At CES in 2011, 3D was all the rage -- 3D video cameras, glasses-free 3D television sets, 3D laptops, etc. 3D had just taken off in 2010 after the release of "Avatar." It was sure to be the next big thing.
In March of that year, I reviewed Sony's VAIO F 3D laptop. I was blown away by this futuristic laptop. Just before that, I reviewed the Fujifilm FinePix 3D W3 camera. I, as others, were blown away by the small display that displayed 3D so well that it looked like you were looking into a crystal ball. Then came the EVO 3D smartphone, which didn't really garner the consumer interest that was expected. Let's not forget to mention Sony's HMZ-T1 3D headset.
I sold my VAIO F 3D laptop late in 2011. I soon used the HMZ-T1 headset to watch 2D movies instead of ones in 3D. My EVO 3D is nothing but a prop these days. What happened? Is this the end of 3D as we know it?
I'm going on a limb to say that the 3D era is not over. It's like the home video game era in the early 1980's, which hit a complete slump starting in 1984. Then, in the late 1980's, it was revived again by Nintendo. 3D is going through a slump right now and it will take a Nintendo-like company to revive it.
The problem with current 3D is that it lasts like a shot of an energy drink; it is thrilling at first but then it goes down fast. After a little while, you don't like the headaches. You don't like to constantly try and position your eyes and brain on a small sweet spot with a glasses-free television set or smartphone. You also realize how poorly some movies are converted into 3D.
I predict that in the near future, glasses-free 3D will go mainstream and though it won't be perfect, there won't be such a narrow sweet spot to view the 3D content. They will also find a way to curb dizziness while viewing 3D movies. Studios will also make sure that 3D content fits the storyline. It's going to happen.
Remember, what goes up goes down. And then it goes up again. The same will happen with 3D. Just wait!
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