US consumers purchase $55 million worth of 3D TVs and Blu-ray players, despite the glasses

Engadget: "It's early days yet, but NPD claims that revenue from US sales of 3D TVs and standalone 3D-capable Blu-ray players has exceeded $55 million in the first three months of availability."

[Cartesian3D]

with 3D blu-rays and 3D games like Killzone3 and motorstorm:A we will see huge sales for 3D TVs and BR players..

I will get one in few months..

[DA_SHREDDER]

Yeah, there is no way around it. I just watched the Jimmy Fallon show and watching his reaction while he was playing KZ3 in 3-D just enticed me to get it as soon as I can. I was gonna buy a new car next tax season, I think Im just gonna have to get a new 3-D tv instead.

[Cloudberry]

---------------------------
It seems, it's not that long since I said something like "love it or hate it, 3D is here to stay." in another article.

: )

Congrats to those who already / future owners of 3D TV & PS3.

Enjoy Gran Turismo 5 / Killzone 3 / etc in it's 3D glory.

[BeaArthur]

I'm not going to tell you how to spend your money but if you need a new car wouldn't that be a more logical use of your money?

[NothingToGainButLove]

I'm a gamer and all but I would seriously get a new car ...

[HighTreason]

Umm, screw a car, get Killzown3D. You're either a gamer or you're not.

I had to a rent a tux for my brothers wedding, spent the money on Modern Warfare 2 instead, went to the wedding wearing black jeans.

[NothingToGainButLove]

@HighTreason

WOW!! Mixed up priorities there.

[Blitzed]

I'm sure everytime your name is mentioned, that show of disrespect is brought up. I can't believe you even tell people that, let alone brag about it.

[Raf1k1]

I wouldn't let his reaction to a 3D game affect my decision in buying a 3DTV. It looked to me like he was overacting.

edit: @BeaArthur, it would but nothing stops a gamer from getting the tech he wants for games.

[m-s-8-2]

I want a new car, but I don't NEED one. There is a significant difference. He's probably in a similar situation.

[karl]

the logical thing to do would be to get KILLZONE3 and then get GRAN TURISMO 5!!!

[IdleLeeSiuLung]

You sound like a real stand up guy!

[insomnium]

Why is it important to go to the weddings in top shape? I don't care for weddings. If you ask me they are one of the biggest pile of BS people ever have made up. Some people spend 30k and up in dollars in weddings alone. That is insane!

I've lived with my spouse for about 8 years and we have 2 children together. We are not married and don't even want to be married. The legal issues is the main reason for us to even have a conversation about wedding or getting married to be precise.

When we do get married it will be a simple procedure and there will be no parties. The legal stuff is all that matters.

You see it's all about perspective you have in life. Someone makes a big deal about stuff others won't even think twice about.

@ people saying da shredder should buy a car instead you don't even know he really needs a new car. He never said is current one is busted or something. This is the second thing with guys in particular that I don't get. Cars. What is it about cars?

I need a car that takes me and my family fron point a to point b safe and sound. There's nothing more to cars for me. Some people think about nothing but cars. They buy a new one every 2 years minimum and they tune'em up ALL THE TIME.

I think that with cars it's more or less an age thing or a status thing. Somehow cars are related to being cool and I believe (hope) it's got everything to do about being a 17-23 yo. Is that it? People who don't have kids only care about how cool and attractive they are. Is that it? I've never fully understood the thing about cars even though I am a man.

With the marriage thing it's an issue of different perspectives in life and priorities. I really thnk people shouldn't judge other people about these things up front without knowing what's in the background of every solution.

[Krugsy]

WOW!! Glad you got all that off your chest? Well, I do agree that decisions such as buying a car or (on topic) a 3DTV comes down to the persons background, financial situation, prioritizes etc. We dont know the situation, but in fairness to those who commented, they were commented on the information provided to them. Most of the time thats all you can go by.

On Topic: I dont mind 3DTV taking off, just as long as companies dont go crazy trying to make EVERYTHING 3D, as in games, television, movies etc. As it is, I think there are far too many movies being made into 3D, i'm glad there are sensible directors such as Christopher Nolan releasing movies like Inception, and realizing 3D suits certain movies and not all. Trying to make a movie too 3D can destroy the immersion when watching in 3D.

