3D imaging, which adds depth to a 2D image, is receiving a lot of buzz and hype with an increasing number of 3D films being produced in a resurgence of interest from Hollywood studios.  3D has been popular in Hollywood at other times in the previous century, but the difference is that now, 3D viewing is possible in the home.  As a result, the 3D TV set market is poised to grow dramatically in 2011—by almost 500%, according to In-Stat.  

“Over the next few years, a greater percentage of large-screen TV sets will ship with the 3D feature,” says Michelle Abraham, Research Director.  “We expect 100% of all 40-inch and above DTV sets will eventually be 3D-enabled.  This will not only cause shipments of 3D TV sets to increase, but will also grow the number of households worldwide with 3D TV sets.  3D content providers need not worry that consumers will be unable to view their content.”

Recent In-Stat research found the following:

* Households with 3D TV sets will eclipse 300 million in 2015.
* In 2011 Europe will boast the most 3D TV unit shipments at just over 7 million.
* By 2015 Asia/Pacific will have the largest share of 3D TV unit shipments at 32%.

Recent In-Stat research, 3D-Enabled TV Sets on the Rise Worldwide (#IN1104960ME), provides an introduction to 3D technology as well as a worldwide five-year 3D TV set unit shipment forecast by region as well as a forecast for the number of households in each region that will have a 3D TV set. Companies mentioned in the report include LG, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, Hisense, Mitsubishi, Skyworth, Sharp, and Vizio.

This research is part of In-Stat’s Multimedia Entertainment Equipment service, which provides comprehensive analysis and forecasts of the worldwide market for multimedia-enabled consumer electronics devices, including set top boxes, digital TVs and personal video recorders.

www.in-stat.com