Technical / Research

HDI is based in California, and is working towards a laser-based 3D HDTV. Their TV will be large (100"), with 1920x1080 resolution and a fast response rate. The TVs will cost between $10,000 to $15,000.

HDI's CEO, Ingemar Jansson, was kind enough to answer a few question we had. He also sent us the spec of their upcoming TV that includes a comparison to other 3D display technologies.

Yes we are building laser/Lcos stereoscopic 100" display, it is our own developed technology both with the lasers and the Lcos chip.

US and UK are reportedly seeking grants for studies on the possible effects of 3D technology. A handful of experts in human perception recently expressed concern because the TVs require the viewers to focus and compensate their perception in unnatural ways.

Via EETimes India

SeeFront is showing their glasses-free 3D display technology prototype. They are using special optics mounted on an LCD display, and combined with a tracking camera and their own software, this can be used to create a 3D effect. They say they can turn any display into a 3D one, from mobile phones to monitors. In their technology, there is one user that is being 'tracked' by the camera, and this person can move around freely. Others can view the 3D, but they 'depend' on the position of the "master" viewer.

Via I4U

The Fraunhofer Institute is showing a new 3D display solution that does not require glasses. The idea is to use eye-tracking, and so there is no need for 'multi-view', and the user can move around and still get the 3D display. The analog display uses mechanics to adjust the images to the viewing angle. I'm guessing that currently this supports just one user, and probably is more suited for business-use and not multi-user TV...

Via I4U 

OCModShop has reviewed Zalman Tech's 22" 3D monitor, the ZM-M220W. This monitor works with nVidia's standard stereoscopic driver, but does not use shutter glasses, but polarizing ones. Zalman says that this is better than active-shutter because it does not cause eye strain. Polarizing does have it's faults, though as it usually reduces the color spectrum and the brightness. The reviewer was happy with the 3D image. 

The monitor costs $270, which is not more expensive than other gaming monitors. Here's the complete review.

Singapore researchers have found a simple way to control the growth of NaYF₄ nanocrystals with useful optical properties. These crystals absorb near-infrared light and emit visible light. You can use this to create a 3D display - disperse them in a transparent silicon displays, and use infra-red (invisible) lasers to generate images in 3D. Those crystals are nontoxic and biocompatible and thus can be used in bioimaging or bio-labelling. The researchers found a way to make these crystals less than 20nm in size and have a hexagonal crystal structure - by carefully controlled quantities of lanthanide ions into the structure (lanthanide 'doping').

Via PhysicsWorld

According to Digitimes, Chi Mei Optoelectronics (CMO) will soon (1H 2010) begin mass-production of 23.6" and 27" LCD panels that are 3D and touch enabled. The 27" panel will have 120Hz refresh rate, optical multi-touch and will support active-shutter glasses.

AUO, Samsung and LG Display are also developing 3D touch panels.