Some expected stereo-3D TV popularity to grow quickly despite of all direct (technology complexities) and indirect (global economic crisis) obstacles on its way and naturally none of the over-optimistic expectations materialized. While the stereo-3D  (S3D) technology for home is reality today, its popularity will grow rather slowly. A recent research shows a hundred of S3D TV channels in the world in 2015.

So far stereo-3D channels have been launched in North America, Europe, and Asia in 2010 and more will come in 2011. In addition to linear TV channels, S3D content is being made widely available on pay-TV providers video-on-demand (VOD) systems.  Those, who are experimenting with 3D VOD now are expected to make linear 3D channels available as well. The result is an anticipated increase in the number of 3D TV channels to over 100 by 2015, says In-Stat market research firm.

“Pay-TV providers around the globe who have HD systems in place have jumped on the 3D content being made available to them at a faster rate than many had expected. Many took advantage of the World Cup 3D coverage to test transmission of 3D over their networks, and some of them have now launched transmission of regular 3D TV channels.  The competitive nature of pay-TV ensures that once one pay-TV distributor in a country is offering 3D, the others need to be fast followers unless they want to lose their top-tier customers," claimed Michelle Abraham, a principal analyst at In-Stat.

The research firm believes that sports, movie, documentary and music channels are most likely to move to 3D first. In particular, S3D live event coverage will grow in 2011, but challenges will naturally remain. As the costs to reproduce in 3D decline over time, the 3D content production will grow more quickly.

According to In-Stat, the largest number of 3D channels are currently available in Europe, where the large number of pay-TV providers play a role.

Tags: Stereo 3D, HDTV