Even in the most promising economic times, it's difficult to accurately predict existing or potential consumer interest in emerging technologies. Certainly in the months-and years-ahead it will be crucial for manufacturers to assess consumers' willingness to adapt to cutting-edge products.
The CE industry can take some comfort in knowing that recent history supports the notion that early adopters pave the way for mainstream endorsement if the technology is compelling. Old paradigms are rapidly eschewed when new, improved items are introduced: think flat-panel displays and MP3 players, and the entire product lines they displaced.
One intriguing technology that is steadily gaining an audience is 3-D TV. CEA's new study, 3-D TV: Where Are We Now and Where Are Consumers? provides an understanding of consumer interest in and attitudes towards 3-D, particularly as it relates to bringing stereoscopic 3-D into the living room. Some key findings include: