With the first round of stereo 3D-capable TVs now reaching retail floors and plans for the top TV manufacturers to bring more products to market soon, market tracking firm DisplaySearch has increased its 2010 forecast for stereo-3D-capable TV shipments to 2.5 million units (from 1.2 million). Besides, DisplaySearch forecasts 27 million stereo-3D HDTV-sets to be shipped in 2013.

The video processing and extra display performance required for stereoscopic 3D remain relatively costly compared to entry-level models. As a result, stereo-3D is constrained by the penetration of double or quadruple frame rate sets in the market. While 3D is forecast to show rapid growth, DisplaySearch research indicates that only 27% of 40” or larger sets shipped in 2013 will be 3D-capable. Furthermore, Blu-ray disc and HD broadcast have low penetration in Western Europe, and as a result there remains a content gap that needs to be filled before 3D can flourish.

“In 2009, we saw the first 3D-capable TVs, with the market greatly accelerating at CES 2010. Now we are seeing the hype turning into real products. The key issue will be how consumers react to the initial product launch, and what the industry will learn from the feedback of early adopters. Complications in the TV supply chain – especially 3D content shortages – remain the biggest hurdles to overcome,” said Paul Gray, director of TV electronics research at DisplaySearch.

The 3D-capable TV market will be dominated in its early years by developed regions, with North American shipments accounting for more than half of shipments in 2010.

“3D makes the most sense with the largest screen sizes, combined with a more developed Blu-ray disc market and 3D broadcast services. For this reason, we expect North America to be the most favorable region for initial 3D development,” added Mr. Gray.

 It is interesting to note that although there are large LCD televisions nowadays, more expensive plasma display panels are projected to lead the stereo 3D-capable HDTV penetration.

Tags: Stereo 3D, HDTV