Toshiba is working on what just might be the killer app that will make 3D at home more mainstream.
Toshiba announced today that it will launch the first 3D TV set that does not require special glasses to see the 3D picture.
By the end of December, Toshiba will offer 20-inch and 12-inch Regza GL1 Series 3D TV sets that don’t need glasses. The models are expected to sell for about $2,800 and $1,400, respectively.
3D at home has been given a big push by the major movie studios since stereoscopic 3D, which replaces the red/blue glasses for active shutter glasses and provides a better 3D picture, have brought in added revenue at the box office. Blu-ray 3D players for home viewing of stereoscopic 3D are already in stores, as well as the necessary 3D TV sets that go with them. These, however, do require special glasses to view the 3D picture.
High prices are one of the reasons why 3D at home is not more mainstream, but the glasses also keep many viewers away, which is what Toshiba is trying to combat. Prices will eventually come down with market expansion.
Despite the current high prices and required glasses, studios are storming forward with 3D at home.
- Walt Disney Studios has launched a Blu-ray 3D website and will release A Christmas Carol on Blu-ray 3D on Nov. 16.
- Sony Pictures Home Entertainment released Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs in June and Monster House in September.
- For a limited time, Paramount Home Entertainment’s How to Train Your Dragon will be available on Blu-ray 3D exclusively in Samsung’s 3D starter kit.
- Also on Nov. 16, Sony will release Open Season, the same day that Warner Home Video will debut the first movie to come to DVD, Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D the same day: Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore.
- And Universal Studios Home Entertainment is doing the same for animated blockbuster Despicable Me on Dec. 14.
According to 3D Hollywood in HiDef, Disney also has published a booklet about its Blu-ray 3D offerings, which includes details of a yet-to-be-announced Toy Story 3 Blu-ray 3D release.
What do you think? Will you watch 3D at home? Will no need for glasses make a difference?
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