So Far, No Good: ESPN 3D Is Not So Popular
By Chris Weiss
Surprise, surprise. It’s been about three and a half months since ESPN 3D launched during the World Cup, and things aren’t going so great. I guess launching a service before there’s much of any way to take advantage of it–especially when that service entails specific, expensive hardware–isn’t the most solid business plan, despite the perception that people need to see juiced-up jocks battling in full 3D.
Speaking to TVB Europe, Senior Director of Technology, Jonathan Pannaman explained: “We’re still not sure what makes sense for 3DTV and we don’t yet see a proven ROI.” ROI means return of investment, so it’s clear that there’s been a lot of money going out of ESPN for 3D technology, but not so much coming back in. The provider still plans on offering the 3D channel for its full-year trial period, but its fate will remain tied the ROI, and things aren’t favoring the technology at the moment.
Too early to draw any conclusions, but not a good sign for 3DTV. [ TVB Europe via Engadget HD]
