It’s the question that’s been on every gadget enthusiasts’ mind for the last few years: What’s going to happen with this whole 3D TV thing? Critics and analysts have gone back and forth, telling us that reports from consumers reveal low interest in the medium and that it’s simply a fad – only to swiftly reconsider and sing the 3D TV’s praises and potential earning power. This in turn makes it difficult for manufacturers and consumers alike to judge if or when they should jump on board with the technology.
Well Samsung plans to do something about this seemingly eternal state of indecision – at least in the UK. The Telegraph reports that Samsung’s UK consumer electronic VP, Andy Griffiths, announced that while his company is “clearly not a broadcaster,” it’s going to get into the provider businesses by creating and offering additional content specifically for an on-demand 3D service. Griffiths says trailers for upcoming 3D releases and a limited selection of “lifestyle documentaries” are now available for 2010-11 Internet-connected, compatible 3D TV models starting today. It’s slim pickings for the time being, but it’s only the beginning and Samsung plans to increase its selection.
“The demand for 3D is growing rapidly, but only a handful of channels are providing content. Samsung has led the 3D LED TV market since it launched last year, and the roll-out of our 3D video-on-demand service demonstrates our commitment to accelerating its growth,” Griffiths said.
The new service also ties in with Samsung’s strengthened focus on Smart TV apps. Samsung Apps currently has more than three million apps for compatible TV sets, and the electronics giant continues to pursue new partnerships to keep the app store growing. And its expanded 3D content will be available via the Explore 3D App, and by year’s end is projected to feature 70 video options. Samsung already partners with Dreamworks on 3D footage and will continue to for this new service.
Initially, this sounds like a tough sell. Reading between the lines, trailers and documentaries (the details for which, thus far, have been that they are from car manufacturers) amount to little more than advertisements. But if Samsung can get a few more big name producers on board, this thing could actually carry some weight with consumers. There’s been no news on when or if the service is going to be launched stateside, but it seems safe to assume it’s “when.”
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