Consumer electronics giant Samsung has partnered with RealD, the company behind those fancy glasses you wear each time you watch a theatrical 3D film, for a joint venture the duo believes could help integrate the technology into more consumers' homes.
The partnership will provide LCD TV/PC monitor panel manufacturers access to new technology that promises better 3D display. So far, the deal is limited to just 23" and 27" PC monitors, and 55" LCD TVs - the former coming in early 2012 with the latter to follow soon after.
So, what will this new technology actually offer to consumers who may finally decide to take the 3D plunge next year? A more theatrical experience from the couch, say the companies - one based on what theatergoers presently enjoy.
"We have been developing this advanced active 3D display technology with RealD for a long time and look forward to introducing displays with full resolution to each eye and a wide viewing angle so audiences can experience content as it was intended to be seen," said Wonkie Chang, President of Samsung Electronics LCD Business.
The new RealD displays will rely on active shutter glasses which don't suffer from a split in resolution like their passive shutter (film patterned retarder) counterparts. A recent study found no major differences between the two competing formats in practical usage, but the companies stand behind their decision.
"3D displays should not compromise image quality by degrading resolution, it’s simply not the premium viewing experience consumers have come to expect from 3D," said Bob Mayson, RealD's president of Consumer Electronics. "By working with Samsung to integrate active shutter technology on the panel, these displays deliver a full resolution 3D experience with the convenience and familiarity of RealD 3D cinema eyewear."
Samsung and RealD also confirmed that watching in 2D wouldn't result in a loss of visual fidelity, though for late adopters such a bonus may be trivial. 3D content remains a key selling point for 3D TVs, and reports suggest more and more of it will be released just in time for the combined venture's 2012 release to reap the rewards.
Excited about what this new venture may bring for the home viewing of 3D content? Or still put-off by the need to wear 3D glasses in front of your TV or computer? Let us know in the comment section.
