UAE consumers have revealed that comfort and flexibility play a large part in the decisions on whether or not they will buy a 3D TV soon. Following the launch of its next generation Cinema 3D range, LG Electronics has made known that sentiment for 3D TV and consumer purchasing decisions will consider these additional factors among the normal criteria.

"Up to now, consumer criteria for buying a new TV would consider the brand, the design, brightness of the screen, clarity of the image, inter-operability with any existing content players and perhaps, HD compatibility," said Mr. H.S. Paik, President, LG Electronics Gulf FZE.

With the arrival of 3D technology, the survey revealed that when purchasing a new 3D TV, additional considerations come into play including how comfortable the viewing experience is going to be and how flexible the TV is in playing 2D and Internet content, 3D games, movies and sports events. The survey data also revealed that consumers are concerned about whether they would be able to view the screen from different angles, if the screen or glasses would prove uncomfortable after extended use and whether the image would be clear and uninterrupted without blurring or flickering.

When ranked across a number of criteria, more than a third of respondents in the survey indicated that being able to view the 3D screen from virtually any seating position, including lying down, was one of the most important factors to consider if they were to buy 3D TV. Meanwhile, according to 25 percent of the respondents, the TV's ability to produce a startling 3D picture that is clear and flicker-free ranked as the second most important factor.

Mr. Paik went on to explain that flexibility came out as a key buying factor as well. Consumers were looking to be reassured that if they did buy 3D, they would also want to make sure they did not lose out on 2D content.

"LG's next generation 3D TVs, the CINEMA 3D TV range, use LG's Film Patterned Retarder (FPR) technology which is certified 'Flicker-Free' by two global industry testing bodies, Intertek and TUV and allows a 179 degree viewing angle," added Paik.

LG Electronics commissioned the consumer survey, conducted by YouGov Siraj in the UAE to support the launch of its ground-breaking CINEMA 3D TV launch in the Middle East, held at Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi with an appearance from Hollywood star, Megan Fox.

Commenting on the launch event, Mr. Paik said: "The reaction we got from more than 3,500 consumers attending the launch event was a resounding 'Wow'. Everyone got to see how clear, bright and exciting LGs Cinema 3D TVs really are and we believe these TVs are going to revolutionise 3D TV in the region."