• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, August 13, 2010

IMS Research seems to believe a large number of Americans will buy new, souped-up TV sets in the next three and a half years. The firm forecasts that by the end of 2014, 40% of U.S. TV homes will have a 3D-capable set. 

Globally, executives are moving to provide 3D programming, which was widely made available during the recent World Cup; in the U.S. it aired on ESPN 3D. IMS says in a new report that by the end of this year, more than 50 broadcasters and pay-TV operators worldwide will stream 3D programming into the home.

Anna Hunt, the report's author, stated that: "Although right now there are only a few select operators and networks that have the resources to create and deliver a compelling 3D offering, most leading service providers and broadcasters around the world are considering how to enhance their premium offerings by incorporating 3D."

IMS further predicted that by the end of 2014, 9% of global TV homes will have a 3D set.

The Consumer Electronics Association recently revised its forecast upward to 2.1 million 3D sets in U.S. homes by the end of the year.