WORLD
World`s first 3D TV without glasses unveiled
Baku, October 5 (AZERTAC). The world`s first 3D television that doesn`t require glasses has hit the market.
Toshiba unveiled the high-definition liquid crystal display 3D television that does not require the special glasses - one of the biggest consumer complaints about the technology.
The Tokyo-based company hopes this could be the breakthrough that brings 3D TV to the masses.
Toshiba describes the TVs as being for `personal use`.
Whether consumers embrace the new TVs remains to be seen. Many might be put off by the fact that they`ll have to be very close to the screen for the 3D effect to really work - not to mention the steep price tag.
Electronics and entertainment companies around the world are banking on 3D to fuel a new boom in TV, movies and games.
Most 3D TVs on the market today rely on glasses to deliver separate images to each eye, which creates a sense of three-dimensional depth.
In its new TVs, Toshiba uses a `perpendicular lenticular sheet,` which consists of an array of small lenses that direct light from the display to nine points in front of the TV. If a viewer is sitting within the optimal viewing zone, the brain integrates these points into a single 3D image.
`The result is a precise rendering of high-quality 3D images whatever the viewing angle within the viewing zone,` Toshiba said.
The system is similar to what`s used in Nintendo`s 3DS, the company`s highly anticipated hand-held device that features glasses-free 3D gaming.
Toshiba will offer two sizes - 12 inches and 20 inches. The technology is not advanced enough yet to integrate into larger screens. Suggested viewing distance for the 20-inch model is 90 centimetres (35.4 inches) and 65 centimetres (25.6 inches) for the 12-inch size.
The TVs will go on sale in Japan in late December, Toshiba said. The smaller version will cost about 120,000 yen (£912), and the larger one will be double the price.
The company did not release details on overseas availability.