Since the CES has come around and all the new gadgets and gizmos have come out, now is the time for me to talk about the one that I think is the most overhyped junk there is: 3D technology. Apparently after we just finished the HD era, we are now ready to move onto the 3D era. I think this is a load of crap. Several things that I know will make this "new" tech not catch on:
1. We have just realized mass market appeal for HD equipment.
It's true, most statistics show that just barely more than 50% of US households have made the switch from SD to HD. What is everyone supposed to do now that HDTVs have finally come to be affordable for the mass market, toss that aside and start again with $5,000+ TVs? No, has anyone else realized that we are in a recession? The only people willing and able to actually buy the new 3D products are the wealthy, which make up about 5-15% of the population, based on your definition of wealthy. Do electronics companies really think normal people can actually afford to get another home entertainment center just after they got the "latest" technology in their home? Don't people realize that SD and VHS ruled for nearly 20 years before HD and DVDs came along? Now apparently we are supposed to replace our electronics on a five year cycle, not the normal ten year cycle that most people follow.
2. The technology only works when you wear goggles or glasses!
True, why would I want to put stuff on my face when I am trying to relax? When I watch a movie at my home, many times it is laying down, or sprawled out in a relaxed position, now I'm going to be forced to sit theater style so I can see through the goggles properly. Sorry, like most people I don't even like 3D at the movies! I usually end up walking out disoriented and confused, with a feeling that I'm about to puke. And I can sit through 2D movies like Cloverfield and Blair Witch style shooting just fine, and I know people that can't even stand that! I agree that virtual reality is coming, and that this is a step in that direction, but until they can achieve this without you having to wear glasses and goggles I think it is a waste. Show me a TV or projector that can display three dimensional objects without the use of sight altering equipment and I will be impressed, until then it all just seems like a fad to me.