BEIJING - The new 3-D channel is expected to promote intense competition among domestic and overseas TV makers vying for dominance in China's potentially huge market.

"With the broadcasting of 3-D programs, the industry will have a dramatic growth next year," said Lu Renbo, general secretary of China Electronic Chamber of Commerce.

This year, 6 million 3-D TV sets were sold in the Chinese market, while the number is predicted to grow to 20 million next year, according to Lu.

According to the domestic research company All View Consulting, 3-D TVs accounted for only 2.6 percent of the market in China in the first quarter of 2011. However, the share increased to 15.7 percent in August and 3-D capability is expected to be a "must have" for TV shoppers next year.

There are two different technologies for 3-D TVs: film-type patterned retarder, which is used by LG Corp, the other is active shutter-glass, which is supported by Samsung Electronics Co.

Last year, shutter-glass technology was more popular, but the battle now seems to be going in LG's favor, as according to the research, LG Display holds about 60 percent of the market in China.

"LG has sold about 3 million 3-D screens in China this year, and expects to double this number next year," said Lee Bang-soo, senior vice-president of the Business Support Center, in Beijing in early December.

The 3-D broadcast of big sport events such as the 2012 London Olympic Games will stimulate sales, Lee added.