Home 3D growing fast, says DEG

Consumer awareness of 3D-capable TVs has risen to more than 80%, while awareness of Blu-ray 3D players has increased to almost 60%, according to research released today by DEG: The Digital Entertainment Group.

Of the more than five million HDTVs expected to be sold between now and mid-January, 30% will be 3D-capable. And the crossover between consumers intending to buy 3DTVs and Blu-ray 3D players shows that 80% of those customers would purchase a Blu-ray player.

The DEG also cited data from UK-based FutureSource Consulting reporting that 3DTV sales in the U.S. are on track to represent 4.5% of all flat panels sold this year. This strong start is being echoed globally, with year one 3D adoption running at a faster rate than HDTVs in many territories, FutureSource said.

“The stars are aligning for home 3D this holiday season,” said Kris Brown, Vice President, Worldwide High Def Market Expansion, Warner Home Video and Chair, DEG 3D Working Group. “Now almost 40 Blu-ray 3D titles will be available at retail, either individually or in bundles and 3DTVs are selling at a faster pace than HDTVs in their debut period. With Blu-ray 3D players selling even better, it’s clear that retailers are making 3D hardware a doorbuster item for Black Friday.”

The DEG had previously announced that nearly 40 Blu-ray 3D titles hitting retail shelves by the end of the year, including 10 additional titles available on Blu-ray 3D day. These titles are: “A Christmas Carol” (Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment), “The Polar Express” (Warner Home Video), “Clash of the Titans” (Warner Home Video), “IMAX: Space Station” (Warner Home Video), “Open Season” (Sony Pictures Home  Entertainment) “IMAX: Under the Sea” (Warner Home Video), “Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore” (Warner Home Video), “IMAX: Deep Sea” (Warner Home Video), “The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Film in 3D” (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment), and “The Last Airbender” (Paramount Home Entertainment).

This along with a number of 3D broadcast channels and an estimated 25 upcoming 3D video games represents more than 1,000 hours of 3D programming that will be available over the next 12 months.