Toshiba says it has developed a new 21-inch LCD HDTV model that has 3D support without the need of custom 3D glasses, but the budding technology could fail dramatically.
The Toshiba Mobile Display supports a resolution of 1280 x 800 resolution, 480 nits brightness, and a 30 degree horizontal viewing angle. Most 3D sets currently split the picture into an image for the left eye and an image for the right eye -- but the Toshiba display breaks the picture into nine images.
The limited 30 degree viewing angle is because the Toshiba screen uses a multi-parallax design that has been implemented on smaller screens. This new 21-inch screen will be the largest screen multi-parallax has ever been used on, but that limited viewing angle could be a major setback.
Using technology able to project images in 3D without glasses has remained difficult, but some manufacturers continue to test different auto-stereoscopic solutions.
Eye fatigue is a major concern with 3D HDTVs that don't require glasses, but Toshiba said its new engineering method is able to reduce the ailment -- and alters the 3D image if a viewer moves. The screen also has a lens sheet that offers the same brightness as regular 2D TVs.
If this screen is as good as some people are saying, it could be an ideal choice when used for advertisements in public places.
Toshiba hasn't announced a release date or pricing of its new 21-inch Mobile Display.
