Avatar was only 2 years ago, and at the time of its release U.K movie goers turned up in droves to watch 3D films - 78% of all movies watched were 3D. The records for the most recent six months show that number down to just 40%. Avatar was thought to be the real starting point for 3D. I'll come clean I only watched the 3D edition on TV but, I was massively impressed. The BBC additionally cite the price collapse on Nintendo 3DS consoles which have been price-cut by £100 in the U.K. This really is, in my opinion, stretching a point, these are not the same market. I do not reckon it is possible to compare 3DS sales alongside 3D TV sales in any way shape or form.

A fact that did come from this all is that sales of 3D TV sets are depressed in the U.K and struggling. The same thing is happening now in the U.S as well. For sure Europe has major economic problems again with the situation in the Eurozone. That's unquestionably dragging the U.K down with it. And, without doubt, we have our own well documented economic issues here as well. I question if this is not more of a cause of the 3D TV sales slowdown.

The BBC commentary also uses a study from California State University which reported the following. "People who watch 3D TV are three times more likely to suffer from headache, eye strain or blurred vision". Yet again, my own experience indicates that is not the case. To offset against that I must to own up and state I don't have a 3D TV of my own at the current time, so I don't gaze at 3D content for lengthy periods.

I think, though, you do have to balance these findings against the fact there is still somewhat of a dearth of 3D content. Of course you could get a headache if you stare at 3D TV for 12 hours straight. But I will suggest you would perhaps get the equivalent headache from 12 hours watching standard TV or gaming. You have to compare eggs with eggs is what I am saying!

It's also been suggested that 3D hasn't yet "got it right" and consequently it had been inevitable that there would be a settle down after the opening spike of interest. A Guy named Chris Park from Vision 3 in the U.K (they advise the film industry on concerns 3D) has confirmed he believes not even motion pictures like Avatar got 3D "right".

He goes on to say that, in his view, 3D has not been applied to anyplace near to its full potential. Maybe this is fair comment and I have heard Martin Scorcese is certainly pushing the 3D envelope in production of his new movie "Hugo".

Ben Kingsley stars and has gone out of his way to heap superlatives on Scorcese's manipulation of 3D. I understand you will see some new 3D techniques like taking you "in" to the center of a crowd of people.

To resolve the initial question, is 3D finished? A definite "no" from me, I reckon there are people waiting, but they merely need to see a definitive course for 3D TV.