Vizio Touts Passive-Glasses Technology
9 May, 2011 By: Chris Tribbey
Citing positive industry reviews and solid retail sales, Vizio said May 9 that it would begin ramping up production of its line of 3DTVs utilizing passive-glasses technology.
“What’s exciting about Vizio’s Theater 3D is that the technology is what works best for consumers,” said Randy Waynick, Vizio’s chief sales officer. “Growing sales continue to show that consumers want a high-quality theater-style 3D experience without flicker and the inconveniences of cumbersome, expensive eyewear. Positive press from industry experts and feedback from Hollywood strengthens our confidence as well.”
Vizio’s Passive Theater 3DTVs build the 3D effect into the TV panels, as opposed to 3DTVs that utilize active shutter glasses, where the 3D effect is built into the eyewear. Despite the loss of resolution in 3DTVs using passive glasses, Vizio and panel technology partner LG Display argue their approach is better.
“Shutter glass 3D technology has been criticized for picture quality problems associated with flickers and cross talks, as well as bulky, battery-operated glasses,” said Sang Beom Han, EVP and head of LG Display’s TV business unit. “Combined with the knowledge that consumers were comfortable with the glasses and flicker-free technology, we made the decision to switch our focus and efforts to LG Display’s [passive] technology.
“Early reports from around the world, including sales in the very competitive U.S. and Chinese markets, give us confidence that we will meet our goals for [passive] 3D.”
In a recent report IHS iSuppli estimated that 3DTV sets using passive glasses could overtake those using active shutter by 2015, in terms of total units shipped.
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