Was 3-D TV a failure? ESPN to end broadcasts

ESPN will stop broadcasting in 3-D by the end of the year, the network said Wednesday, dealing a major blow to a technology that was launched with great fanfare but has been limping along for years.

The sports network said there were too few viewers to make 3-D broadcasts worth it. It didn't say exactly how many viewers had, but the number was "extremely limited and not growing. "

Last year, only 2 percent of TVs in the U.S. were able to show 3-D programming, according to the most recent data from research firm IHS Screen Digest.

ESPN 3D launched in 2010 as one of nine 3-D channels that followed on the release of James Cameron's "Avatar." TV makers rushed to introduce 3-D sets as well. ESPN said then that it expected a "3-D tsunami" in the industry.

But few consumers proved willing to pay the extra $200 or so for a 3-D-capable set. The sets also required viewers to wear glasses, and many people felt the 3-D effect didn't add that much to the viewing experience.

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