[Boody-Bandit]

not that he needed to because the one he has is in bad shape.
My wife just got a new car 2 months ago. She wanted one three years ago. There is no sense putting the money out for a new vehicle if the one you have works fine.

If you need a car? Get the car.
If you were just thinking you would like to have a new car? Get what you think you will get more enjoyment out of.

Either way I am good to go.
My wife just purchased a new car and braces.
I could buy 5 top of the line 3D displays and we still wouldn't break even. She didn't even blink when I told her I am getting one.

I would rip those braces off with pliers if she did! <- Probably shouldn't have said that since most will think I'm serious. I noticed people on N4G takes things way too seriously some times but I guess it's hard to gauge someone's humor through text.

[insomnium]

Well Hightreason provided the information that he went to his brother's wedding in black jeans instead of a tux due to limited money. He chose to go with the black jeans and someone said his priorities are mixed up. Really? Based on what? That's why I said that not all people in the world think so highly about getting married.

Dashredder never said his car is busted or anything like that and still people "advice" him to go with the car instead of a 3DTV. Why is that? Again, based on what? Not all of us care for fancy cars.

Is there something you didn't understand properly?

Anyway,,,,"off my chest"? What? Why would you say something like that when I give my take on the situation?

[Blitzed]

WTF are you going on about. Hightreason's reason for wearing black jeans to a formal event like a wedding (his BROTHERS wedding) was not he had 'limited' money as you put it.", nor was it a protest against the institution of marriage. It was because he deemed MW2 was more important to him than showing proper respect for his brother. Your ramblings are way out in left field, try and get aclittle sleep before commenting next time.

[NYC_Gamer]

the public will always back products that have major hollywood support....

[NothingToGainButLove]

Whether you like it or not, a lot of people have their minds blown playing modern day games... and they seriously react in the "what's next? being a part of the game?" fashion.

3D will be big in the coming generations.

[Double Toasted]

Thats a little over 36000 televisions sold...if it were just 3D televisions.

[harrisk954]

Wasn't there just an article posted on N4G yesterday that quoted Microsoft as saying that they were skeptical as to whether consumers wanted 3D... Blu-ray all over again...

[cyborg6971]

This will adopt faster than hd. And if you have a problem with glasses, go back to sd. Whiners.

[Omega4]

"the biggest concern was not having enough glasses on hand for everyone looking at the set"

Yep, you can say goodbye to having friends or family over to watch TV with glasses 3D.

These sales are likely from single people who live alone and can afford it.

@Pennywise
Why would I, the DS seems to be making great games with cartridges and im sure the 3DS will too :)

[Pennywise]

Say hello to new Tech... but we all know how you feel about new tech. You would have no problem with games still being made on cartridges.

[R_aVe_N]

I am married with 2 kids and just had a 3D setup installed not to long ago. We are planning on having a lot of 3D parties for they kids. So your statement has no since like most of what you post here Omega4.

[nycredude]

When I pick up my 3d TV I will get an extra pair just for that other someone to watch. Oh btw I am not single and I don't live alone. I know it's hard to believe but not everyone is broke.

You do know that you can finance these tvs if you have halfway decent credit. Just trying to help you get one so I don't have to read you bitch on N4g all the time. While you are at it pick up a Ps3 and get over this fanboy puberty stage of your life.

[Games4M - Rob]

LOL, awesome post - bubbles for you chief

[Baka-akaB]

we had 10 last night watching "how to tame a dragon" in 3d , and we constantly go out between friend and family , dealing with 3d in theaters ... dear god omega4, do you have any purpose in life other than being a obsessed troll ?
You'd be lickin' all over it if it was proposed by microsoft ... hell you were one of the fools suddenly clamoring that the 360 can do 3d because a ms rep said so ... something we all kenew , yet xbots like yourself didnt speak about , because of how awful avatar's game was .

[Downtown boogey]

I hear that "How to train your dragon" is a better movie though.

[JustTheFactsMr]

"These sales are likely from single people who live alone and can afford it"

Like people with Live except they won't get 3D either.

"Yep, you can say goodbye to having friends or family over to watch TV with glasses 3D. "

Your right it sucks they will only be able to watch the same 2D as 360 users are stuck with all the time.

