Sunday, April 3, 2011

Panasonic And XPAND 3D Team Up On Glasses Standard


While 3D has obviously exploded in recent months, one thing that has been left in the dust is universal support and compatibility. With everyone taking 3D and running with it, we've been left with a lot of fragmentation in the market, with some sets supporting active, and others passive. And that's just the start. But regardless of the differences that are adding pain points today, Panasonic and XPAND 3D are hoping to help. Those two companies have today announced that they have formulated M-3DI, a new standard for 3D active-shutter eyewear products that will bring about compatibility among 3D TVs, computers, home projectors and cinema projection.


Other leading 3D technology providers for televisions, projectors and cinemas have agreed to participate in supporting the new standard, including Changhong Electric Co., Ltd., FUNAI Electric Co., Ltd., Hisense Electric Co., Ltd., Hitachi Consumer Electronics Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Seiko Epson Corporation, SIM2 Multimedia S.p.A. and ViewSonic Corporation. With that many big players onboard, we expect even more to join soon. Licensing is scheduled to start next month, and M-3DI will provide a communication protocol between 3D active-shutter eyewear products and 3D-capable TVs, front projectors, computers and cinema systems (XPAND-compatible theaters). The technology will let consumers enjoy the immersive 3D experience across all types of compatible 3D displays as well as at movie theaters, with a single pair of 3D active-shutter eyewear.

In other words, but one set of glasses, and view all of your 3D material with them. Simple, easy, cost-effective. While the M-3DI standard to be licensed at this time uses infrared communication technology, radio communications will be considered for the next step. Of course, we still have no idea what these "standardized" glasses will cost, but it's better to get this sort of thing under control now than in a few months down the road…


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