Computex gets personal with 3D

The world's second-largest computer show spotlighted more mature and diverse 3D tech for a range of markets this year

Computex in 2010 underlined the promise of 3D in many markets

3D was all the rage at Computex this year, with launches of an array of 3D digital cameras, projectors, games consoles, digital signage solutions, notebooks, screens, TVs and assorted peripherals.

“Many companies are jumping on the 3D bandwagon, in an effort to create a brand new niche market,” said organiser Taitra.

It said that 3D gave applications a more “personal” touch. The market share of 3D displays would rise from 0.1 per cent in 2008 to 9.2 per cent in 2015, representing around $15.8 billion.

“According to DisplaySearch, 3D TV shipments [will] surge from 200,000 units in 2009 to 6.4 million units in 2018,” Taitra added.

3D desktop monitors, notebooks, and mobile phones were also trembling on the edge of a growth spurt. “Acer and Asus already launched 3D notebooks in early 2010,” it said.

Displays, projectors and cameras too are going 3D, representing bundling opportunities for the channel. “According to Fujifilm, 3D models will represent 10 per cent of the overall digital camera market in the world by 2014,” Taitra said.

“It is expected that 3D projectors, which can break the size limitation of TV and offer excellent 3D visual effects, will create huge business opportunities in the future.”

Products on show offered 2D/3D support, various adapters and dongles, as well as specific projection and signage offerings for verticals such as health and education.

Computex Taipei is the world’s second-largest IT expo after CeBIT Hannover. In its 30th year, it saw 35,000 international buyers view new wares from 1,750 exhibitors in four venues.

Goksen Sertler, senior TV analyst at Meko, said 700,000 3D TVs will be sold in Europe this year, rising to 8.1 million in 2012. Most popular would be 40in-42in sets with features such as LED backlighting.

“That will limit the spread of sets, which will typically cost $1,000 or more. However, there will be lots of content,” she said.

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