3D a proven failure, 4K unlikely to succeed – HBO

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So what is the future of TV? Well there’s a very good chance it isn’t 3D or 4K, and that TV panel manufacturers are heading for even tougher times. HBO’s CTO (Chief Technology Officer) Bob Zitter is one of the most prominent TV industry figures to voice his belief that 3D and 4K are not suited to home viewing.

His thoughts don’t make good reading for Sony, Sharp, Samsung, etc… but is he right?

For me the future of TV is online.

I have not owned a terrestrial or cable TV set for 3 years and have no intention in changing. I watch TV via on-demand services online (from major broadcasters) and movies on a home theatre projector, most of which I stream or download in 1080p via iTunes, NetFlix and LoveFilm online. I dislike the way 3D looks and I don’t feel it adds to the emotional immersion of a story. 3D completely removed me The Hobbit and I couldn’t get properly engaged with the characters.

Now HBO considers 3D a proven failure in the home.

“We never thought that 3D with glasses was ever going to get off the ground. Consumers have shown they do not want to wear glasses in the home. 3D with glasses is dead”.

Bob Zitter, HBO

As for 4K it is almost certain to be a slow burner – but Bob has doubts as to whether it can ever become a mass market home viewing standard.

If indeed the future of TV is online then the adoption of 4K will be slowed down by screen size and bandwidth limitations. Currently most internet connections don’t have the bandwidth to stream 4K though that is changing for a privileged few with the advent of much faster internet services in very specific areas of major cities and the upcoming H.265 codec will assist this further. read more...