Samsung Dumps Infrared For Bluetooth On New Active-Shutter 3D Glasses
By Vincent Teoh • Friday, 18 March 2011, 1:45 am BST
CEA may be trying to standardise the infrared (IR) protocol used in active-shutter (AS) 3D glasses so that they are cross-compatible between different 3DTV brands, but Samsung is already moving on to what it thinks is a superior method to maintain synchronisation between eyewear and transmitter. The Korean HDTV manufacturer has launched its 2011 range of active-shutter 3D glasses, which uses Bluetooth instead of infrared technology.
By using Bluetooth signals to sync with the built-in transmitter embedded on the 3D TV, Samsung’s new AS 3D glasses does not require line of sight to work in tandem with the television, allowing users more freedom to move around (although they will still have to sit within the recommended viewing range and angles for optimal 3D effects). From our experience and anecdotal accounts from others, conventional infrared 3D glasses can occasionally lose sync either due to physical obstructions, overly strong ambient lighting, or interference with other IR devices.
In fact, some retailers have reported issues with active 3D TVs from different makes placed in proximity of each other on the shop floor, contributing to less-than-satisfactory demonstrations. If the active 3D glasses are not synced correctly with the three-dimensional sets, then viewers may witness more flicker or blurriness when watching 3D content, ultimately spoiling the viewing experience.
Four models of the new Bluetooth 3D glasses have been released: the SSG-3700CR uber-stylish one designed with the help of Silhouette; the SSG-3300GR rechargeable version; the SSG-3100GR battery-operated variant; and the SSG-3300CR compact rechargeable type (suitable for children). Unfortunately, these Bluetooth-enabled glasses are only compatible with Samsung’s 2011 3D HDTVs such as the D7000 and D8000, but not with last year’s models that are equipped with infrared transmitter.
Popular video game consoles like the Sony Playstation 3 (PS3) and Nintendo Wii already employ Bluetooth technology to deliver a secure and efficient connection between console and controllers. With the launch of its Bluetooth active-shutter 3D glasses, Samsung have certainly opened up the possibilities in the home entertainment (or more specifically, 3D accessories) market.
to say there has been “some” issues with IR with samsung glasses is an understatement. Samsung have been replacing boards and emitters to try and solve the problem but to no avail. The glasses just don’t sync properly, or at least a big percentage don’t. People with IR glasses are stuck now and can’t watch 3d without constant sync issues. Samsung NEED to replace these with bluetooth ones and supply some kind of bluetooth dongle IR glassed sets…or they are going to get a lot of sets sent back.
As DavidC has also said, many people have sent their 3D Devices back due to failure[s] somewhere along the line.
It’s true what they say, “Early adopters pay the price”..NOW you can see what they mean.
It’s best to wait – the technology [and prices] WILL improve eventually. Maybe…
It’s pathetic really.
I have been battling Samsung for 5 months to fix my infra red sync issues. I have had 3 repairs to the actual TV and 5 complete sets of IR glasses and the acute problems still persist. They are also very unhelpful and fail to even recognise that their is a fault with this tech.
The C series should never have been released. Try watching a 3D film when the glasses lose sync with the set atleast 50 times during a 90 minute duration. They need to accept that these sets have major issues and make a public apology together with a recall and reimburse the thousands that have wasted thousands!
Just to offer a different opinion, i’ve got a Samsung PS50C6900 and I have had no real problems with the glasses. Only problem I have is with ghosting and then only with 2 films so far (really bad in Legend of the Guardians to the extent that it’s unwatchable and not good but watchable in Gnomeo and Juliet).
What about the D series. We have a 46″D6400 Samsung (which we’re thrilled with) but couldn’t afford to buy 3d glasses at the time.
We’re looking at doing so now, but I can’t work out whether we need infrared or blue tooth ones.
Any easy way to tell?
D series take the new blutoot type glasses. I have two pairs if you want them for £50! I brought the wrong ones, i need infrared!
Kieron, I want to change if you want to, I have 2 pairs infrared just brought them but I need bluetooth
Have C7000, had several power issues (turning off randomly) now picture drops out for a few seconds randomly. Samsung NZ deliver me the new D7000 with 6 glasses in the morning, good on Samsung for doing the right thing, it will arrive only hours before Rugby World Cup kicks off too!!! Sweet!!
Perhaps I’m lucky, but I have a 2010 vintage C7000 series 3D TV with four sets of IR glasses that all work just fine. They never lose sync unless I look away from the screen for quite some time. (I live in North America where the background light flicker is 60 Hz. Maybe this has something to do with it?) Trouble is, I’d like to get a larger 3D TV for my rec room and I won’t be able to use the old glasses with the new TV!
Surely Samsung should be able to come out with an IR dongle to allow new TVs to use old glasses and maybe a Bluetooth dongle to allow older TV’s to use new glasses?
They are certainly not endearing themselves to their customers with their current approach! I have no pressing reason to buy another Samsung TV at this point.
Sorry Egle, i haven;t been on here in ages. I still have two pairs of brand new blutooth 3d glasses for a samsung TV. be happy to trade them or sell. PLease e-mail me at kieronsbaker@gmail.com
Many thanks
For anyone having sync problems with ir glasses. The complete ‘fix’ i found is to put a tiny piece of black tape over the front sensor of the glasses NOT the whole sensor about 90% of it; leaving a millimetre gap (takes 2mins and you would never notice it’s there. Voila no sync issues ever. The contrast changes cant effect the glasses no more. Enjoy
I have 3 sets of brand new bluetooth samsung glasses but need Infrared ones for Samsing PS50-C6900. Thank you
Hey Sean,
Get in touch with me. I have a UN46D6500 & in the market for Bluetooth glasses.
Which type (model number) of glasses are they? And how much were you looking to sell them for?
Drop me an email: krowark@gmail.com
Happy New Year!
i 2day received 2 sets of blutooth glasses but i need infra red any 1 want 2 swap?
paulcadden@hotmail.co.uk
Annoyed after buying blue tooth 3d glasses and then learning I need infrared ones which are unavailable apart from ebay and from samsung. Anyone want or is able to swap please?
My glasses are model ssg-3050, i need ssg 2010. email tmcduk@hotmail.com
Why doesn’t any one give the viewing range on the bluetooth glasses