Skip to main content

Microsoft says we're a "long ways away" from 3D in the living room

aarongreenberg3

With 3D a huge topic of discussion and demonstration at this year's CES in Vegas, Microsoft's Aaron Greenberg has decided to throw his two-cents in, saying the technology is not something we'll see in our living rooms any time soon.

"I think there's a lot of questions, to be honest," Greenberg told D'toid during a briefing. "3D is great in the theater, but for the living room? I think we're a long ways away from that."

Greenberg pointed out that for 3D to become mainstream, certain criteria is required - such as sitting distances and the constant need for glasses which are both potential hurdles.

"If the consumers want it? Fine," he continued. "In the theater there's nothing between you and the experience, but as you have other people in the room and other people walking by, well, it's not the same experience."

3D seems to be at least part of the plan for loads of different studios and new technology hitting the shelves.

Back in November, Ubisoft Montreal bossman Yannis Mallat said that 3D was the "wave of the future", comparing it to when stereo sound first hit while the majority of consumers were still hearing media in mono.

During the same month, Sony told investors during a presentation that all PS3 systems were upgradeable to stereoscopic 3D via firmware updates, and the company plans to integrate 3D through Blu-ray and HDTV sets as well.

Most Mitsubishi and some Samsung Hi-def TVs on the market are 3D-capable, although this was something both firms did not advertise during '08 and '09, and most consumers are unaware their sets support it.

Look for that to change this year.

Read this next