next year, and I don’t think that’s unrealistic.

“It ultimately comes down to whether the consumer finds the experience compelling, and if they do, the price will eventually get to the point where it drives volume. When people come out of 3D movies, they’re blown away; 3D is not just a gimmick, it adds value to the content.”

Fancy taking part in PCR’s Channel Survey? To have your say about the issues affecting retailers and resellers, click here.