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Forget the glasses--3D monitors ready now

  • By Michael Kanellos, News.com
  • Posted Jun 8, 2006 10:13 am PT

A number of high-tech companies looking to make displays with depth show their wares at a San Francisco conference.

From News.com

SAN FRANCISCO--Has 3D's time arrived? Several display companies are concocting, and in some cases already selling, monitors and other components that provide a simulated 3D viewing experience. Many of these new products don't require glasses.

Stand in front of a Philips 3D monitor, and animated characters throw rose petals or dice at you; the first time you see it, you startle and jolt upward slightly. A film trailer shown on the monitors seems to have more depth than a standard 2D movie.

The Dutch electronics giant has tested the technology in the labs with consumers and noted that a person's galvanic skin response--a change in the skin's ability to conduct electricity, caused by an emotional stimulus, such as fright--rises with 3D viewing.

"It is clearly a more immersive experience," Jos Swillens, vice president and general manager of the 3D division at Philips, said during an interview at the Society for Information Display conference here. "There is nothing hampering this from becoming a mainstream product."

While Philips currently sells monitors with its WOWxv technology only to resorts and malls for public information kiosks, it hopes to bring out 3D TVs in about two years. The company is currently talking with broadcasters and producers to produce 3D-optimized content; it is also negotiating with other TV manufacturers to license the technology for their own sets. "I have spent a lot of time in the Far East in the last year," Swillens said.

While Philips is one of the farthest along, others are also working on their own ideas. Toshiba is showing off a prototype 3D monitor at the conference that doesn't require glasses. Sanyo, meanwhile, has come up with a prototype glasses-less 3D monitor that can simultaneously provide two different TV programs--one for a person on the left and one on the right--according to Goro Hamagishi, a researcher at the company. With this technology, a person in the passenger seat of a car could watch a movie while the driver could observe a 3D map, complete with skyscrapers, churned up by a GPS service and thereby navigate by sight rather than address.

By contrast, Boulder, Colorado-based ColorLink says to forget trying to get rid of glasses. The company is working with arcade game manufacturers to create immersive 3D driving games, according to John Korah, product development engineer for the company. ColorLink, which makes polarizers for big-screen TVs, is also getting feelers from the porn industry, he added, comically cocking an eyebrow.

As for how the technology works, three-dimensional monitors and TVs essentially rely on human gullibility. In typical monitors, the pixels are synchronized to send out a single image. In a 3D monitor, however, half the pixels are used to create one image, and the other half are used to create a similar, but slightly different one, said Korah. Stand too close or far away, and the images overlap and make the overall picture blurry. But put on a pair of polarizing glasses, which block the right-eye image from hitting your left eye and vice versa, or stand in the sweet spot in front of a glasses-less 3D monitor, and your brain "sees" a 3D image. The right and left images stitch together in the brain in the same way right and left eye input would if the object happened to actually be there. Alternatively, a monitor can consume all of the pixels for one image, and toggle between left and right images rapidly.

"If the switching speed is fast enough, our brains form a 3D image," said C.H. Chen, a graduate student at National Chiao Tung University in Taiwan who is working with AU Optronics on a 3D monitor for cell phones.

Additionally, virtually all 3D monitors can function as 2D monitors by having the computer resort to serving up unified images. On most, it takes the click of a mouse. Technically, 3D is becoming feasible because of the high number of pixels in high-definition television. Researchers in corporate and university labs, meanwhile, have worked on ways to make the 3D effect possible without glasses and expand the size of the sweet spot.

The screens from Philips and Sanyo, for instance, contain an elaborate array of lenses in front of the pixel array. The lenses project the right and left images accurately toward the right and left eyes and thus eliminate the need for glasses that would block images for the other eye.

With Philips' 42-inch monitor, which came out last November and sells for $11,995, the effect works best when viewers sit about 4 meters away. With a 20-inch version of the monitor coming out in the third quarter, 3D effects start to kick in at about 20 centimeters.

To expand the sweet spot, the Philips monitor projects out eight different right/left pairs of images, so even if you sit toward the edge of the screen, or move around, you still get the effect. The company has also increased the depth of the optimal viewing area, so that not all viewers have to stand in the same vertical plane.

"With 3D, the effect gets bigger as the screen gets larger," Swillens said. The technology also works on both LCDs and plasma TVs. Achieving the full effect, however, also requires complex image processing, which can be tweaked for optimal 3D effects or a larger sweet spot.

