Glassless 3D TVs – Are We There Yet?

One of the most frequent arguments against buying a 3D TV is the necessity of 3D glasses that go along with it. Most people consider wearing a glass cumbersome, and will obviously not suffer wearing one. The active shutter glasses further intensified the problem – with additional problems such as crosstalk and flicker that left most 3D enthusiasts with a bad headache. This problem was addressed to a large extent by the use of passive flicker free 3D glasses that work in FPR based screens – such as those of LG 3D TVs.

Nintendo 3DS - with Glass Free 3D

However, the holy grail in 3D TV still remains a glass-less viewing experience – when you can sit just across the TV, and watch in 3D without the aid of glasses – cumbersome or not. Almost all major TV makers have been investing considerable resources in making such a TV, since the first mover advantages will be significantly rewarding in financial terms.

Contrary to popular perception glassless 3D viewing has already been around for some time – it is only its application to 3D TVs that is proving a challenge for makers. Nintendo was one of the first to add glassless 3D viewing in its popular gaming consoles. Later, many prototype TVs from most of the market leaders were displayed around the usual trade fair circuits – but those screens were very small – while the customer preference is moving towards larger TV screens all the time.

Over the recent past, a number of smartphone handsets have incorporated glassless 3D viewing as one of the selling points – sometimes with very credible and impressive results. A case in point is the LG Optimus 4X HD – introduced in February 2012.

However, the biggest challenge, for TV makers, has been to adapt glassless 3D viewing to larger screens. Recently, Toshiba announced a glassless 3D model, which will also be available in India – for a cool Rs 12 lakhs! But in addition to its rather significant price, other issues will also prevent it from achieving any semblance of success. To view the extra dimension on this TV, you have to sit at very well defined angles, and at specified points. Any deviation from this position and you will lose the 3D vision on TV, or worse, see vertical lines on the screens – destroying the viewing experience.

Glass Free 3D TV

Researchers are working at a number of innovative solutions to get glass free 3D viewing – especially in TVs. A recent report talked about a team of researchers in South Korea - engaged in developing a technology that will generate 3D images off the screen itself. The screen will wear the 3D glasses – so to speak!

At present, glasses are still the best way to watch 3D TVs. If you are uncomfortable with active shutter glasses, then you can definitely explore passive 3D TV that uses passive flicker free 3D glasses. Passive glasses are the way to go if you want light, comfortable and cheap 3D glasses, and the attendant freedom that comes with it. LG 3D TV is one of the leading TV brands in India that use the passive 3D technology, while Samsung and Sony use the active 3D technology. Though 3D has caught up in a big way in the west it is still a new concept in the Indian market though it is slowly catching up. With events like the recently concluded London Olympics broadcast in 3D the awareness and acceptance is increasing. And of course, can anything compare to watching Avatar or Titanic in 3D in the comfort of your home with a chilled beer and popcorn? I think not.