According to new projections from DTVE publisher Informa Telecoms & Media, the number of 3D TV homes will jump from 13.5 million in 2012 to more than 100 million by 2017. Asia Pacific is expected to have the highest penetration with 49.6 million, while North America will follow with 33.2 million and Western Europe should see 18.3 million. The 112.7 million 3D homes projected by 2017 will represent 8 percent of global TV households.

“However, the 3D TV sector faces several challenges including a lack of content, scarcity of channels, high production costs and the fact that many viewers do not like wearing glasses,” reports Digital TV Europe.

While the debate continues regarding the viability of 3D in the home, Informa suggests growth will result from the backing of set manufacturers, platform owners and Hollywood studios.

“The market will still be immature by 2017, so some growth opportunities exist beyond this date,” notes the company. “Informa believes that 3D TV set penetration will take off, as TV set manufacturers embed the technology into a high proportion of their sets. But take up of 3D content services will be limited, at least until the technology has progressed significantly so that a natural viewing experience, without glasses, is achieved.”