[cobraagent]

Avatar is a billion dollar movie that showed people what 3D is about. They loved it and they now want to see it again in their living rooms. 3D gaming is going to have a huge impact as well

[MexicanAppleThief]

Wow. God I wish my eyesight was normal and I didn't have to wear glasses. It looks like I can't take part on the 3D revolution. Killzone3 is one of my top 10's most anticipated and I can't experience its 3D awesomeness... :(

[RosoTron36]

D:

[kneon]

I wear small, rimless glasses and they don't interfere with the 3d glasses at all. Maybe you just need new glasses.

[MexicanAppleThief]

I think I should upgrade to contacts instead lol.

[Bhai]

I hope you don't get to have any problems with that man, no one should be handicapped in any way whatsoever when it comes to enjoying a new tech. I too wear glasses and I hope you get to have a new 3D TV as I'm getting mine next year by March when two of my most anticipated "3D-Ready" games will be launching: KZ3 & Mortal Kombat...

Yeah, and I'll double-up the combo with GT5 this winter(hope to unlock all tracks by then to witness each in its 3D glory). Summing up the money right now... new MK in 3D will be a dream come true :)

[bub16]

after all the people saying it will fail. i think it will b like the 1st hd tv. give it a year or 2 and watch it suddenly take off. people dont want new tvs yet, most people i know just got an hd tv but when they upgrade course they will get 3d

[Downtown boogey]

I think soon most HD TV's will be compatible with 3D, so there will be no need to upgrade for the imminent new adopters.

[jneul]

lol now certain fans shall be eating crow, can't wait for the results in the eu was not it ment to be getting released in june so i heard??

[feelintheflow]

is surely making people eat crow. 30k tv's is tiny. The avg house has 2-3 tv's and there are 100 mil or so househoulds in America, so how is that some huge leap into a new tech. I am sure that 3d will have a nice size segment, but to think that Hdtv has been around for 10+ years and we are now just starting to see the 50% number being thrown around, I think we are a long long ways off from this being the norm. By the time it hits a decent percentage I am sure 3d without glassess will be out and everyone will be crying that they still have the "old tech" with glasses.

[Games4M - Rob]

The average house might have 2 - 3 TV's but not 2 - 3 full size 3D capable 42" TV's, surely that dosnt need explaining to you does it shit for brains ?

The average house has 1 BIG main TV and then several smaller TV's for kids etc, so stop being such a bell-end.

[Anon1974]

The tech being shown is not suited for home use. They have 3D without glasses screens they've used for demos but the problem is you have to sit in exactly the right spot for the effect to work. Move too close or stray too much to one side or another and the effect is ruined which is why this tech is being used more for computer monitors and medical screens.

The TV's that do use this tech cost approx $20,000 and need to have footage shot special for them, again something that isn't going to happen with the industry already throwing their support stereoscopic 3D.

If they even try this in North America it'll be like LaserDisk. Super expensive with no support. 3D without glasses might eventually happen, but if you wait for it you'll probably miss out on a decade of 3D entertainment.

Personally, I have no problem putting on glasses to watch incredible 3D in the theaters, why would I have an issue putting them on at home?

The only thing holding me back at the moment is I use a home theater projector. I'll hold off on 3D until they make a 3D projector that I can use to replace mine. They've had 3D projectors for the past year but they don't work with the new standard that Sony and Panasonic are using.

[feelintheflow]

30k tv's is generous. The money number includes blu ray players and glasses, so its probably like 20k tv's. Oooooohhhh such a big bad number. I am sure 3d tv's will be in everyones house real soon. Get off of it. The majority of the young tools on this site don't have the money and their parents won't be buying them any 3d tv's anytime soon. So the less than 1% of the population that has 3d tv's good for them. For the rest its just more fanboy noise.

[OSU_Gamer]

glad to see it is catching on, I still will not buy it if I have to wear glasses.

[rekof]

bro,.. I think we will have to ,.. for a decade or so,.. Because tv would have to ,.. be like Plastation move,. And track both your eyes in real time, with cameras.. and everyone in the family ,.... 3ds can do that,.. but,..your eyes must be fixed,..

I dont know if that helps you,.. It sucks,..
And for these with glasses,.. You will have to wear 3d glasses on top,..or have some kind of specialized glasses designed 4 you,..

[Downtown boogey]

True.

[dcbronco]

This is what you call the early adopters. This happens with any new technology. It happened with VHS. DVD. Blu-ray. Mini-disc. The is a niche group of audio-videophiles that buys every new technology. They still probably have a Laser-disc machine. How well did that work out. It means nothing. The story even mentions what a small percentage of the market that 55 million represents.

