The current stereoscopic 3D standard being used in TVs and computer monitors is acclaimed for providing the most powerful 3D resolution possible, but due to an extreme lack of consumer interest, LG is looking to a new alternative.
Almost all of the current 3D TV models on the market use what are called “active” 3D glasses. This means the glasses themselves need to be powered, and work dynamically with the TV to provide the most advanced 3D solution possible.
But consumers don’t like the idea, mainly because these sophisticated glasses cost around $150 per pair. Many reviewers have also found issue with the current line of 3D TVs producing “cross-talk,” which is the industry term for when the two simultaneous pictures on a 3D image don’t quite fully come together, resulting in a blurry display.
LG is looking to circumvent these complaints with its next series of 3D TVs. Instead of active glasses, they’ll use passive 3D glasses, which is what you use when you see a 3D movie in the theater. These glasses are much cheaper but don’t provide as powerful of an image.
Nevertheless, LG is acquiescing to what consumers are saying, and they’re saying they want cheap 3D.
Vizio has also come forward with an interest in creating passive 3D TVs. The question is whether this new format will have a negative impact on 3D adoption. 3D TV was supposed to be free of any sort of format war, but indeed, a format war is brewing. In addition to active vs passive 3D, a new format called autostereoscopic 3D – 3D that doesn’t require glasses at all – is expected to make a splash at CES next month.
Details about LG’s passive 3D TVs pricing and availability will also be revealed at its official press conference at CES. [[LG]]
