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Tech Watch: Are 3-D TVs Gaining Popularity?

(KCBS) - Consumers have failed to embrace the new 3-D television sets so far, but a new report says that's about to change. One research company is predicting sales to soar by almost 500% this year.

However, CNET Editor-at-Large Brian Cooley says he's skeptical.

"When you see sales numbers... that's different than usage. More and more televisions at affordable price points have 3-D ability," Cooley explains. "3-D is a feature, it's not a different kind of television. It's a good, high def TV that could also show 3-D. What I think is happening is consumers are buying these new TV sets that have the 3-D feature but they may not necessarily be using it."

There are several different types of 3-D TV as well. Some use active shutter glasses, which give the best 3-D image but they're rather expensive. Others use acid glasses like the ones you use in movie theaters, but this uses a different technology.

Putting something on your head may be putting a lot of consumers off as well.

"When we're watching TV we also have a laptop, smartphone, or tablet in our hands. We're multitasking when we're relaxing these days so to go back and forth from a 3-D program to your 2-D program on your lap" wouldn't be easy with the glasses coming on and off, Cooley adds.

You can hear his Tech Watch report Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:50 P.M. on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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