Article posted: 9/29/2012 5:50 AM

Who’s watching? 3-D TV is no hit with viewers

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ESPN coordinating producer Phil Orlins shows a 3-D camera set up used by ESPN 3-D Network coverage at the ESPN X-Games held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Only 2 percent of TVs in American homes were able to show 3-D last year, according to IHS Screen Digest. That's about 6.9 million sets out of 331 million installed.

Associated Press

3-D TV operator Cody Miles adjusts camera focusing settings for a 3-D production for ESPN 3-D Network at the ESPN X-Games at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Only 2 percent of TVs in American homes were able to show 3-D last year, according to IHS Screen Digest. That's about 6.9 million sets out of 331 million installed.

Associated Press

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A 3-D TV operator checks camera settings for a 3-D production for ESPN 3-D Network at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Only 2 percent of TVs in American homes were able to show 3-D last year, according to IHS Screen Digest. That's about 6.9 million sets out of 331 million installed.

Associated Press

About this Article

Phil Orlins knows everything about producing TV in three dimensions. The ESPN producer has captured the undulating greens of Augusta National and the flying motor bikes of the X-Games for ESPN’s 3-D channel. But he can only guess how well his shows resonate with viewers. That’s because 3-D audiences are so small they can’t be measured by Nielsen’s rating system.