subject: Passive 3D Technology [print this page] Passive 3D Technology Passive 3D Technology
As 2011 gets near to spring time the LCD TV models are now starting to hit the high street ahead of the summer. However under the surface of the LCD TV market there is a new power struggle starting. Now that 3D has become common place in many models on the high street the manufacturers have thrown a curve ball into the mix.
Initially most sets were released with active 3D glasses, now these are the glasses that are battery powered and have an active shutter to create the 3D image. Now they have released new models with the ability to use passive glasses which as they are passive are much cheaper than the initial models.
It is thought that as most 3D models were released with the high tech active glasses they priced out many people who were looking for a new LCD TV. Most sets only came with one set of glasses and then tried to charge over 100 per additional set. Now if you have a family of four and want to watch a film or some sport using 3D you have to spend a huge amount of money to get the full family effect.
Also as the glasses contained active parts and battery they were quite heavy and uncomfortable. Personally I don't think I could sit through a 2 hour film wearing one of the sets as they were quite heavy. This put off many people who thought about getting a 3D set.
As a passive set has no power or parts to it they can be designed in any way and are as light as a normal set of glasses. The problem the manufacturers face is that they tried to sell the passive glasses on the fact that they produced a much better picture than a passive pair. Now if they are to offer on passive glasses are they saying their willing to offer a poor product to gain sales?
Initial sales have shown that the passive glasses seem to have removed the barriers that the active ones posted. The first set to be released from Vizio had a massive up take as people who were in the market for that type of LCD TV found they were interested in the 3D as an addition (as essentially they didn't have to invest 100 for a pair of glasses). So basically you are buying a new LCD TV but it has 3D in it. Your not buying something then needing to spend a huge amount on extras to make it work.
It is thought that the manufacturers will essentially create a new market within the 3D market. They will offer the passive models under the top models which will still have the active offering. So it seems as though if your looking for a really top end unit then you will be plumping for the extras.
It is also thought that Samsung is working on perfecting a hybrid model, essentially this would be a cheaper priced set of glasses which has an increased resolution through an active element. It will be interesting to see how they achieve this and what the end result will look and feel like.
