3D Focus: Are there revenue opportunities for 3D outside broadcast?

It is generally accepted that more of us will consume our content via on demand channels such as smartphones, IPTV, games consoles, second screen/connected TV applications and so, for the 3D business to thrive (or even survive) a sound business model needs to be established for profitable delivery of 3D content through such devices.

LG offer an app called 3D World which features a small selection of free and paid programming on the LG Smart TV platform. Today, LG announced they are revitalising its app with new content, availability in more countries and plans to collaborate with 3D producers to grow its library.

In some countries, you can also access the Yazabam 3D application on LG Smart TVs. Yazabam offers up to 40 3D HD dramas, documentaries and movies on a pay-per-view basis. Prices range from $1.99 to $9.99 and if the consumer wants to view the content online, they are required to download the TriDef 3D media player which costs $50 (TriDef software is only required to play 3D movies that are purchased from Yabazam.com for playback on PC devices.  The Yabazam 3D TV app is free, so the viewer only needs to pay the rental amount and the movie will then be streamed directly to their 3D TV). Today, DDD, the company behind Yazabam and TriDef, reported more than 12 million units of TriDef 3D technology have shipped worldwide in key 3D consumer markets, as well as a turnover increase of 176%. The Yabazam 3D TV app currently only offers free 3D trailers, but in May the plan is to launch a version that allows full 3D films to be rented on LG and Samsung platforms.