In some early versions of 3D monitors currently on the market and produced by other vendors like SeeReal Technologies, the sweet spot is somewhat constrained: Viewers have to stand straight in front of the monitor about two feet away.

TV programs and games do not have to be rewritten to take advantage of the WOW technology, said Swillens. The monitor itself will 3D-ize some content on its own. Still, it helps. Viewers seem to like a combination of out-of-screen and behind-screen effects. By working with content producers, 3D effects can be orchestrated.

"Some people get a headache. Some people like it for a long time," said Martin Hiddink, a scientist at Philips Research Labs.

Naturally, Philips is developing tools to port content to 3D. One of the early users could become sports broadcasters, the company said. A base of 3D TVs at home could also encourage more 3D movies.

ColorLink's Korah, though, says that the glasses-less approaches don't fit well with the market. Games will likely be the main form of 3D content for a while, and viewers won't want to use 3D all the time.

"The cost of autostereoscopic is much more," he said.

70 Comments

  • KnightwingX7

    Posted Jun 12, 2006 12:56 am GMT

    I hope this technology isnt overlooked. It seems that kick @$$ stuff like this always gets thrown aside as being non-profitable. Nice to see companies thinking about more possiblities. If anything, this is ONE MORE REASON to wait for HDTV until it is completely mainstream and all of the formats, resolutions, cable configs, and broadcasts become STANDARDIZED. And if this 3D thing takes off, it will be in vain, and we will have to do it all over again. I think this 3D thing could be useful for almost anything, and we can finally get some of the Sci-Fi things we have seen in movies for the past 20 years FINALLY become a reality. Add this 3D to HDTV and That is truly NEXT GEN!

  • Aus_AR

    Posted Jun 11, 2006 11:33 am GMT

    when it becomes 500$ for a 21" monitor give me a call will ya?!
    these things r gonna be very expensive for 1 year or 2 the drop largely in price after that but still remain considerably expensive so i'll wait....
    ummmm........
    let's say 10 years,,,,, thhen it'll be mainstream........
    and oly then will i be able to afford it.
    (very optimistic huh?)

  • daveg1

    Posted Jun 11, 2006 5:00 am GMT

    that is very interesting indeed,and could be great for film and games!

  • player_leo

    Posted Jun 9, 2006 8:19 am GMT

    WOW !! Sign me up for one !! On Lay-away !!

  • jaefrmbk2k

    Posted Jun 9, 2006 6:47 am GMT

    i get seizures from most animated GIF's so please don't use them for icons.

    thank you for your consideration,

    I.M. FROM

    (the year 3000)

  • shizwill03

    Posted Jun 9, 2006 5:51 am GMT

    WOW.

    Just WOW.

    Playing games would be.....orgasmic!

  • gtimandan

    Posted Jun 9, 2006 5:13 am GMT

    ColorLink is drawing interest from the porn industry?! [never thought of that before....]

    NOW they're THINKING!!!

  • stubby_01

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 10:44 pm GMT

    coolio

  • supercrap1

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 9:03 pm GMT

    First game for these should be.....TEMPEST 4000!!!!!!!!! Superzapper pwnage.

  • Jedi_Osborn

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 7:01 pm GMT

    that's got look pretty darn cool.

  • i_love_my_ds

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 5:10 pm GMT

    this sounds like the awesomest thing ever!

    wii and 3D............like peanut butter and chocolate

  • grnidbandit

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 2:37 pm GMT

    Oh thanks gamespot for posting this article, now all the nintendo fanboys will come out and say Phillips some how stole the idea off virtual boy

  • 1blackhearted1

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 2:18 pm GMT

    can't wait, but the real question is "How Much $$?"

  • Imavnas

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 2:12 pm GMT

    UGH. All of you that think it gives headaches are living in the past. Im gonna repost what I put in the last comments page and hope people that post in this article actually READ it. Here you go:

    "Alright, because apparently, Gamespot, hasnt gotten it through their heads that their supposed to deliver real gaming news, im gonna post a few links relating to this articles topic.

