In-Stat: 3D TV market to grow 500% this year

3D imaging, which adds depth to a 2D image, is receiving a lot of buzz and hype with an increasing number of 3D films being produced in a resurgence of interest from Hollywood studios. 3D has been popular in Hollywood at other times in the previous century, but the difference is that now, 3D viewing is possible at home. As a result, the 3D TV set market is poised to grow dramatically in 2011—by almost 500 percent, according to In-Stat.

"Over the next few years, a greater percentage of large-screen TV sets will ship with the 3D feature," says Michelle Abraham, research director of In-Stat. "We expect 100 percent of all 40-inch and above DTV sets will eventually be 3D enabled. This will not only cause shipments of 3D TV sets to increase, but will also grow the number of households worldwide with 3D TV sets. 3D content providers need not worry that consumers will be unable to view their content."

The In-Stat research entitled, "3D Enabled TV Sets on the Rise Worldwide," shows that in 2011 Europe will boast the most 3D TV unit shipments at just over 7 million units. In 2015, it tells that the households with 3D TV sets will eclipse 300 million. Also, by 2015 Asia-Pacific will have the largest share of 3D TV unit shipments at 32 percent.

The research also provides an introduction to 3D锟絫echnology as well as a worldwide five-year 3D TV set unit shipment forecast by region and a forecast for the number of households in each region that will have a 3D TV set.