The arguments over whether 3D TV will finally catch on are far from over, but the signs are good in the US at least where Panasonic has apparently sold out its entire allocation of 3D television bundles.
Despite a price tag of $2899 (£1,897), Panasonic has had no trouble shifting its stock and the bundle of a 3D ready television, a set of 3D glasses and a 3D Blu-ray player has proven to be a big hit.
Hitoshi Otsuki, Senior Managing Director for Panasonic's overseas operations, said, "It's a great opportunity to turn around our TV business."
Thin on the ground
3D content remains thin on the ground, but with major companies investing heavily in the next generation tech that is a diminishing problem.
James Cameron's recent box office smash Avatar is proving 3D films are a huge hit with audiences, and UK broadcaster Sky has been pumping huge amounts of time and money into developing its 3D filming of live events like Premiership football, performing arts and tennis.
In truth, Panasonic's success may well be put down to the relatively limited number of 3D televisions available in the market, but content providers will be pleased to see that there is interest from consumers.
Via thenextweb.com
Your comments (7) Click to add a new comment
tech89
March 20th 2010
7. I'm still waiting for someone to give a decent argument for why content would be better in 3D?
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ripsnorter
March 19th 2010
6. @lgbloguk
Thank you. Obviously, anyone whose blog just happens to be the official LG website and who links directly to an offically sanctioned page expounding at great length on LG's top line 3D TV and then posts such link on a (non)-story about the claimed success of Panasonic's 3D TVs could certainly be seen as planting a spoiler on behalf of the opposition, and also indulging in that PR practice known as astroturfing.
Of course, if you have no professional connection with LG and/or its agents and are not acting on their behalf in either a paid or unpaid capacity, then that's fine.
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lgbloguk
March 18th 2010
5. @ripsnorter
i understand your cynicism believe me. but techradar is one of my daily hits, i felt the need to comment as 3D genuinely excites me and i cannot wait for the release dates. having tested 3D i know what i like, and the LG does it for me. and of course i am going to link back to my own site...
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ripsnorter
March 18th 2010
4. @lgbloguk
I'd believe you, except anyone called lgbloguk who raves about LG and 3D and who also links to LG's own blog site torpedoes their own credibility. Does the word 'astroturfing' say anthing to you?
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ripsnorter
March 18th 2010
3. As someone who will soon be treating themselves to a spanking new flatscreen TV, what annoys me is that I will most likely have to buy a 3D or 3D-ready one (thus paying more for a feature for which I have less than zero interest and use) and so contributing to further idiot press releases from Panasonic et al.
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carl_d
March 18th 2010
2. i firmly expect to see a spurt in 3d tvs on sale on ebay in 6 months time
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ripsnorter
March 18th 2010
1. Apart from filing this one under 'They would say that', cross-referenced to 'Self-serving PR release', how about some actual information? As in how big was this allocation? You know, actual numbers? Does "sold out" mean they were sold by Pansasonic Japan to Panasonic USA? Does it mean they were sold to distributors and/or wholesalers and/or retailers? Or have they all crossed the counter and gone to real live consumers? Who presumerably will have a ball at home until the novelty has worn off and there's a serious lack of content.
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