More than 40 films will be released theatrically in 3D in 2013 and the growth rate of 3DTV will increase next year, according to forecasts in the International 3D Society and 3D@Home’s forecast and trends summary.
Eight of the top 10 box-office movies of all time were either released or re-released in 3D, and an estimated 35,000-plus 3D screens are in place worldwide, according to President Jim Chabin.
As for 3DTV, the Society forecasts a cumulative total of over 60 million 3DTVs in the US by 2016, based on projections by the Consumer Electronics Association of 2012 US unit sales of 5.5 million 3DTV’s, more than double 2011 sales of 2.7 million units. The CEA data also predicts 8.7 million 3DTV’s will be sold in 2013 in the U.S. NPD Group forecasts more than 200 million units in the worldwide marketplace by 2019.
The Society believes that new technology and formats such as UltraTV, formerly called 4K HDTV, and “Smart” TVs are both technologies that will enhance the 3D experience.
“With 40 networks now programming 3D content worldwide, and 10 planned in China alone, we are actively producing more and more 3D programming for the viewer,” Chabin said, noting that 3D video-on-demand and 3D cable services are available from Comcast, Time Warner, DirecTV, Verizon Fios, Bright House, CableVision, Google Fiber, and others. Advertisers have created 3D commercials for General Motors (GM), AT&T, BMW, Coca-Cola, Sony, Mars, Best Buy, motion picture studios, and others.
In addition, more than 200 3D Blu-Ray disc titles are now available in 3D. More than 5 million Nintendo 3DS game devices have been sold in the US alone, as of July 2012. YouTube3D now offers more than 20,000 3D videos.
3D is also finding its way into other mediums.
In schools, 3D educational materials and classroom projectors are providing students with a better understanding of subjects, including: math, biology, chemistry and geography, according to Chabin. Students show better retention of learning materials and better test scores as a result. According to the American Optometric Association, 3D can be a valuable tool in diagnosing and correcting Amblyopia (lazy eye) and other optometric issues.
On the heels of the success of King Kong 3D,” Universal Studios Hollywood added another major 3D ride attraction this summer, ‘Transformers 3D.
“From medicine, to the military, to education, to entertainment, 3D is an established and growing new medium,” said Ray Zone, Society Historian and author of ‘3D Revolution.’
The Society’s report focuses on key segments of the worldwide 3D industry, including: new theater creation, releases and infrastructure; 3DTV adoption, programming, packaged media, and advertising; 3D in education, on mobile devices and the plethora of professional applications.
— By Scott Hettrick