Analysts Weigh in on 3D TV

Now that 3D TVs are available for retail purchase, how many sets can the consumer electronics manufacturers expect to sell in the coming months? Of course, no one knows for sure, but there are a number of educated estimates coming out from some of the most-respected analysts in the industry.

In a study by the NPD Group, one-third of those questioned said that they were interested in buying a 3D TV. That's a huge number. Why? Remember, most consumers haven't yet viewed 3D TV, so getting one-third of respondents to say they want something that isn't available and hasn't been seen by many is a very positive sign. As Ross Rubin, an NPD analyst, said, consumers will want to bring "home even more of the cinematic experience."

The research firm, iSuppli, recently released its own analysis of how well 3D TV sales will fare, and the numbers look great. According to iSuppli, 3D TV set sales will explode, growing from 4.2 million TVs worldwide this year, to an amazing 78 million in 2015, just five years from now. Revenues from those sales will jump from $7.4 billion this year, to $64 billion in 2015. 

It's Panasonic's belief, and increasingly that of industry analysts as well, that once consumers get to see the amazingly lifelike and encompassing effect that the Full HD 3D experience has on television watching, that Full HD 3D HDTVs will become a "must have" for many television viewers.