The market for 3D displays—which is encouraged by the recent success of 3D cinema—is forecast to take off in 2010, 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 standardization has also been addressed or is being evaluated in several 3D organizations,” 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 have aggressively promoted 3D in the home. In addition to consumer use of 3D displays, the technology has also been used for many professional applications and advertisement/public displays.”

In their 3D Display Technology and Market Forecast Report, DisplaySearch forecast that the total stereoscopic 3D display market will grow from 0.7 million units and $902 million in revenues in 2008 to 196 million units and $22 billion in revenues in 2018, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 38% for revenues and 75% for units.

Figure 1: 3D Display Forecast


Source: DisplaySearch 3D Display Technology and Market Forecast Report


DisplaySearch forecasts 3D-ready TVs will grow from 0.2 million units in 2009 to 64 million units in 2018. 3D-ready TV will be the largest application in terms of revenue in 2018 with $17 billion.

Additional findings from the DisplaySearch 3D Display Technology and Market Forecast Report:

• - 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 with 3D capability.

• - The largest screen size category for 3D display shipments will be 1-4.x”, due to demand 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 and TVs.

• - Eyewear will be necessary for most 3D applications for many years to come, due to the limitations of auto-stereoscopic (no glasses) technologies.

More Cinema Screens

DisplaySearch forecasts there will be more than 7,000 new 3D cinema screens installed in 2010 and an additional 9,000 in 2011.

About the report

The DisplaySearch 3D Display Technology and Market Forecast Report is a comprehensive analysis of the stereoscopic 3D display technologies and their market forecasts through 2018. The report profiles about 150 3D display-related companies, with a breakdown by technology for 3D display and supply chain. 3D image creation and processing, human factors, content delivery and standardization are also discussed in the report. The Excel database provides a pivot table with market forecasts for units, revenues and ASPs, by nine size breakdowns, and ten applications: TV, mobile phone, digital camera/camcorder, digital photo frame, head-mounted display, notebook PC, monitor (<39.x”), 40+” monitor, public display, cinema and other applications.

The report analyzes over a dozen 3D display technologies, focusing on six categories in the market forecast: passive glasses with one panel, passive glasses with two panels, active glasses, no glasses (auto-stereoscopic), head-mounted display and holographic/volume. The report also covers touch screens for 3D displays. For more information on this report, please contact Charles Camaroto at 1.888.436.7673 or 1.516.625.2452, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or contact your regional DisplaySearch office in China, Japan, Korea or Taiwan.

DisplaySearch USFPD Conference:

The DisplaySearch 12th Annual USFPD Conference, called "Laying the Foundations for the Next Wave of Growth: Energy Efficient & Low Cost Alternatives Lead the Way" will be held March 2-3, 2010 at the Hilton San Diego Resort in San Diego, California. The event will focus on all major and emerging flat panel display applications, as well as key components and materials related to the supply chain. To view the agenda and register, visit www.displaysearch.com/usfpd. Register by January 25, 2010 to receive the early bird discount and save $400!

Anyone interested in attending the USFPD Conference should contact Stacey Voorhees-Harmon at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call +1.925.336.9592.