Ownership of 3DTVs will accelerate rapidly over the next three years, according to the latest research from Strategy Analytics. The firm predicts that 34 percent of US homes will own a 3D-ready TV by 2014. In Europe, 3DTV ownership will grow even faster, with 42 percent of homes owning a 3DTV by 2014.

In spite of early challenges in the 3DTV market, the analysts predict that 3D capability will become commonplace across a wide range of consumer electronics devices. Global sales of 3D-enabled devices are forecast to grow 89 percent in 2011, to reach 95 million units. This forecast includes 3D-ready TVs, 3D TV set-top boxes, 3D Blu-ray players, 3D media players, 3D phones and 3D fixed and portable games consoles.

Peter King, Director at Strategy Analytics said, "Western Europe, Japan and the US will be the world's three largest markets, accounting for 93 percent of 3D device sales in 2011. By 2014 we are projecting a global installed base of nearly 900 million 3D-capable devices."

Speaking from the IP&TV World Forum in London, UK, David Mercer, Principal Analyst at Strategy Analytics, adds, "Once 3D-ready TVs are out there, the question for 3D content publishers will be: How often will 3DTV owners get the goggles out? Without compelling 3D content there is a real danger that 3D becomes a dormant feature – much hyped but rarely used."