Philips intros glasses-free 56-inch 3D HDTV

At the Biz-Ex conference in Hollywood on Tuesday, Philips introduced 56-inch prototype HDTV panels that are capable of displaying 3D images thanks to their 3,840x2,160 resolution and proprietary technology. Unlike the recent 3D plasma setup from Panasonic, the Philips system does not rely on special glasses to bring 3D images to viewers. Instead, the Quad Full Autostereoscopic 3D HDTVs rely on high-speed data delivery and four times the pixels of current maximum HDTV resolution.

The added number of pixels allows Philips’ engineers to take advantage of the human brain’s processing of images, sending multiple images to each eye, albeit at slightly different angles to produce the 3D effect. Philips said its technology allows it to attain a 160-degree viewing angle along with a high, though unspecified, image contrast ratio.

Philips has already developed and commercialized simpler 3D display technology, with its 22-inch WOWvx display meant for commercial applications. Any consumer or business launch of Philips’ 3D HDTV is likely to include this technology, which can convert HD content into 3D programming.

Estimates put the cost of the 56-inch 3D HDTV at $25,000, though they are unofficial. Likewise, no timelines for a release are known. [via Wired Blog]