3D: The Home Theater Revolution - Continued

So, there is a fair investment necessary to buy into the 3D revolution, but it's all for nothing if there is no content. Starting in June, PlayStation will start to release games and updates of previously released games to feature 3D images. I fully expect that Microsoft will react with 3D offerings themselves. However, right now there is no 3D content available on Blu-ray. This is due to change before the end of the year.

Unfortunately, a disturbing trend that has developed over the last few weeks is making content exclusive to certain manufacturers. For instance, Samsung have signed an exclusive agreement with Dreamworks, which will see certain films, including popular titles The Shrek Trilogy and Monsters vs. Aliens Blu-rays which will be bundled with their hardware. These movies won't be available to buy at market separately for a year. With so little content ready to go in 3D, making certain family favourites exclusive to certain brands will not help the industry as a whole. No doubt, the contract finances involved would be more than had the movies been available open slather, making for an economic decision on the part of the studios. All rather anti-consumer stuff.

The word is that unnamed manufacturers are offering Twentieth Century Fox stupendous amounts of cash to offer Avatar as a branded exclusive. No real guesses as to who they are.

So there are some hurdles to overcome for this fledging technology, not least a fairly hefty financial cost for the consumer. However, when the technology is widespread in around July 2010 and due to hit a critical mass before Christmas 2010, you'll be sure to hear a lot more about this technology.

Be aware that the TweakTown Digital Lounge will be at the forefront of 3D Blu-ray reviews. Until then, hold onto your hats!