The popularity of "Avatar" and other 3D movies will put 3D TV on the map for consumers, according to the In-Stat research group, which says that 2010 will be a big year for 3D entertainment.

“Exposure to 3D films is important to the debut of 3D TV, because consumers who have seen 3D films are more interested than the general population in being able to view 3D content at home,” says Michelle Abraham, In-Stat analyst. “In-Stat’s 3D consumer survey shows that 64% of consumers are at least somewhat interested in 3D in the home. For those who have seen a 3D movie in the last 12 months, the percentage increases to 76%.”

Recent research by In-Stat found the following:

° In-Stat projects worldwide 3D TV shipments will reach 41 million in 2014.

° 3D Blu-ray player shipments will track closely with 3D TVs.

° Pricing is a major barrier, as survey respondents are not willing to pay much of a premium for 3D TV sets and Blu-ray players.

° Many Pay-TV operators will use half resolution 3D as a stepping stone and learning opportunity for full HD 3D in the future.

So what’s this mean for Apple? Two things, it seems to me. One: the company needs to add Blu-ray options to its Mac line-up. Or else put “Blu-ray hooks” into Mac OS X so that other companies can do so.

Two (and this is a much longer viewpoint): at some points Mac screens will add 3D support a la the new ways of 3D HDTVs that are coming this year. And eventually I think we’ll see a Mac OS X interface with 3D elements.