    - Star Wars coming to 3-D:
    http://www.movieweb.com/news/10/7210.php

    - Glasses-free 3-D TV sets:
    http://www.popsci.com/popsci/computerselec/fb8fd4d03cb84010v
    gnvcm1000004eecbccdrcrd.html

    - Superman Returns to offer 20 minutes of 3-D goodness at Imax 3-D; first hollywood movie ever to do so (Were talking no glasses 3-D).

    http://www.movieweb.com/news/82/12882.php

    http://www.imax.com/ImaxWeb/filmDetail.do?type=comingSoon&
    movieID=code__.__27

    Finally, although not a link, the newest Popular Science Magazine (June 06') has a whole article on the advent of 3D movies, and how many high profile directors including Peter Jackson, George Lucas, James Cameron, and Steven Spielberg are not just sold on the new 3-D tech, but are planning to launch movies completely in 3-D. (and possibly only in 3-D from now on).
    Heres a couple of excerpts:
    "What you'll see is better than any previous 3-D. No Vibrations. No Color Loss. No Distortions that cause your brain and stomach to revolt."

    "Now any film, from Gone with the Wind to Gone in 60 seconds, can be transformed into High-quality 3-D. Filming in 3-D is also simpler and more effective than ever, thanks to new high-end cameras and post production ttricks"

    - For more just read the newest June Popsci magazine.

    EDIT: Another quick bit: The new Spielberg animated movie, Monster House will be completely in 3-D."

  • Benny_is_here

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 2:05 pm GMT

    Playing videogames is only bad for your eyes if you have the condition mentioned at the beginning of every videogame manual. It's extremely rare to get seizures from videogames if you don't already have that condition, which is inherited. People would be crawling on the floor with pupils dilating abnormally (I'm just assuming that's the effect of a seizure) from playing videogames already. 3D does not affect your eyes any differently from a 2D screen anyway. It's the brain that's being tricked, and the brain doesn't take damage from something like that. I didn't go mentally insane after seeing that 3D movie with The Simpsons.
    *Sings "She's a Maniac" while doing The Macarena*

  • Mattdaman777

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 2:01 pm GMT

    they even said themselves it might cause headaches, so I think it has an effect on your eye.

  • meimnobody

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 1:55 pm GMT

    3D manipulation techs now adays do not cause any eye issues.

    Often when someone actually has an issue with 3D projection it turns out it is the person who has an existing eye condition that is the cause of the sickness they are expierencing.

  • Mattdaman777

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 1:09 pm GMT

    why are me and starcutter the only people worried about the affect of 3D manipulation on our eyes. Any trick that is played on our eyes makes it worse. This combined with video games (which is proven to hurt our eyes) will make it a lot worse.

  • starcutter20000

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 1:05 pm GMT

    I really think this will ruin alot of people's eye sight. IT GIVES YOU HEADACHES for a reason!! Just like cigarettes make you cough for a reason...

  • XtremePhsyco

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 12:59 pm GMT

    screw HDTV its all about 3D TV now

  • Bracket_man

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 12:59 pm GMT

    I hope its awesome for the $20,000 I'm gonna shell out for the top of the line model! No, don't think I'll sell one of my vehicles for it - and I would have to see it in person to make any judgement.

  • unholygemini

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 12:53 pm GMT

    ^^^
    Any 3D is good, as long as you dont have to wear weird looking glasses that make you look like you belong in the 50's.

  • nytrospawn

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 12:50 pm GMT

    Haha, Cant wait for Xbox720 and PS4 , when we'll be forced to buy 3D tvs.

  • miniduck

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 12:43 pm GMT

    It'll be a while before it's perfected.

  • HasShah1

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 12:38 pm GMT

    it's probably gonna be pretty frickin sweet, but....

    It's probably not as 3D as some people are expecting, but it still sounds awesome...

  • Paceydre

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 12:32 pm GMT

    saw a movie of this technology a while ago. It really looks great and could add a lot to the viewing experience of a user. I can't remember where I saw the movie. Just go to Google and typ "Philips 3d tv" or something like that.

    News like this makes me proud to be Dutch

  • CYbErBoT101

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 12:19 pm GMT

    no picture?!?

  • reubendarosa

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 12:09 pm GMT

    cool, pc gaming would probably be the first to use the 3d screens..i could imagine a Doom remake for the 3d screens ..that would make you shhhhit your pants lol

  • Destroyeron13

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 12:07 pm GMT

    idc

  • cloudstrife75

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 12:06 pm GMT

    This is friggin awesome!

    One step closer into the future of 3D gaming!

  • rowansai

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 12:05 pm GMT

    It'd be interesting if they did a retouch of World of Warcraft for the 3D monitors. Somehow I don't think I'd ever leave my computer chair!

  • comthitnuong

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 12:01 pm GMT

    aww yea

  • NutsSauce

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 11:58 am GMT

    Cool, I read a few weeks ago that the new superman movie will have about 20-30 minutes of 3D like this, at IMAX theaters only though.

