MARCH 2010 - Editorial Comment

 

Chasing after 3D technology

 

The recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas produced the usual, dazzling array of displays and demonstrations, showcasing everything from ultra-high end stereo systems to affordable media server solutions.

 

But easily enjoying the highest profile, and the most extensive coverage (especially in the non-specialist media) was the arrival of three-dimensional television. And if the reports were to be believed, we will all be watching ‘Isidingo’ and ‘Survivor’ in 3D soon.

 

The hype and hysteria surrounding 3D has gained impetus of late, boosted by the advent of 3D movies such as ‘Avatar’ and ‘Up’. But in reality, viable 3D television is still some way off - despite the resolve of both hardware manufacturers and broadcasters to introduce 3D into the home viewing environment.

 

Currently, most of the big brands in the home entertainment arena are working on, or have already demonstrated, 3D-capable LCD and LED panels. However, most of these require the use of special glasses. And there is no conformity as far as 3D formats are concerned, which creates the danger of a format war.

 

While it is true that several bodies, including the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMTPE), and the Consumer Electronics Association, are engaged in studies to determine an industry-wide 3D standard, this has not yet materialised.

 

In the mean time, hardware makers, eager to attract consumers to the benefits of 3D technology, continue to develop and show 3D-ready panels.

 

It all points to another format war, with the usual associated negatives of consumer confusion and uncertainty, high development costs, and inevitable delays in bringing a fully developed version of the technology to market.

 

In the South African context, the development of 3D television should be considered against the backdrop of a market only starting to emerge from the CRT era.

 

The advent of high-definition broadcasts, and the move to digital terrestrial broadcast infrastructure, is encouraging a growing number of consumers to swap out their old TVs for new LCD and plasma panels, most of which offer at least 720p capability.

 

As a result, LCD TVs have become significantly more affordable in the past 12 months, a trend that is expected to continue. At the same time, the quality of especially top-end displays has improved dramatically.

 

This upper bracket is expected to be the spawning ground for 3D-capable or 3D-ready LCD televisions. Minimum refresh rates of 120 Hz and latest-generation HDMI 1.4 conformity are already being mentioned for 3D applications. But there is still no clear directive on specific, universally compatible standards.

 

For now, 3D remains an elusive technology that shows great promise, but could all too easily muddy the waters for consumers eager to upgrade from old-technology CRTs to new LCDs.

 

Right now, 3D seems to remain a high-end option, at least in the short term, while HD TV is a more pertinent development that while not mutually exclusive to 3D, has far greater relevance - at least until 3D’s technical standards have been finalised.

 

Deon Schoeman