Imagine Lionel Messi being so close that you can reach out and grab him for goal celebrations, or hip-shaking Shakira gyrating to the famed Waka Waka anthem within your personal space.

This is the reality - or illusion - of 3D television.

Fascination with this old but ever-developing technology (which has been around since 1890, says Wikipedia) is still evident.

This might be because 3D viewing has come a long way from watching fuzzy movies through awkward red-and-green cardboard glasses.

In the past year, 3D really took off, particularly with James Cameron's Avatar movie.

And the World Cup has also created renewed interest in the amazing but expensive technology.

Sony's 3D World and Nu Metro's 3D screenings have been a popular drawcard for those watching reruns of soccer matches.

The first live 3D broadcast of World Cup games by ESPN sports channel internationally was also seen as a breakthrough.

"ESPN 3D marries great content with new technology to enhance the fan's viewing experience," said ESPN president George Bodenheimer.

But are we ready to don our space age glasses while sitting in front of our television at home?

ESPN SA's Lyn Bisset said that though the channel's first live 3D broadcast overseas was, ironically, Bafana Bafana's opening World Cup match against Mexico, it will be a few years before South Africans will experience that level of technology.

"You have to have 3D televisions to start off with. The matches can be filmed in 3D, but how many people can receive it? It is so new. that it is unlikely to be rolled out in South Africa for some years. 3D is the way of the future, though. It is fantastic to watch, especially sport; you feel as if you are right on the field," she said.

Jackie Rakitla, general manager of corporate affairs for MultiChoice, said local broadcasters have only just changed to HD (high definition) digital broadcasting.

MultiChoice currently has four HD channels on DStv, which include a special Supersport HD channel for the World Cup.

The investment in HD equipment is huge - it needs HD-capable decoders and content, anduses large amounts of bandwidth.

So it will be quite a consideration to invest in 3D.

"We are tracking the development of 3D broadcasting closely. As with any new product, we would expect its popularity to build over time. Unfortunately, there are no 3D broadcast standards yet. Many broadcasters are experimenting with ad hoc systems, but we believe the relevant standards will follow in due course.

"It will still be some time before all the elements for mainstream 3D broadcasting are in place," she said.

Another quandary is price. The 3D televisions range from about R30000 to R70000 for average big-screen sizes.

A family of more than two people would have to invest in extra pairs of 3D glasses.

Though they might not be made from cardboard, the still dorky glasses cost a hefty R1500 for each extra pair.

Another question for South Africans is the cost versus the use of the television.

Comedian Joey Rasdien bought a 3D television but returned it after three weeks.

"There is just not enough 3D content in South Africa. We watched Avatar more than a few times. There are about 10 movies out on 3D at the moment - and they cost about R600 each," he said.

Rasdien said the electronic glasses were a "little uncomfortable" over his prescription specs.

"Also, do you have to buy glasses for your visitors? If I watched too much 3D, I would get a headache and feel dizzy, as if I'd been spinning around a lot," he said.

But, said Rasdien, the 3D experience is amazing.

"You can see everything in so much detail, even make-up that's been put on badly. The viewing capabilities are unbelievable. When there is more to watch, I will get another 3D TV," he said.

While we wait for the technology to develop in South Africa, don't pack your television away just yet.

Gaming is also going 3D and some 3D consoles should be available here later this year.

Sony's competition for the Wii is the Playstation3 Move, which promises lots of 3D fun. And Nintendo's new 3DS displays 3D images without - yes, you heard right - the use of special glasses.

So, about 3D, for now we'll have to wait and see.