  • Blazer88

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 11:51 am GMT

    Sounds cool,.but I'd imagine expsensive.

  • NeoJedi

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 11:33 am GMT

    I'll wait a while... $12,000 for a 3D TV is a lot! But this technology sure is interesting, especially with video games.

  • bryehngeocef

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 11:21 am GMT

    frikkin awesome! it's just like that ben affleck movie, paycheck. only less scary cause there's no ben affleck

  • 191

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 11:20 am GMT

    THE DUTCH RULE !!!!

    i am dutch by the way...

  • balindos

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 11:20 am GMT

    MAKE IT HAPPEN

  • Imavnas

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 11:11 am GMT

    Alright, because apparently, Gamespot, hasnt gotten it through their heads that their supposed to deliver real gaming news, im gonna post a few links relating to this articles topic.

    - Star Wars coming to 3-D:
    http://www.movieweb.com/news/10/7210.php

    - Glasses-free 3-D TV sets:
    http://www.popsci.com/popsci/computerselec/fb8fd4d03cb84010vgnvcm1000004eecbccdrcrd.html

    - Superman Returns to offer 20 minutes of 3-D goodness at Imax 3-D; first hollywood movie ever to do so (Were talking no glasses 3-D).

    http://www.movieweb.com/news/82/12882.php

    http://www.imax.com/ImaxWeb/filmDetail.do?type=comingSoon&movieID=code__.__27

    Finally, although not a link, the newest Popular Science Magazine (June 06') has a whole article on the advent of 3D movies, and how many high profile directors including Peter Jackson, George Lucas, James Cameron, and Steven Spielberg are not just sold on the new 3-D tech, but are planning to launch movies completely in 3-D. (and possibly only in 3-D from now on).
    Heres a couple of excerpts:
    "What you'll see is better than any previous 3-D. No Vibrations. No Color Loss. No Distortions that cause your brain and stomach to revolt."

    "Now any film, from Gone with the Wind to Gone in 60 seconds, can be transformed into High-quality 3-D. Filming in 3-D is also simpler and more effective than ever, thanks to new high-end cameras and post production ttricks"

    - For more just read the newest June Popsci magazine.

    EDIT: Another quick bit: The new Spielberg animated movie, Monster House will be completely in 3-D.

  • drakanguard

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 11:08 am GMT

    I cant wait for this technology to progress, I would love to play games in 3D on my computer and consoles.

  • G_W_X

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 11:08 am GMT

    OK,OK I meant Wii...that was BACK THEN at the E3 2005 conference

  • paradyme777

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 11:08 am GMT

    That is awesome. I'd like to see one in action. I might even purchase one if it is intriguing enough.

  • squarephreak

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 11:08 am GMT

    So, when do the beta tests start for that "Matrix jack" in the back of your head thing? Just show me where to sign the waiver, and I'm there!

  • TONYSIX7

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 11:08 am GMT

    ３D。。。はいどうぞ！＾
    Ha-i-do-u-jo ? wtf?

  • G_W_X

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 11:06 am GMT

    Oh I meant Nintendo President: Satoru Iwata: he said we will say "WoW" when we see revolution's graphics, remember?

  • G_W_X

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 11:05 am GMT

    Satoru I watsa did say: we will say Wow ...

    This just makes me get all excited:
    "While Philips currently sells monitors with its WOWxv technology only to resorts "
    Get it We will say Wow, WoW technology?

    hmmm?

  • Mattdaman777

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 11:02 am GMT

    Think about the affect of this to the human eye logically. HAve you guys ever been to an IMAX recently? The glasses help your eye create a 3d image with the two images onscreen. The distance is determined by how far apart the two images are. Every time I go there with our school, I never put on the glasses. It really hurts and I'm worried about my sight getting worse. With this, you don't even need the glasses to alter your vision completely. This could make your eyes work a lot harder than they do and for gamers (who a lot of us have bad vision already from playing games) extra hard work when playing games for our eyes could lead to worse vision and a higher perscription. If this ever goes into mainstream, Ms. Hilary Clinton will probably start going on some crazy rampage about the affects of this on kids and gamers and the average movie watcher alike. Thanks for listening.

  • WolfSkill5544

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 11:01 am GMT

    they need to start making bigger tvs for the 3D tv. It's gonna be the next big thing. For sure.

  • venus577

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 11:00 am GMT

    The future edges ever so closer......

  • bobreturns

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 11:00 am GMT

    sweet i would love one of those

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