3D TV's Making a Big Splash with Deep Pockets

Two thousand eight hundred ninety-nine dollars is certainly not chump change, but for tech fans and people with money to spare, it is just the right price to place on a home 3D television system.

Or so it would seem, given that it only took one week for Panasonic - the first of the television manufacturers to release a 3D model - to sell out  of their in-store US stock.

According to a Bloomberg report yesterday, Panasonic executives couldn't be more pleased.  After having sustained losses greater than $111 million in the previous quarter, the unexpected success of the product could make the business profitable once more by this time next year.

The Panasonic package, which comes complete with 3D Blu-ray player and glasses, seems to be a hit.  And this news threatens to debunk BusinessWeek's December 2009 theory that the price tag would deter quick adoption of 3D technology into homes.  Already Panasonic is surpassing its own prediction that 3D sets would see "modest sales" in 2010.  Although most reports on the subject agree that over the next five years 3D TV sales will grow exponentially, sales in 2010 might just turn out to beat all expectations.

Then again, there are a good number of skeptics out there who believe the Panasonic "sales boom" could be more smoke and mirrors than hard fact.  This morning, Fox Business correspondent Clayton Morris was quoted saying, "We don't know the sales numbers yet.  If you make 3 of them and you sell them all, that's fantastic...but we don't know the numbers yet on exactly how many they sold."

Perhaps the news was meant to distract consumers from Samsung's unveiling of its own 3D product, which officially went on sale March 14th.  There has been little buzz surrounding its release, only that the cost is approximately $400 more than its only current competition.

In June, Sony will add its entry to the home 3D marketplace, predicting 3D TV's in 2010 will account for 10% of its total television sales, per the Bloomberg report.

In addition, Sony is focusing on adding 3D content to its gaming, film and television production, and broadcasting divisions.  It's this kind of complimentary business development that will help position Sony to potentially win out over its competitors, despite its delayed at-bat in the game.

So, will you be turning your living room into a 3D entertainment center?  Share your thoughts in the Comments below!