The Japanese electronics manufacturer Toshiba confirmed on Tuesday that it is developing technology for 3-D television receivers that will not require special glasses.
Company spokesperson Yuko Sugahara confirmed that Toshiba is developing such technology, but declined to comment on a report in the local newspaper Yomiuri that the company plans to launch new television receivers in markets before the end of the year. Toshiba’s new televisions will thus be the first in the world to enable 3-D viewing without special glasses, the Yomiuri newspaper further reports. The new technology involves transmitting images from different angles to create the illusion of dimension and depth, and this without the uncomfortable eye strain, the newspaper further states. Currently, 3-D televisions that can only be viewed with special glasses, such as those from manufacturers Panasonic and Sony, are available on the market.
Electronics companies are heavily investing in 3-D technologies for televisions, relying on the growing interest of consumers who have experienced the thrill of watching movies in 3-D, such as the mega-hit "Avatar." Some devices like mobile Nintendo gaming consoles offer the possibility of 3-D images without special glasses, but larger technological barriers need to be overcome for the production of televisions that can be viewed from much greater distances. "Many do not want to wear special glasses for too long while watching TV, especially those who have to put them over their regular glasses," said Sugahara. (H)
