Re:Original Holmes cards

[P3D Gregory J. Wageman <gjw@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Larry Berlin responds:

>Despite the tendency to like passive entertainment, the internet helps prove
>that people aren't totally passive automatons. They like to think and have
>choices in what their entertainment is. With TV they are locked into
>whatever the station or broadcaster throws out. Enter the very popular
>remote control. Now they can change channels easily when a station fails to
>hold their attention or provide what they wish to see. 

I don't have the exact numbers at hand, but I believe I've read that while
virtually every domiciled person in the U.S. has access to a television
(often more than one), only about a tenth or so (somewhere around 25 million)
have Internet access.  So while I agree with what you're saying, you're
still talking about a small (if rapidly growing) minority compared to the
television audience.  Even the homeless can watch T.V. at a shelter, but
I don't know of any with Internet connections (yet).  What are the most
popular television programs?  The educational ones?  Or "Seinfeld"?
What computer programs sell best?  The encyclopedias?  Or "Doom" clones? 

>Since 3Discover is a hand held unit it may be accepted, but it doesn't
>project or transfer it's images to the more available TV or computer. It's
>long term viability is dependent on other market factors, like whether or
>not the LCD glasses catch on strongly. If they do, as expected, the
>3Discover as a product may perhaps have a more difficult time catching on.

Personally I think 3Discover is doomed.  While they appear to be trying
to fill the market niche that Viewmaster abandoned (i.e. stereo views of
picturesque places), I don't believe there's a market there any more.
People can see such places daily on T.V. (and especially cable), but with
sound and motion.  The 3D aspect is at best a curiousity for most people,
not enough of a "hook" to entice them away from the television.

        -Greg W.


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