3D displays set to grow by 38%

In its 3D Display Technology and Market Forecast Report, DisplaySearch forecasts that the total stereoscopic 3D display market will grow from 0.7 million units in 2008 to 196 million units in 2018, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 38% for revenue and 75% for units.

The market for 3D displays, which is encouraged by the recent success of 3D cinema, is forecast to take off this year, providing a welcome boost to the electronics industry.

"3D displays are taking off with consumers due to increasing availability of 3D content. In addition, 3D standardisation has also been addressed or is being evaluated in several 3D organisations," noted Jennifer Colegrove, director of display technologies at DisplaySearch.

"A number of manufacturers of consumer electronics devices, including TVs, monitors, notebooks, Blu-ray disc players and digital cameras/camcorders/photo frames, has promoted 3D in the home.

The report found:

• 3D-ready monitors will grow from 40K units (0.02% penetration) in 2009 to 10 million (3.6% penetration) in 2018;
• 3D notebook PCs are forecast to grow from 66K units (0.04% penetration) in 2009 to 17.7 million (3.2% penetration) in 2018;
• Mobile phones will be the largest 3D display application on a unit shipment basis in 2018, with 71 million units 3D capability;
• The largest screen size category for 3D display shipments will be from mobile phone and digital camera/camcorder applications. The second largest size range will be 40-49″, due to TV, public display and 40+monitor applications;
• LCD will be the primary display technology used for 3D displays, as a result of its wide range of display applications ranging from small mobile phones to large public displays of TVs;
• Eyewear will be necessary for most 3D applications for many years to come, due to the limitations of auto-stereoscopic (no glasses) technologies;
• There will be more than 7000 new 3D cinema screens installed in 2010 and an additional 9000 in 2011.