In a survey carried out by Spain’s Consumers and Users Organisation (OCU), nearly three out of four respondents who already own a 3DTV set claim the experience is significantly better than watching standard 2D television.

The 419 3DTV-owning respondents were asked questions ranging from the technical performance of their TV screens to their personal viewing experience, problems their encountered as well as their preferred brands.

On average, respondents spent 13% of their viewing time watching 3D programmes, mostly originating from 3D Blu-ray players, followed by TV channels showing films, documentaries and sports, in this order of preference.

When comparing different manufacturers, Panasonic came on top in terms of image resolution, quality of 3D effects, subtitle legibility and overall quality/price ratio). Predictably, Sony won over the interoperability of the TV set with gaming consoles.

Malfunction of the remote control, connections with devices and the need to wear 3D glasses were seen as inconvenience, though no further details were provided above and beyond pointing out that these shortcomings were on a par with problems experienced with “normal” TVs.

Some 70% of the respondents had a LED display, 14% an LCD panel and 15% a plasma screen. Twenty-eight percent own a 40-inch screen, 59% own screens ranging from 42 to 59 inches. The average price respondents paid for their 3D equipment was €1,600 this year.

Story filed 05.10.11