Report Forecasts Gains in 3D Service Rollouts

LONDON: By the end of this year, more than 50 broadcasters and pay-TV operators will be offering 3D television services to the home, according to a report from IMS Research.

“Although right now there are only a few select operators and networks that have the resources to create and deliver a compelling 3D offering, most leading service providers and broadcasters around the world are considering how to enhance their premium offerings by incorporating 3D," said Anna Hunt, author of the report and principal analyst at IMS Research. Indeed, 75 percent of companies surveyed by IMS for its 3D Video & Gaming in the Home report plan to test or offer 3D within the next 18 months (20 percent of those have already launched 3D in some capacity.)

“Increased adoption of 3D TV sets into homes will further propel investment in 3D content production," Hunt continued. "Currently, low penetration of 3D-capable displays in consumers’ homes is a leading concern of surveyed service providers, followed by lack of standardized 3D formats.”

By the end of 2014, 9 percent of worldwide TV households will have a 3D TV set. U.S. penetration is expected to be much higher, at 40 percent.