Samsung, LG to phase out 3D

It can hardly come as a surprise, but both Samsung and LG are now set to phase out 3D.

Samsung Electronics is not going to install 3D function into new products, and LG Electronics is going to reduce the number of 3D TVs in half, reports Korean ET News.

“Although 40% of all TVs last year had 3D functions, only 20% of TVs this year will have 3D functionality,” said a representative for LG Electronics. “Because there are still consumers who enjoy 3D movies and others, we are going to apply 3D function mainly on premium products.”

The source attributes Samsung’s decision to drop 3D altogether by the lack of new orders for its shutter glass 3D glasses. “Even though we had been supplying 3D glasses until last year, there is no any request for new supply this year.” said a representative for Samsung Electronics’ partner. “It is seen that Samsung Electronics is not going to apply 3D technology into its new TVs.”

These moves come hardly as a surprise, as watching 3D television involved too many hurdles, the main one being the fact that people have to wear special glasses to enjoy the 3D pictures – and there still is a lack of standardisation for those glasses.

“3D TV was a fail due to content, prices and technology,” concluded a recent report from market research company IHS, “The fact that people have to wear glasses to watch 3D TVs did not work too well for consumers.”