The market for 3D projectors might seem small now, but it shouldn't stay that way for very long. According to a recent report by Pacific Media Associates (PMA), we should see 5.4 million 3D-capable front projectors by 2014.
That's a nice little jump, considering that the research firm says that around one million 3D-ready projectors will ship this year. Even more interesting is that most of those models use DLP technology to deliver the goods. The current DLP DMDs (Digital Micromirror Devices) run at a high enough speed to support high resolution 3D images without flicker. They also include a 3D synch signal embedded in the output to the screen which means you do not need a separate, expensive IR emitter for the 3D glasses. You just need active shutter glasses that are compatible with TI's "DLP Link" technology, such as the xPand x102.
"PMA forecasts that the lion's share of annual shipments will be those models incorporating TI's DLP (Digital Light Processing) technology, because it takes very little additional effort or cost to make those models 3D-ready," said Dr. William Coggshall, PMA's president.
Coggshall also says that many of those taking advantage of the low-low prices come from the educational sector. It's sort of a shame, since they probably aren't using the 3D aspect -- yet.
"Education budgets are always under pressure, and the cost of the total solution, which can include relatively expensive glasses and content, can be high. These factors suggest that the fraction of installed 3D-ready models actually being used in 3D mode will grow slowly for the near future until the economy fully recovers, school finances improve, and the 3D ecosystem evolves."
Of course, many eyes (including ours) are on at-home sales. PMA's report says that supply can't currently keep up with demand from those audiences as well. If manufacturers can get a hold on the situation, many may opt for a 3D-ready projector instead of a flat-panel 3D TV, thanks to the lower cost and larger screen sizes.
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