Are you ready to jump head-first into the world of 3-D entertainment? Apparently we all better get our goofy glasses ready. The next big product to be launched by Sony Corp. in June of this year (and by others soon to follow, I'm sure) is the 3-D television. It seems there is an industry-wide push for consumers to embrace this newer form of entertainment for their living rooms instead of just the movie theater. Sony will offer its 3-D model in four sizes this summer ranging in prices from $3,200 for a 40-inch to $6,400 for the 60-inch screen. Two pairs of 3-D glasses will be included as well as a camera sensor to adjust sound and picture quality based on the viewers' position.
In addition to reading about the next big product launch for Sony, I ran across another interesting article that involved one of my favorite subjects, MARCH MADNESS! It seems that this year, CBS will be showcasing the NCAA Final Four in 3-D in 100 theaters across the country. Not only a first for CBS, but newer territory for college sports as well. Fox did a similar experiment for a BCS title game earlier this year, and plans to have 3-D coverage of this season's MLB All-Star Game as well (via DirectTV).
ESPN plans to launch a 3-D TV channel in June, and I'm sure other stations will follow suit with the introducing of 3-D televisions to consumers' living rooms. Though CBS and ESPN are describing these ventures as more "experimental" than anything else, I see a major technological trend taking place. I was ever-so-lucky to have been watching my neighbor's daughter last year when the Hannah Montana: Best of Both Worlds 3-D Concert aired on Disney channel. With our flimsy paper glasses (bought for an overpriced $2.50 a piece at the local Blockbuster) on our heads, we sat in the living room and watched Miley Cyrus rock it out. It wasn't great visually, but maybe if we were watching on a new, fancy 3-D Sony television it would have been.
I'd be interested to hear what other people's perspectives on the 3-D movement are. I personally don't know if I'm ready to watch all my movies and television shows with oversized glasses on my face. I'm also not a huge fan of the 3-D experience yet (I'm embarrassed to say that I was terrified at my last IMAX 3-D experience). So let me know your thoughts... I'm sure there are people out there, more brave than I, who are simply ecstatic about the newest shift in the next technology revolution.
Tara Young, Marketing Coordinator
Unified360