What happened to 3D?

In all there will be six ranges in the new Panasonic line-up, and yet only the ’780 series is 3D enabled. Just a few years ago it was inconceivable that any company would bring a TV to market without 3D on-board. Today the Panasonic ’780 series is the exception to the rule, as most companies today do not offer a 3D model at all.

There are a number of reasons being floated as to why this technology so spectacularly failed:

• lack of content, and the questionable appeal of many of the movies released in 3D;

• uncomfortable and annoying glasses, without any consistency in technology between brands, or even models within a brand;

• Blu-ray discs being the primary source of 3D when consumers were moving to streaming services;

• many consumers being reluctant to also upgrade their existing disc players, AV receivers etc. as well as their TVs to access the technology;

• 3D was not written into the new UHD Blu-ray spec;

• consumers were simply underwhelmed by the experience.

The industry is now closely watching the fate of curved screens!!