Toshiba preparing glasses-free 3D TV

Posted on 25 Aug 2010 at 12:02

Despite continuing concerns about the accessibility of 3D TV technologies, the development of such devices continues apace - and now Toshiba might be launching the first such TV to do away with awkward glasses.

Previous 3D TV systems have relied either on the use of polarising filters - the plastic-lensed glasses you use at the cinema - or shutter glasses - the bulky, battery-powered glasses provided with many home 3D TV sets - but Toshiba's latest development claims to do away with this requirement.

According to a report in the Yomiuri Shimbun the company has developed a system which is able to send beams of light out from the display at differing angles, allowing each eye to perceive a different image and producing the illusion of depth without the need for special eyewear.

The report claimed that the development - similar in principle to the parallax barrier display developed by Sharp and used in Nintendo's 3DS handheld console, which is also able to simulate depth without the need for special glasses - will reduce eyestrain and make viewing 3D images more comfortable.

Toshiba itself has said that it is "not in a position to make any announcement" about the technology, but didn't deny claims that three TV sets based around the new technology would launch in Japan by the end of the year.

The sets are expected to include a 21in model and start at "several hundred thousand yen," or a minimum of around £2,300.

Author: Gareth Halfacree

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