On Sunday, June 13, The Philadelphia Inquirer will unveil a special 3D newspaper section that will be printed as well as viewable online on its website. The newspaper will come with paper 3D glasses which readers will need to put on to get the full viewing experience in the paper and online. This comes as an effort by the publication to engage readers in a new and exciting way and get them involved in both the print and interactive properties.
The 3D technology has come a long way from the blurry images and red and blue glasses. The section will appear to look normal if you are not wearing the glasses, but pop off the page once the glasses are on.
Recent movies including Avatar and new 3D TV sets are increasing interest in this technology and making it seem that one day, all the media we consume could pop off the screen. However, it likely has a long road ahead before it will become mainstream. Samsung and Mitsubishi have 3D capable TV sets on sale at Best Buy. But, they are only “3D ready” and not prepared to start airing 3D quite yet.
The Philadelphia Inquirer seems to be ahead of its time. While this tactic will likely engage younger readers, consider that almost 60% of the readers of Philadelphia Inquirer are 50+. This demographic is typically set in their ways and not open to change, especially when it comes to a daily ritual such as reading the newspaper. Also, only 24% of those who read the online version of the publication are also reading the newspaper. The 3D technology will be lost on the remaing 76% as the glasses will only be available in the publication.
If you are in the Philadelphia area on Sunday, pick up a paper and let us know what you think.
Read more from MGH NOW: Readers Respond to 3D Section
