Even though stereoscopic 3D screens are expected to become popular in general sometimes in 2018, such screens are not projected to grow to be widely accepted on the market of personal computers, according to a forecast by DisplaySearch market research company. Apparently, consumer electronics will be the main consumer of stereo 3D displays.

DisplaySearch forecasts that the total stereoscopic 3D display market will grow from 0.7 million units and $902 million in revenues in 2008 to 196 million units and $22 billion in revenues in 2018, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 38% for revenues and 75% for units. But while the number 196 million seems rather formidable, it does not mean that all screens around will be stereo 3D capable.

DisplaySearch forecasts the following:

• 3D-ready TVs will grow from 0.2 million units in 2009 to 64 million units in 2018. 3D-ready TV will be the largest application in terms of revenue in 2018 with $17 billion.
• Mobile phones will be the largest 3D display application on a unit shipment basis in 2018, with 71 million units with 3D capability.
• 3D-ready PC monitors will grow from 40 thousand units (0.02% penetration) in 2009 to 10 million (3.6% penetration) in 2018.
• 3D notebook PCs are forecast to grow from 66 thousand units (0.04% penetration) in 2009 to 17.7 million (3.2% penetration) in 2018.

As it can be observed, even in 2018 there will be only 27.7 million PC monitors with 3D capability installed, which will represent about 6% penetration.

According to the market research company, the largest screen size category for 3D display shipments will be 1”- 4.x”, due to demand from mobile phone and digital camera/camcorder applications. The second largest size range will be 40” – 49”, due to TV, public display and 40”+ monitor applications.

LCD will be the primary display technology used for 3D displays, as a result of its wide range of display applications ranging from small mobile phones to large public displays and TVs. Various eyewear will be necessary for most 3D applications for many years to come, due to the limitations of auto-stereoscopic (no glasses) technologies.

DisplaySearch forecasts there will be more than 7000 new 3D cinema screens installed in 2010 and an additional 9000 in 2011.

Tags: Stereo 3D