The Digital Entertainment Group (DEG) has taken the first in-depth study that provides an exclusive look at the first-hand experiences of nearly 3,100 3D-compatible television (3DTV) owners. Overwhelmingly, consumers reported a positive entertainment experience, minimal price premiums, and enthusiasm about the future of 3D content. Vizio talks about its latest 3DTV in the exclusive video interview below.
The report, titled “3DTV Owners: A Closer Look at The New World of Immersive Home Entertainment,” was based on a study conducted this spring by market research firm SmithGeiger. While previous research centered on consumers’ preconceptions about 3DTV, this study is the first to focus on the experience of actual 3DTV owners.
Respondents were asked to assess a number of 3DTV factors, including: picture quality, perceived price differences, viewing satisfaction, content preferences, and reaction to 3D glasses.
Overall, the results of the research showed that consumers are tremendously satisfied with the home 3D experience. Of those who view programming in 3D, an overwhelming 88 percent rated the 3D picture quality positively, compared to 91 percent for their 2D picture quality. And, 24 percent of those who view 3D at home reported watching more television – both in 2D and 3D – since purchasing their new 3DTV. Also, 85 percent of 3DTV owners surveyed would prefer to watch half, most, or all of their programs in 3D. These consumers also reported that the majority of home entertainment in 3D is better than in 2D, with 3DTV owners naming feature films on Blu-ray as their favorite 3D programming.
Consumers believe the upgrade to 3D was well worth the price. The vast majority of 3DTV owners stated that they paid a relatively small additional fee for 3D capability, and that the feature made their television worth the extra dollars paid. Nearly 80 percent of those surveyed said that their 3DTVs were either less expensive, about the same, or just a little more expensive than a comparable HDTV without 3D capability. On average, those surveyed by the DEG paid just over $2000 for their 3DTV, with more than half paying less than $2000.
Many have speculated that a key factor slowing 3D adoption was the glasses. According to the DEG study, that is not the case; of the 3,100 3DTV owners surveyed, only a handful experienced any discomfort when using active shutter 3D glasses. More than 4 out of 5 of (83 percent) stated that it takes either no time or just a few minutes to adjust to wearing 3D glasses. Additionally, of those surveyed, 74 percent own two or more pairs of glasses, with 33 percent buying an extra set during their initial 3DTV purchase. More than half (52 percent) of these 3DTV owners also received at least one set of glasses bundled with their television. With an average of 2.38 pairs of glasses per home, it is clear that 3DTV owners are actively using their 3DTVs for viewing 3D.
The DEG study found that 3DTV owners watch a variety of 3D movies, games and sports, and expect even more soon. The findings show that feature films on Blu-ray 3D are the top 3D programming choice (78 percent), with animated movies on Blu-ray (77 percent) and nature or wildlife programs (75 percent) close behind. Football games (67 percent) and other sports were also highlighted as preferred types of home 3D content.
In addition to enjoying their 3DTVs, more than 7 out of 10 of those surveyed by the DEG use a Blu-ray 3D or 3D-capable player. And (44 percent) of those owners also purchased their Blu-ray player bundled with their 3DTV. Many of these consumers are already using their 3DTVs to watch Blu-ray 3D movies, with most having recently purchased or rented a Blu-ray 3D title. Additionally, 22 percent purchased that movie when they bought their 3DTVs.
Also, 28 percent of all 3DTV owners reported owning a PlayStation3 system, with 78 percent of these owners having already upgraded their PS3 to watch 3D movies, while 76 percent upgraded their PS3 to play 3D videogames. Also 68 percent have already purchased a 3D video game, and an astounding 42 percent of gamers are playing 25 percent or more of their game time in 3D. In addition to Blu-ray players and PS3s, 40 percent of owners are receiving 3D content through a cable or satellite channel.
The consumers surveyed in the DEG’s study, were predominantly male (86 percent) and married, (71 percent), with an average age of 51 years old. The average income was just under $99,000, although 38 percent of those surveyed reported earning less than $75,000. Additionally, 78 percent of these 3DTV owners said that their sets are also viewed by their spouses or significant others; and 86 percent of these owners have children at home who also watch their 3DTVs on a regular basis.
The survey measured the inclinations and behavior of purchasers of 3D-compatible televisions in the U.S. from leading companies LG, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Samsung and Sony. The majority of these owners (92 percent) own just one 3DTV, and nearly all of those televisions (90 percent) are located in the living room or family room where the entire family can use it. Of those with a second 3DTV, nearly half (47 percent), use it primarily in the master bedroom. The majority of 3DTV owners surveyed (89 percent) own a 3DTV that measures 50 inches or larger.
The results of this landmark study clearly show that 3DTV owners are overwhelmingly happy with their 3D experience,” said Ron Sanders, President, DEG and President, Warner Home Video. “They are highly satisfied with the 3D picture quality, think they got a good deal on their 3DTV and have already started watching and collecting a variety of 3D movies, games and sports. This bodes well for the future of the Home 3D category.”
The 3,065 respondents were all 3DTV owners who had purchased their sets within the past 15 months. The sample was provided by five manufacturers who are DEG, but the data analysis was done entirely by SmithGeiger. SmithGeiger is an independent market research and consulting firm based in Los Angeles with offices in New York. Their practice deals with entertainment consumers at every level and across multiple platforms, and their clients include a broad range of media organizations, from broadcast networks and cable channels to internet companies, videogame developers, and technology companies.
