Where did all the 3D TVs go?

Unlike a lot of big technology shows (CES, Computex, Cebit, MWC, etc.) the Gadget Show Live is open to the public and this makes it somewhat unique. Itself and IFA aside, most tech shows are only open to trade. Having a show like this open to the public ovbviously gives it a different focus, so it was interesting to see what the big companies were pushing on their stands.

While having a tour of the Samsung stand, which is one of the biggest at the show and right next to the main entrance, it was notable that 3D TV had disappeared. While the company was showing 3D TVs, the focus for them was on Smart TVs. We looked around for mention of 3D, but it was nowhere to be found.

When we asked Samsung why it wasn't focusing on 3D at the show, a company representative told us that it now wanted to focus on Smart TV. Was this because 3D TV wasn't selling? Apparently not, but there is now much more interest in Smart TVs, hence the focus.

Take a couple of steps outside the Samsung booth and you are confronted by the LG booth - which is all about 3D. But nobody seems too impressed or interested. While last year you couldn't move without being confronted by a pair of plastic glasses and a 3D TV, this year they were very thin on the ground.

Admittedly I've been harping on about how much I dislike 3D for some time now, but Samsung's reluctance to push it at a show of this size is potentially telling. If Samsung sees Smart TV as the more important selling point, it doesn't speak terrifically well for its confidence in 3D.