LG’s FPR Passive 3D LCD TV Technology Making Waves In Chinese Market

Despite being labelled as “outdated” by at least one major competitor, the film-type patterned retarder (FPR) 3D LCD TV technology pushed by Korean manufacturer LG Electronics has generated highly positive responses in the Chinese market, both in terms of consumer feedback and actual sales. According to the corporation’s LCD-making division LG Display, more than 100,000 units of 3D TVs equipped with FPR technology have been sold in China since launch less than two months ago.

LG FPR 3D LCD launch

In December last year, LG unveiled its proprietary FPR technology as a purportedly superior, “next-generation” alternative to the then-dominant active-shutter glasses (ASG) variant currently used by most TV manufacturers. A passive/ polarized 3D technology at its core, FPR is said to deliver a flicker-free tri-dimensional viewing experience, as well as allow for cheaper, lighter and more comfortable 3D glasses. LG spokesman Kim Jun-kyu revealed that in direct comparison demonstrations against ASG models, FPR-based 3D televisions were preferred by 95% of respondents from China, and 88% and 85% of those from France and the USA respectively.

To gain a first-strike advantage in the Chinese market, LG has teamed up with top local TV brands such as Hisense and Skyworth to promote its film patterned retarder technology. Although advertising has been largely non-existent (LG insists that no TV commercial has been aired), demand for FPR-fitted 3D TV sets has so far outstripped supply, causing LG to experience a shortage of FPR panels as a result of higher-than expected order numbers from the aforementioned Chinese TV makers.

LG attributed the initial sales success of its FPR 3-dimensional displays to more affordable prices and lighter 3D eyewear compared to active-shutter counterparts. Looking ahead, the Seoul-based conglomerate aims to boost its market share in the China 3D HDTV arena – more Chinese TV manufacturers like Changhong, Konka and TCL are due to launch their respective 3DTV models featuring FPR LCD technology this year. The company is also setting its sights on US and Europe, with American TV brand Vizio and Dutch consumer electronics giant scheduled to release FPR-based 3D LCDs as soon as April.

15 comments

  1. Based upon their past 3D statements, LG cannot be trusted in any way, shape or form. They are at “war” with Samsung and will twist the truth in a heartbeat.

    Focus on them throwing away half the 3D horizontal resolution to seek the truth as to what they are selling today.

  2. It seems some people just do not understand how the market works,
    as explained by LG, if in a side by side comparison, the general public
    (thats the future buyers) prefer the lower technical image of FPR,
    THEN THATS WHAT YOU GIVE THEM, since television began in AUSTRALIA
    way back in 1956 the majority of people never had the TV adjusted correctly
    re brightness, contrast, and later color, and they were quite content with
    the picture, so if the populace at large prefer the lower quality then thats what you give them!

  3. Mark Chalupsky

    I saw the new LG passive 3D TV today at my local Best Buy and was shocked at the quality of the 3D compared to active 3D on the other sets in the store. They had cheap glasses like you would wear in a movie theater and the quality of the 3D was outstanding. It is by far the best I have seen on any TV. Als the price of the TV is unbelievably low. Check it out for yourself and see!

  4. They said just lie. LG Fpr is not launching in India.

  5. I’ve been using passive 3D for about 5 years now. Theres no problem with it when it comes to CRTs. The problem comes with the LCD/LED displays. Watch for the better responce times and contrast ratios. The always demo the tech before you buy…

  6. Passive 3D is the future. No flicker, no ghosting, no batteries, no recharging, no expensive glasses, no headaches, wider viewing angles, brighter images, stylish glasses, and the same great 3D movie experience.

    So what if you have a lower resolution. In my opinion, you don’t see true hi-def when you see flicker, ghosting, artifacts, or motion blur either. LG is on the ball an all other companies should take notice. instead of insulting LG on their accomplishment “Samsung” you should be proud that this technology could open the door for the lagging 3D market. LG may have FPR but there is still room for improvement. I don’t care either way, I’m getting a new LG 47″ LW6500. Wow!! I’m glad I waited for passive 3D :)

  7. I must admit i was blown away, when i experienced watching the 3D LG HDTV with their FPR glasses.
    It was beyond my wildest expectation, as I could make the comparison, as I already have a 3D HDTV using ASG which requires batteries.
    Keep up the good work LG. But i guess i have to wait to buy one as i have already burned a pocket in my hole with a recent purchase of a Samsung UA40C7000WM. I now have to fork out some more cash to buy a new Home Theatre that would incorporate a 3DBlu ray discs player and home theatre system. My salesman also tells me to utilise the proper powerful engine of this new 3D TV it would be advisable to upgrade my HDTV cables to ver 1.4. Phew! that’s coughing out another few hundred dollars. But i do want to enjoy this latest 3D technology so i guess i just have to save some more!!!

  8. Just bought a 42″ passive LG. Excellant viewing for the whole family and friends without the need to buy and worry about breaking those £100 a time glasses!!!

  9. give my the information and the lcd tv

  10. I love LG’s cinema 3D TV that came out this year. It shows beautiful stunning pictures and offers cool features in relatively affordable price than any other manufacturers. I was not so into their TV first time because people said LG cannot show a full HD. However, I found out that it wasn’t true and LG actually is certified from famous European institute for being full HD in both standard and 3D mode. One thing I want for is their design but it is not a big deal. I think LG TV is overall very good TV, very comfortable and user friendly. I really like their glasses for not being heavy and expensive like others. Good job LG!

  11. Purchased LG5600 3D Pasisve TV – can use 3D Blue Ray movies – works great, but can’t find any 3D movies that jump off the screen as shown in store demo, 3D Blue Ray movies state on package 3D but nothing to state if movie jumps off screen so all movies I purchaed are 3D Blue Ray with nothing jumps off screen. Reason I purchased TV was to view objects that jump off screen. Any one know of any 3D Blue-Ray Movies that jump off screen to purchase?

  12. Will FPR 3D glasses work with 3D images from a video projector. Mine is a
    Viewsonic.

  13. LG 3d, with IPS panel is the best , when i test any brands for 3d tvs the results i get is 2 layers 3d image only, but when i test LG 3D cenima tv wow…. i can say this damn tv have a more 3D layers,, try it than you know..

  14. @Chris, Passive 3D is all about DEPTH but there a few videos that can give a small ‘POPPING-OUT’ effect but again it is about playing around with the depth to give more in-front of the screen feeling

  15. I am a user of 42LM6200 series Cinema 3D

    Tested Samsung, Panasonic, Sony and LG for almost 3 hours before buying LG.

    I took my portable HDD with HD movies and 3D HSBS movies content to test them.

    Test for yourself and don’t trust the store demoes :D

    I am sure you will love LG :)