TV spec-tacular
Toshiba has debuted what it claims to be the world's first 3D LCD TVs that don't need viewers to wear dedicated glasses.
The ‘Glasses-less 3D REGZA GL1' series comprises two models- one with a 20 inch screen and the other with a 12 inch screen, both of which will be available in Japan before 2011.
The TVs boast an integral imaging system, perpendicular lenticular sheet and Toshiba's processing technology to form 9 parallel images from the original content, creating 3D images no matter what the viewing angle within the viewing zone.
The larger set has an HD LED backlit LCD panel to offer approximately four times the pixels of a standard Full HD panel, according to Toshiba. It also has the Cell Regza Engine designed for 3D pictures to ensure good multimedia processing.
Toshiba plans on rolling out larger screen models and use glasses plus personal use LCD TVs without glasses.
Speaking at the Ceatec electronics show in Tokyo, Masaaki Oosumi, president of Toshiba Visual Products, said it is "obviously more natural to watch TV without glasses," the BBC reported.
Toshiba reportedly said the TV was best viewed at a 40 degree ‘sweet spot' in front of the screen, with the best seat 90cm from the 20 inch set and 65 cm from the 12 inch screen.
The smaller of the two sets will reportedly set telly addicts back around 120,000 yen ($1,400), while the larger set will be about double that. Despite the hefty price tag, Toshiba hopes to shift around 1,000 units per month in Japan but has not set its sights on selling the devices aboard just yet.
While 3D TV is very much in its infancy, Sky rolled out a 3D TV channel and Virgin Media launched its 3D movie channel, last week in a double ‘first'.
Here's a picture of the larger TV set.
