IndustryGamers - Informing the Games Industry

Toshiba Launching Glasses-Free 3D TV

Posted August 24, 2010 by M.H. Williams

Breitbart is reporting that Toshiba is planning to launch the world’s first 3DTV that won’t need glasses later this year. The report came via the Japanese newspaper, the Yomiuri Shimbun. Toshiba is slated to reveal three different models for the television prior to Christmas this year, all of which will cost several thousand dollars.

Toshiba’s new system emits light in numerous directions, so multiple viewers can see the stereoscopic effect without glasses. "People can enjoy images in three dimensions from various positions and suffer less stress," said the original article.

Japan’s electronics manufacturers have been pushing 3D television hard this year, including PlayStation-owner Sony. Sales remain lukewarm because of high prices and customers’ irritation at the special stereoscopic eyewear.

A spokesperson at Toshiba panned the report, saying “We are not in a position to make any announcement."

Many believe that the need for glasses is one of the major hurdles of 3D acceptance in the home; it adds to the upfront costs for consumers and most people don't want to have to wear special glasses in their living rooms. If a glasses-free technology takes off, it would likely do wonders for 3D gaming, just as many believe Nintendo's 3DS will on the handheld side.

M.H. Williams has been writing in some form or another for ten years and has been a hardcore gamer since the NES first graced American shores.  You can catch him on Twitter as @AutomaticZen, Google+ as himself, or on his personal Facebook page.