MAMEWorld Forums - The Loony Bin - Re: Short answer : NO

> Fad? Not on your life. The technology is too damn good now. Whether you use glasses
> or eventually get a TV that doesn't require them (like the 3DS... but the optimal
> viewing angle would be HORRIBLE on such a TV), the 3D effect is completely there. The
> blue/cyan glasses 3D movies were a FAD because the technology just plain sucked. It
> didn't even work for most people. I'm neither color blind nor lacking in depth
> perception and those movies never gave me a 3D feeling. They just ruined the visuals
> (messed up color and such). The current shutter glasses, however... glorious 3D with
> perfect color and high definition clarity! You can also simply turn 3D off on your TV
> remote when you want and you lose nothing from the movie; just hi-def crystal clear
> 2D movie :P. Can't do that with the old methods.

Totally still a fad, but we are close. If it isn't going to be used on a given TV more than 30% of the time it is an accessory. Accessories go out of style. Until I turn on my holographic TV for the first time it will continue to be a fad. It's a cost increase in both extra parts and needing better/faster base components. TVs costing more for something that isn't needed for a majority of their viewing will turn off many consumers.

That said, there is room to grow with the current technology., but I'm doubting much time/energy will be put into it beyond it's current form. Any progress will be slow, which will ensure it falls out of style until the next technology comes along.