3D LCD HDTV shipments continue to show healthy growth despite consumer apathy

Many consumers have been less than enthused about 3D TVs, whether because of a lack of viewing options, the additional cost of the sets, or the need to wear glasses while watching 3D content. Nonetheless, the shipments of 3D LCD televisions continue to grow significantly, according to market research firm NPD DisplaySearch.

Just from the second quarter to the third quarter of this year, 3D LCD shipments increased by 27 percent, with manufacturers predicting an additional 30-percent increase from Q3 to Q4. Growth in passive 3D appears to be outstripping growth in active 3D, as passive saw quarter-to-quarter growth of 34 percent, whereas active had an increase of 23 percent. Passive 3D requires cheaper, lighter glasses than its active counterpart, which could be giving it an edge in the marketplace.

DisplaySearch says that TV makers' continued promotion of 3D, along with dropping prices, have given the new technology a boost in living rooms, despite "many questions about the lack of 3D content and services, as well as end-users’ needs." Currently, about 7 percent of LCD shipments are 3D, and that number is expected to climb to nearly 11 percent by the end of 2012.

What are your feelings about 3D TVs? Do you own one? Would you consider buying one if prices were comparable to 2D sets? Let us know in the Talkback section.