[mcgrawgamer]

agreed these same people probably still have betamax laying around somewhere. as someone who wears glasses I'm not sold on 3D just yet. Now if the tech is adopted and sony or someone comes up with a 3DS type tech for tv then I'll adopt 3D wholeheartedly for a decent price that is.

[DA_SHREDDER]

Where you been mcrawgamer? They have been showing tv's doing 3-d without glasses since GDC 2009. This is not new tech. Its just that there really hasn't been much software or movies to really take advantage of it until recently.

Oh and btw, I already have a car, I just wanted to get another one. Im just gonna wait until I can get a 3-D tv that is 600 hrz. I have never seen one before. The best thing about this tech is that its not expensive to incorporate into games and movies, it also doesn't take long to incorporate either. Shit is gonna hit the fan once 3-D tv's start going for around 8 or 9 hundred bucks. Again, im probably gonna wait till the 600 hrz ones come out. Yes I am a techie, so eat a dick.

[mcgrawgamer]

hmmm the wife and I just picked out a house and are moving soon. I'm in the market for a new TV how much are those 3D tv's without glasses going for???

[nycredude]

Sure these are early adopters, just like with the other techs you mentioned. But your logic kind of falls flat, since after the early adopters, VHS, DVD, and Bluray all took off to be very successful, and so will 3D. It won't fail with this much support from the industry and soon to be 40,000,000 Ps3.

[dcbronco]

Didn't Nintendo just demonstrate a 3D product that doesn't need glasses. I haven't heard one person say it doesn't work. In fact they say it does. The only problem with it is angle of view. But that was a problem for LCD in the beginning and it will change for Nintendo's 3D too. Sony is too late to the game. 3D with glasses is so 1970's.

[rekof]

I think we will have wear glasses, for a decade or so,.. Because tv would have to ,.. be like Plastation move,. And track both your eyes in real time, with cameras.. and everyone in the family ,.... 3ds can do that,.. but,..your eyes must be fixed,..

I dont know if that helps you,.. It sucks,..
And for these with glasses,.. You will have to wear 3d glasses on top,..or have some kind of specialized glasses designed 4 you,..

[Games4M - Rob]

The nintendo 3D isnt the same as true stereoscopic 3D - its just a trick that adds depth to an image which will work fine on a small screen but wouldnt be very good on anything bigger.

[0oAngeluso0]

If you consider Modern Warfare 2 made more money then that, also it was cheaper. So this is a very small amount of people. There were no actual numbers, but I read less then 1% actually own a 3-D capable television.
I would expect the techies to purchase it, the ones that "Must have" the new thing. However in this economy and 3-D's history as a fad, I suspect it'll be a while before they see any actual market saturation.
To put this number in perspective a bit more, Microsoft pulls in more then 55 million a month simply on XBL revenue.So 55 million over 3 months on really, REALLY expensive electronics in my opinion isn't great at all.

[jneul]

comparing it to XBL revenue is not very fair come on get real this is expensive brand new tech we are talking about, and it so go figure

[NYC_Gamer]

yes compare new tech that cost 3k and up to some XBL revenue....

[Fishy Fingers]

I was on the fence about 3D, not sure if it would work in a home situation or whether I really needed to fork out for a new TV, that was until the dude next door bought one, now I'm completely sold, within a few months I hope to pick a new one up. I think once a lot of people see it in action, their opinions may change, along with their bank balance.

[B_Rian89]

have they released the May NPD yet?

[tiamat5]

Hey Mircosoft did you hear that? What's that? Nothing to say? Didn't you say that both Bluray and the PS3 would fail and here we are again? And now you cronies are saying the Move will fail while it gets more praises from people on the net then your Kinect? Do you people really know what you are talking about or what you are doing or do you just purposely diss Sony's good ideas to help line your pockets while you make inferior hardware to sell to ignorant people?

[dcbronco]

They understand the early adopter niche and like Nintendo are working on 3D technology that doesn't need glasses. They have patents and Nintendo has the 3Ds already. You will never convince me that people would rather have a tech that needs over $400 of extra equipment for a family of four. On top of that it causes headaches for a good segment of the population.

