Some consumers hate everything about
3D and probably spend ridiculous amounts of time collecting facts to enforce their argument that 3D is a gimmick and will end up a passing fad. One of the more recent observations of evidence was the fact that a pair of 3D glasses from one 3DTV aren't compatible with other 3DTVs. We agree that this is less than ideal, but then again we've always thought the same thing about the remotes that come with all our home theater components.
XpanD intends to release its
X103 universal shutter glasses, but do they really work as good as the ones that ship with your 3DTV? Evidently just being compatible with the IR sync signal isn't enough, and in fact 3D glasses are often tinted to optimize the picture quality -- like including an amber tint to correct the colors on a 3DTV. In addition, the glasses do block light and one pair of glasses for a 3D LCD might block too much light to be used with a plasma -- since it can't get bright enough to let you skip the tanning bed. This seems like a valid concern, but it also seems like a problem that could be overcome with appropriate calibration techniques. But then again, everyone would still have to have the same pair of glasses, so it kind of defeats the purpose.
posted June 18th 2010 4:49PM
Let's not overlook the greed factor! Universal standards have a way of turning any profitable product into a commodity. Forbid the same companies forcing a half-baked technology down average joe's throat be unable to reap the benefits. Thankfully, that same cycle brings higher quality products to market for consumption of more demanding buyers.
Cheap paper 3D Red, and Blue glasses + Internet Video = Why in the hell do I need a 3D TV?
@gigarath
You clearly have the wrong site ;)
I'm willing to wait this one out. In all likelihood, this will get settled out in 2-3 years, and the prices will come down enough. I haven't paid more than $1k for a TV unless it's a projector, I see no reason to change that yet. Hopefully by then, even if glasses are still required, there will be better looking glasses.
Every remote that comes with every tv these days is universal and allows programming of other components. No standard for 3d glasses is a money grab, its as simple as that. 3d is a fad. Yes there will be a ton sold but the only reason is because you won't be able to buy a tv that is NOT a 3d tv. You don't have a choice. How about put out the 2011 models, one with 3d and one without for cheaper. See which ones sell more then.
Great article once again Ben, gradually, I believe you will succeed in shooting down every 3D hater and their ever-flawed arguments.
Why universal 3D glasses ?
Maybe to sell a billion in 3 years ? (100 billion dollars income)
Everybody won't buy a 3D TV this year. But most people will watch a 3D film in a theater. Those wearing glasses surely want a pair of 3D glasses that fits their correction.
In theaters, set a 2 $ rebate for whose who bring their own pair of glasses ...
@fiduce theaters don't use IR for their glasses tech like TV's do
I'll wait out this 3-D glasses debacle. I will not play these games studios are playing trying to force less than ideal technologies every couple of years. When we can buy holographic projectors I'll willingly pay to upgrade my setup.