14 DAY TRIAL // There may have been a preview of a certain, large 3D panel recently, but Samsung, its maker, says that it will be harder than some might think to create a true, glasses-free version within the next 10 years.
The problem with 3D panels nowadays is that they are pretty much useless if one lacks the necessary pair of 3D eyewear, those pesky glasses that usually have a bulky form factor.
There were, of course, a few displays that, provided one sits at an appropriate angle, could relay the two sets of images properly to each of the viewers' eyes.
Unfortunately, this is far from the true goal of a glasses-free 3D LCD, and even Samsung's most recent prototype isn't near it either.
For those that don't remember, about a week ago Samsung offered a sneak peek at a 55-inch display that is to be completed over the next 3 years.
Said panel will have a total of nine viewing angles, a number that is far lower compared to the one reports now speak of.
Basically, for true glasses-free viewing of 3D, a panel will need at least 32 viewing spots, something that might not be achieved within the next 10 years.
“Considering our current technology, Samsung can make glasses-free 3D TV at the R&D level. However, it can only be viewed from a few viewing spots,” the outfit said, according to the report.
“To make naturally viewed glasses-free 3D TV, for instance in a living room where several people can watch TV from various angles, the technology needs to deliver 3D to at least 32 viewing spots.”
All in all, glasses-free 3D TVs are unlikely to actually be born as a market in the near future, despite what IT players and consumers would like.