[asyouburn]

good luck gathering a family of four to watch movies on that thing. not saying its bad, but just really small, and with the technology, you have to look at it straight on to see the effect, so only one person can enjoy it at a time. ithink 3d is one of those things meant to be enjoyed by multiple people, kinda like "hey! did you just see that!" with 3ds, everyonoe else is like, "no. . . "

[dcbronco]

Do you really believe I was talking about a 3.2 in screen. Or is that you don't believe it's possible to apply the technology to a larger LCD.
Here's a article about 3D technology. Make sure you take note of the part that says 56% of 18 to 38 year olds can't even see 3D no matter what the technology.

http://www.engadget.com/200...

Also check this article.

http://www.gadgetvenue.com/...

I would say Sony's technology could easily die in it's crib. But it's such an old technology that it's middle-aged now. The small numbers that this article is talking about is not huge. And the market won't grow fast enough to beat competing technology's from overtaking it. It's just like Blu-ray. People went on and on about streaming 1080p wasn't possible. Several companies showed it was and now Verizon does this. And since it can work on existing infrastructure, this could be put into service very soon.

http://arstechnica.com/tele...

Technology moves to fast now to say anything is going to dominate.

[zoks310]

I should also point out that the survey states that wearing glasses is not an issue.

[Darkfiber]

So 12 people in the states were dumb enough to buy 3D tvs? Big whoop.

[Baka-akaB]

it is definitively a big whoop when trolls smell the cheese and run amok ..

[MariaHelFutura]

I`ll be getting one eventually, hopefully before Febuary.

[Smootherkuzz]

In this bad state of jobs in the US I am very surprised at the amount of sales in this area and will it continue or will it fade? You know there is not a whole lot of games or movies that support 3D, will people get board watching and playing the same thing trying to make sense of the amount of cash that was spent for hardly any media. I'll wait for a tv where you do not have to wear glasses, that is just around the corner and will be a worth while purchase.I can see maybe a small size tv for personal viewing but we all no that larger the screen the better the enjoyment for all that is watching. Hey share some of that cash with me or give me a job.

[tiamat5]

Why does everyone repeat everything everyone says without thinking. Who in their right mind would stare at a tiny 3DS screen for hours watching movies? You think 3D gives you a headache, I heard you have to stare directly at screen to see the 3D effect and you get an even bigger headache. And you don't even know how good the quality will be. So stop repeating what Nintendo said and wait for system to come out before you judge 3DTVs.

[asyouburn]

everyone else can watch tiny movies on a tiny screen while im at home getting face-f@cked by crysis 2 ands KZ2

[N4OGs]

I cant wait to play move and 3d combo. Gameing is my only hobby and the only things I spend money on as far as entertainment is blueray movies and games. All other entertainment I get is free.

Im a real gamer and not some nuubish kid who goes and buys every apple product and clothes for 120 bucks and such to look cool. I dont even pay for beer lol. I go to the partys where its free because I dont even like drinking that much.

I cant wait to also play that new gibli studios game from japan that was just announced for ps3. Its gonna have 3d and probably move support. I support gameing and my hobbies.

Theres nothing like comeing home to the best technology and just chilling out after a hard days work or partying etc. I spend my money on makeing my castle fit for a king. I dont give a crap about looking cool outside my house buying gucci bull crap.

[crazyclown]

im getting 2 of them which MUST BE SONY 3D BRAVIA's

[Henry Cain]

But they said 3D was just a gimmick. Just like Blu-Ray. What's going on here?

[JonnyBigBoss]

I like the glasses. Shoot me!

[n4gno]

"bububu nobody wants bluray bubububu nobody wants ps3 bububu nobody wants 3D,
move, etc etc"

[Tony-A]

That's a hell of a lot more than I ever imagined for this year and we still have 6 months to go....

Luckily for the ones pushing 3DTVs, the whole world didn't jump into HDTVs even with 5 years of commercial availability. I think people needed a reason to actually buy a bigger, newer TV other than "HD".

Face it, haters. A majority of people who have seen or heard about "HDTVs" believed that everything you watch on that screen is HD, and therefore they think HD looks just like SD and is not worth buying. How many of you have seen great-looking HDTV with AV cables hooked up all over the place? I know I've seen that in every single house I've gone to that has an HDTV. People don't realize that it takes more than just buying the HDTV to get HD.

With 3DTVs, people will know the difference because it's a new perspective, not just a crisper image.