Toshiba has launched the world’s first large-screen glasses-free 3D TV in the form of the 55ZL2 at the IFA 2011 consumer electronics trade show in Berlin today. Unlike the 55ZL1 which never made it to the United Kingdom, the Toshiba 55ZL2 has been scheduled to be released onto the UK market come December this year.
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| Toshiba 55ZL2 glasses-free 3D TV |
To create tri-dimensional effects without the use of 3D eyewear, an array of lenticular lenslets is deployed in front of the LCD screen, which sends slightly offset images to the left and right eyes. The Japanese TV manufacturer claims that up to nine viewers can sit in different positions to simultaneously enjoy 3D content on the 55ZL2 without needing to wear 3D glasses. To make this work, the 55-inch panel is blessed with a native pixel resolution of 3840 x 2160 (Quad Full HD), and is driven by the company’s powerful CEVO video processing engine.
The 3D-capable HDTV also features facial tracking technology – apparently at the touch of a button the ZL2 can detect the positions of viewers, and automatically adjust the lenslets to optimise the viewing zones. 2D-to-3D conversion is delivered via the CEVO engine; users are also granted control over the depth of 3D renditions. Other specifications include the TV maker’s Resolution+ upscaling algorithm, auto-calibration functionality (requires separate purchase of the TPA1 colour analyser), integrated Freeview HD tuner, built-in WiFi and DLNA connectivity, USB-HDD recording, as well as the Toshiba Places internet-connected platform that contains some of the most popular apps like BBC iPlayer, Facebook and Youtube.
This is not the first time Toshiba is venturing into the glasses-free (also technically known as autostereoscopic) 3D realm. The manufacturer previously launched the 12GL1 and 20GL1 glasses-free 3DTV displays in its home country of Japan, although consumer response was poor due to their small screen sizes and high prices. It remains to be seen whether the Toshiba 55ZL2 – boasting a much bigger screen (and probably an expensive price tag) – will fare better in Britain.
I read somewhere else that the 3D effect with Toshiba’s new system is diminished/underwhelming compared to a fully active 3D setup.
Saw it today, indeed a bit underwhelming. I found the transparent and mirror TVs more exciting, though not from Toshiba
Toshiba are jumping the gun here and it will only put people off. There’s so much going on with 3D at the moment and glasses free displays can be impressive in certain scenarios but these are not ready for the home. Yes these screens are getting better but if you pay 8000€ for this screen then you’ll only be jealous 6-12 months later of the what the competition are selling to your friends etc at half the price.
Of course the other problem is 3D content is still limited to a couple of channels and a few movies. Outside of the consumer market I think 3D is exciting. I would wait a while and for now… stick your glasses on for the best results and enjoy some Avatar or GTA4 on your 3DTV or PC monitor. Be patient! :-)
I agree with Paul above.
For me the balance is between affordability vs quality of experience.
If you have a few hundred pounds to spend then expect a smaller screen size with active shutter glasses or if you can stretch to the ‘smart tv’ range then the glasses are now lightweight like those in the cinema.
Me i don’t have a problem wearing the glasses and was so impressed when i had the chance to watch the demo in a UK electrical store.
However i find the choice of one 3d channel is very restrictive to the technology. Asking for payment through pay per view for most of there better movies makes me reluctant to pay Sky any more money as I pay nearly £100 a month already and if there was a competitor in my area I’d gladly switch as I find there broadband service awful.
However I also don’t want to wait 18 months to 2 years for TV’s like the Toshiba 55ZL2 to be available at £800 so I’ll probably be buying a reasonable priced 3d tv, putting my 3d glasses on and enjoying Avatar again this time with a cup of tea in my hand a less painful posterior unlike the cinema experience. :)