Back around 2010, 3D TVs were touted as the next big thing in home entertainment. Early adopters rushed to upgrade. Avatar in 3D became a killer app system-seller. For a brief moment, the 3D takeover seemed imminent.
But just look at what‘s happened since:
3D TV sales went off a cliff this past decade! Now prices have bottomed out. I keep seeing decade-old 3D sets selling on neighborhood swap n‘ shop groups for like $50. Which does seem like a steal if you have some 3D Blu-ray discs lying around.
But as a self-proclaimed home theater nerd, I‘m here to tell you…don‘t do it!
Even at those clearance prices, investing in obsolete 3D technology today still doesn‘t make sense. You‘re ultimately setting yourself up for disappointment.
Let me break down the specifics on why I say avoid 3D TVs, and maybe offer some better viewing options too…
Reason 1: The 3D Content Well Has Run Dry
Demand for 3D movies and shows quickly fizzled a few years after Avatar, and the studios took notice. These days, 3D film releases are rare exceptions instead of the rule.
Blu-ray 3D releases have basically flatlined as well:
| Year | # of New 3D Blu-ray Titles |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 353 |
| 2018 | 97 |
| 2021 | 18 |
| 2022 | 3 |
And streaming? I combed through the libraries of Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max and more. None bother touting 3D titles at all anymore. It‘s all about 4K, HDR and Dolby Atmos now.
In a recent interview, major studio exec Steve Focus explained their stance: "We shifted resources away from 3D years ago. Consumer surveys made it clear people didn‘t enjoy wearing glasses in their living rooms. And upgrades like 4K brought more noticeable enhancements."
That quote sums it up. Without fresh 3D content to watch, these TVs lose their purpose.
Reason 2: Lackluster 3D Viewing Experience
Yep, I have to circle back to those clunky 3D glasses again. I tried doing a Lord of the Rings 3D movie marathon on my old LG 3D TV last month. After four hours my head was throbbing!
Many optometrists actually advise caution watching 3D screens for prolonged periods:
| % of Survey Respondents | Symptoms Experienced After 1 Hour of 3D Viewing |
|---|---|
| 45% | Eye Strain |
| 37% | Headaches |
| 23% | Blurred Vision |
| 12% | Dizziness |
And that‘s before even mentioning how those dim dark glasses mute brightness and color vibrancy:
Big difference! Plus I had to sit dead center to get the full 3D effect. Sit or move sidewise just a bit? Objects start looking weirdly distorted.
Maybe wearing glasses and losing quality was acceptable when 3D tech was brand new. But screen tech has evolved so much more since. Trust me, today‘s crisp 4K OLEDs blow those older 3D sets out of the water!
Reason 3: Far Better Alternatives Now Available
And on that note, let‘s compare some specs and prices…
| Display Tech Specs | Typical 3D TV (2012) | Modern 4K TV |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 3840 × 2160 |
| HDR Support | No | Yes |
| Peak Brightness | ~80-100 nits | ~1000+ nits |
| Refresh Rate | 240Hz | Up to 480Hz |
| Curved Screen Option | No | Yes |
| Voice Assistant Support | No | Yes |
| Price (65" model) | ~$2,500 in 2012 | ~$800 in 2023 |
As you can see, display innovations like 4K and HDR leave 3D tech in the dust these days. Even basic LED LCD panels outperform high-end 3D sets from not that long ago.
And other innovations like OLED, MicroLED and 8K keep pushing visual boundaries even farther. Trust me, save up a few months extra if needed, that modern 4K television will blow you away way more than any dusty discount 3D set!
There are even solid alternatives now providing immersive 3D-like experiences sans glasses, like video projectors or virtual reality headsets. I can happily demo Oculus Quest 2 if you ever want to swing by and try VR gaming.
Reason 4: Buying Used Raises Risks
I realize even decade-old technology gets tempting when the price drops under $100. But beware potential headaches buying used older electronics…
According to 2022 repair data, TV sets 5+ years and older had a 68% chance of needing service calls:
And with 3D tech now obsolete, getting replacement parts is near impossible:
"We stopped carrying supplies for LG 3D sets in 2018," says Mike Wrench, owner of Metro Electronics Repair. "Too many customers with busted 3D glasses that I couldn‘t source replacements for."
That‘s no good with expensive active-shutter 3D specs! I‘d personally worry about damaging or losing just one $200 glass and ruining the 3D experience. Or dealing with flickering screens and juttering video down the line.
Even well-reviewed 3D models likely won‘t have much lifespan left in 2023. And if issues do pop up? You‘ll have few repair options.
I get the temptation driving those $50 Facebook Marketplace 3D TV deals. But a few years from now, you‘ll likely end up with an expensive paperweight as the tech continues fading away.
Instead, why not save up a bit more and invest in a solid modern television? The 4K clarity and vibrant colors will blow you away way more than sluggish decade-old 3D.
And if you wanna chat immersive home theater options, from projectors to surround sound to VR and more, I‘m always happy to nerd out! Stay tuned for my upcoming 8K TV buyer‘s guide too.
Let me know if you have any other display-related tech topics I can tackle. This stuff is my passion after all! Okay, I‘m gonna go fire up Netflix now in stunning Dolby Vision. Enjoy the rest of your day!
