Consumers are interested in receiving stereoscopic 3D in the home, according to a recent In-Stat survey. However, they do not want to spend considerable amount of money on equipment that support this innovation, which, in turn, reduces interest of consumer electronics companies in popularization of home stereo 3D technologies.

About 25% of those who are at least somewhat interested in having the ability to view 3D content at home are unwilling to spend extra on a 3D TV. Another 43% want to spend on extra $200 or less on the new TV (vs. non-3D HDTV set). The situation is similar with Blu-ray players: 31% of respondents who were at least somewhat interested did not want to spend more for a 3D Blu-ray player. Another 33% want to spend less than $50 for a 3D Blu-ray player over a 2D player. In-Stat expects the price differential for 3D products will be higher than the aforementioned amounts at product introduction, so fewer consumers are likely to buy 3D equipment until prices decline.

Those who have seen three or more 3D movies in the theater are more interested than the general respondents as are those who own Blu-ray players. Unsurprising that respondents in those groups would be more interested as these traits indicate serious movie fans. However, general users represent the lion’s share of the market and that is where the money are for consumer electronics companies.

Heartening for the movie studios, 67% of respondents at least somewhat interested in 3D at home are willing to pay more for a 3D version of a Blu-ray disc over the 2D version. Most of them want to pay less than $5, but studios are happy that they are at least willing to pay extra since, at the end, Blu-ray movies are already more expensive than DVDs.

Despite of rather tepid welcome for stereo 3D by consumers, In-Stat is sure that with more equipment and content coming available and consumer interest in place, 2010 will be a good year for 3D.

Tags: Stereo 3D