Panasonic leads M-3DI standard for 3D glasses

Panasonic and Xpand 3D on Monday put out an initiative to settle on a standard for 3D glasses. M-3DI, which includes support from others like Hitachi, Mitsubishi, ViewSonic, and Seiko Epson, would create a consistent approach to active-shutter 3D for not just TVs and theaters but computers and home projectors. In an ideal world, the technology would let a viewer take the same 3D glasses they wear at home to the theater and get the same effect, the new group said.

Part suppliers like Funai, Hisense, and SIM2 are also involved.

Licensing is due to start in April. It wasn't mentioned whether any of the existing companies needed to make changes to adapt their glasses to M-3DI.

The effort conflicts directly with the 3D Technologies Working Group. Backed by the Consumer Electronics Association, the 3DTWG started earlier but so far hasn't had any public acknowledgment of support. M-3DI so far doesn't include heavyweights such as LG, Samsung, or Sony, but its support will have grown faster.

Concerns also exist that the technology might soon become obsolete as passive glasses 3D and, eventually, glasses-free 3D end up rendering active-shutter obsolete. Current 3D TVs have regularly been criticized for the price hike from expensive active glasses as well as the weight and perpetual battery recharging. [image via PureVision]

By Electronista Staff