Sony Set to Launch 3D Television

Sony plans to start the sale of 3D TVs in Japan from 10 June. The company says it hopes to sell about 2.5m sets in nine months. With the recent successes of 3D movies such as Avatar in cinemas, it is not surprising that television manufacturers are trying to take advantage of the perceived interest of consumers in 3D technology.

This latest announcement makes Sony the latest manufacturer to delve into the 3D television market following in Samsung, Panasonic and LG electronics footsteps. The Sony model will come with two pairs of 3D glasses and camera sensors to aid sound and picture quality. An extra pair will cost around 12,000 yen.

Sony’s senior vice-president, Yoshihisa Ishida, describes the product as a bid to “liberate 3D from the confines of movie theatres”, however, with a 46-inch 3D screen costing around 350,000 yen ($3, 898 or £2,608) it remains to be seen how successful 3D television will be in general bearing in mind the cost, limited number of 3D channels and inconvenience of wearing glasses to watch a TV programme or play video games.

Talking Point

There is no doubt 3D television sets will be expensive. Do you agree that buying one at this point is an unnecessary luxury particularly because HD television has yet to reach its peak?